[Judas]

I think that we are spending to much on 'the dole' and benefits in general. I think we need to look at each case on an individual basis. For someone living on their own JSA is simply not enough to survive on. However, I was speaking to Tommy and Scott recently about it (I hope they don't mind me using them as examples) - and they both claim some kind of benefits, and from the conversation it was clear they weren't to bothered about getting jobs. Obviously this shows that in some cases, people don't look hard enough.

But also I think that people in Tommy's situation are payed abit to much. As he lives with his Mum, he only has to pay around half to her and help her out every now and then understandably. But he also has money left to spend on fun things like clothes etc., which, if when I leave uni, and am in a similar situation, would leave me with little motivation to find a job.

Therefore I think benefits should also be means tested - if people live with their parents, they need much, much less. If they leave with on their own they need more to sustain a reasonable lifestyle and not end up homeless.

However, I do support agree that work experience should be provided - but only for charities. This obviously stops local councills sacking 'Bob the street cleaner' only for him to work as 'Bob the street cleaner' for an unpayed, voluntary figure. Working for charities in shops, care etc. would provide work experience and fill a missing void in the voluntary sector.