Should EMA be kept?

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by MTVN

On average kids get about £20/£30 I'd say, it varies depending on how much your parents earn and you're only eligible if they earn less than £30,00 I think(?)

You are 100% spot on MTVN, that is the breakdown of it as to entitlement for it,the only condition being that you have to stay on the course and fully attend.

[Benjamin]

What's wrong with the lazy youth of today getting a job to fund their own education?

[Vicky.]

People always bleat on saying 'get a job'. As if its as easy as going out, asking for one and starting the next day.

Believe me it is not easy to get a job right now. Unless you are in the position to be a manager or something, or something that requires qualifications/experience that you already have. And straight out of school, not many have experience in anything.

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Shaun

when I was in sixth form and qualified for it the rules were a lot more lenient - I remember they used to give bonuses at the end of some terms (though why I have no idea), of £100. I spent it on Christmas presents...

to be fair Jords you're only doing what any sane student would do: get free money whilst you can LOL

And that.

We dont get bonuses anymore btw.

[joeysteele]

However, its now closed to any new applicants. I could never have got it and really I am not surprised its time is up.

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

People always bleat on saying 'get a job'. As if its as easy as going out, asking for one and starting the next day.

Believe me it is not easy to get a job right now. Unless you are in the position to be a manager or something, or something that requires qualifications that you already have.

This too, I tried last year but then gave up and decided Id rather keep my free time.

[Jords]

Any parents on here with children that get EMA? -would like to know their opinions-

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by ukturtle

What's wrong with the lazy youth of today getting a job to fund their own education?

It's easy enough saying that, but it's not like there's an abundance of jobs atm

And when you're 16/17 you have to focus on A levels which pretty much set you up for life, if you're too busy with a job you're gonna over work yourself and probably flunk

[Zippy]

sense at last.

Jords should be forced to give the money back!

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Zippy

sense at last.

Does this mean I will get it next year and be like, the last year group to get it?
Or just til the end of this school year?

[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by Smithy

It's easy enough saying that, but it's not like there's an abundance of jobs atm

And when you're 16/17 you have to focus on A levels which pretty much set you up for life, if you're too busy with a job you're gonna over work yourself and probably flunk

That last part is not true, I worked 2 jobs and still passed my A Levels.

And there are always jobs with cafe's, McDonalds, cleaning jobs. People are just too fussy in this day and age as to what they do.

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Jords should be forced to give the money back!

[Smithy]

Y'all should go type EMA into google and click on News

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Jords

Does this mean I will get it next year and be like, the last year group to get it?
Or just til the end of this school year?

Forget next year, greedynuts,

but I think you still get it until end of this school year.

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Forget next year, greedynuts,

but I think you still get it until end of this school year.

[Ninastar]

Don't worry jords, your not greedy, like shaun said, anyone would take it

[MTVN]

Originally Posted by Jords

As long as people spend it on education stuff (stationary, revision booklets/CDs etc.) and travel, and not get money from their parents to do that, then anything 'spare' from EMA I dont see the problem that they spend on theirself.

You might argue theyre given too much but theyre most likely not treat as much as those with richer parents (not always the case), so why not let them enjoy it a bit? Or save the 'spare' for when its needed/give to parents to help pay bills. Bit of all 3 even (like meh)!

People who get EMA will see my point, those that dont essentially dont give a **** and think we should just go get a job if we want money. Which is true, but the system does help towards important things, and we should be able to have the weekend to just chillllllllll and get work done.

It only lasts 2 years (well, did), then we all gotta go out and earn our money! 2 years of what, 80 years is nothing if you think about it. Life should be enjoyed more, too much stress in it ;/

It's all well for you to say that but you're forgetting how it's all funded. It's the taxpayer who is paying for it all, they shouldnt be giving you money so that you can spend it on yourself.

I know you use it for your education as well btw, but I dont agree that people should be entitled to it so that they can have a more relaxing weekend

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by ukturtle

That last part is not true, I worked 2 jobs and still passed my A Levels.

And there are always jobs with cafe's, McDonalds, cleaning jobs. People are just too fussy in this day and age as to what they do.

Also not true.

Last year when I was looking for a steady job...I applied at all fast food restaurants etc. Sent off numerous cleaning job applications...mcdonalds werent taking any staff on(except managers/supervisers), in newcastle or durham. No KFCs in the area were either. I spent about 2 months looking every day...and nothing.

I am so glad I had my job for in the meantime, so it didnt bother me too much. But people always assume its piss easy to get a job, when it isnt.

[Jords]

Originally Posted by Ninastar

Don't worry jords, your not greedy, like shaun said, anyone would take it

Sorry if I seemed snappy at you btw Caitlin.


Oh, it also repays all that money spent on 'smart dress' clothes and goes towards needing new ones.

[Ninastar]

Originally Posted by Jords

Sorry if I seemed snappy at you btw Caitlin.


Oh, it also repays all that money spent on 'smart dress' clothes and goes towards needing new ones.

same to you

[Locke.]

Yeah it should stay... was the main reason I went to college.

And weekends would have been boring without it.

[Beastie]

Originally Posted by Shaun

No.

In my experience absolutely noone used the EMA for its intended purpose - books, travel, stationery - but instead spent it on lunch, going out at the weekend etc.

Besides, with the age of compulsory education raising to 18 this year, it's entirely pointless - it would cost the government billions.

A good reason why EMA should be scrapped then when this happens.
I agree that some people do need EMA. It is hard to find a job. I think it will be a good idea that Education is compulsory to the age of 18. At 16 it is hard to find a full time job. If you are in compulsory education up to the age of 18 then you can still have a part time job at the weekend. I do hope each student is taken care of individually when the compulsory education rises to the age of 18. Because I don't agree forcing every student to do A levels. After GCSE's the ones who want to do A levels can. However some students don't want to or not clever enough. Therefore I hope there are plenty of apprentices available and any particular training courses to do for a particular job! Or of course there are BTEC courses available.. anything!

This will be a good thing. Instead of kids living school at 16, some drop out of college after the first few weeks.. feel like they have nothing to do.. then when the compulsory education is up to 18 years old, children will have guidance from teachers for an extra 2 years!

However this may freak me out too. I mean when I left school at 16 I was glad. Glad to move on and get out of the school. Does this compulsory education mean that you have to stay at the school? Like there will be a year 12 and 13 at school? << Well they have this at sixth form but like I said.. not every student should be forced to pursue academic A levels!

[Beastie]

I got EMA. I spent the money on trips I went with college and on books. I drove to college so the money went to the cost of my petrol too. I was there at 18/19 so I couldn't get a free bus pass then! It went to good use. I save my money. I always have a bit in the bank. I have never been in debt or had an overdraft. I come from a working/middle class type family. I was brought up to handle my money right that is why I am never short of it. Suppose I can be a bit tight though. However I don't like spending money on stuff I don't need or want. Like drinking alcohol.. buying it does not appeal to me. It would cost me a lot if I was on the piss up every weekend.

[Judas]

Not really - why not provide them with free bus passes, it's just as much use as providing some for the 'biddies', put the funding into improving libraries to hold books relevant to many 16-18 students, and increase course funding. Maybe for those students that would of got it, but it into some kind of access account to deduct from their tuition fees. That way, that injustice is slightly less horrible.

I got EMA and I rarely spent it on what it was needed for. If you cut it you wont get so many irresponsible 16 year old twats, of what I was, getting pissed out their trolley aswell... win win... kerching.

[xDramatick]

Eh, I reckon it should be removed.
I recieved £30 a week for both my years at college, and I'll admit, I spent almost every week's payment on nights out drinking or on lunch. I didn't NEED it for college, I was just entitled to it, and spent it the same way as everyone else did. None of my friends, nor anyone I know, spent it appropriately.

Looking back, I'd rather have got a job.
Every single one of my friends had a job (even the ones that received EMA) and I waited until I'd finished College, and they always had more money than I did.