Your friend is probably on long term incapacity benefit. Its not that easy to be on unemployment benefit for a long time. Also unemployment benefit in the uk is not a lot of money. I would not like to try living on it for a long time. UK benefits haven't been high compared to other European states for some years.

I would doubt your friend is actually living on what she gets, I can't believe she could save enough for a transatlantic air fare. Also on benefits a person is not allowed out of the country for as long as a month.



Nick Mason

>I have a friend from London that is on the dole due to anorexia. She has come here to visit for a month at a time for the past 3 years. She has actually improved over the past year and has gained weight and is now capable of working (I always thought she was capable of working anyway). She still remains on the dole though. I've often wished I could just claim an illness and get an apartment and money (not to take away from those with real illnesses). I think the U.S. is moving towards socialism and will probably get there before too long. Heck, if we get there soon I may just go on the dole too! Certainly a lot less stressful than the work and hours of a programmer!
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>>>>... while average Joe/Josephine has real problems making ends meet, working longer hours, worrying about their jobs, losing benefits, losing pensions and generally losing more and more ground. The gains of the last 20-30 years have been all but wiped out and we're heading fast to 1930 working/class conditions.
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>>>The Europeans? With all their vacation days and health benefits? I don't know about that.
>>A lot of English politicians want to follow the American economic model. All work and no play.
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>>Nick Mason