"on the sick"

Did anyone watch Panorama on monday?
The programme was limited in it’s coverage, it really needed to be an hour long to look at young as well as older people, and places apart from Merthyr Tydfil with it’s particular problems, and employers thoughts & experiences.

When the guy came off SB and they reduced his UB rate, he had to cut down on smoking! Poor chap!

Do you have personal experience or strong views based on your local area?

I’ve been unemployed and since back at work I get more done!
I make better use of my time and can afford international travel.
Work developes you as a person, though some jobs are a waste of time.

IMO the best comments from the Panorama website are:-
“I’m an occupational therapist working in NHS mental health services. I would estimate that 99% of the people I work with actually want to work. What stops them? Well known barriers such as the benefit trap, often it’s the time they’ve been away from work and thus the thought of returning may exacerbates anxiety/depression. It can be loss/lack of skill or simply just the wrong kind of heavy handed PRESSURE – the more pressured people feel the more likely they are to retreat or maybe end up in a job which doesn’t suit them – which in turn may end up with higher stress level and consequently may lead to mental health problems. …I could go on, but rehabilitation is, in my opinion the missing link and encouragement to do / recognition of voluntary work to build on skills / gain qualifications etc. We need to encourage people to work in a job they feel proud of.”

“you no longer have a role in society”