After being
made redundant 5 years ago I have applied for many hundreds of jobs and had one
unsuccessful interview.
£71 per week JSA
Given my
extended period of unemployment I went first to college (for the second time in
my life) and each summer having not successfully gained employment I went first
back to college and then onto university. There I achieved an Honours Degree in
a Computing related discipline. This I didn’t necessarily want but I thought it
better to do something positive.
I have
therefore now got over £20000 of student debt to add to my mortgage. I am fortunate
that when I was working I was careful with my money, was able to save and have
no other outstanding debts.
Without savings meaning I could buy food I would have starved to death
Currently
on Job Seekers Allowance I am expected to live on £71.00 per week (increased in
April 2012 from £67.50, an increase which the UK Government would have loved to
renege on).
Thank
goodness I saved some money when I was working as without my savings I would
not have had money to buy food since May 2011 and would have starved to death.
There is no money for ‘luxuries’ like food, clothing
and soap to wash myself.
My £71
covers all but £1.75 worth of my housing, television license, phone, dental, minimum
travel costs and electricity (and I am freezing cold in the winter to save
money on heating costs). There is no money for ‘luxuries’ like food, clothing
and soap to wash myself.
In addition
the popular media dubs me a layabout and the Government says benefits are too
generous. What planet do they live on?
Next year I
estimate my savings will run out. How will I live on £71 per week?
