SIR – When the welfare state was introduced in the late 1940s, the unemployed got the same level of benefits as pensioners.
Which is how it should be, for whatever age you are, you have to pay for the same basic necessities such as food, clothing and heating.
Sadly today, such is the demonisation of those out of work that the level of Jobseekers Allowance is only two thirds of the basic state pension level and less than half the pension credit rate.
What’s more, if you’re a pensioner, you’re exempt from paying both the bedroom tax and council tax (if poor enough), while receiving winter fuel allowance and free bus passes, so we should be fighting not only for full employment but also higher benefits for those languishing on the dole when there isn’t any work for them.
Max Hey, Fairway Grove, Bradford
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article