MP says the over 50s should get on their bike...

I agree that everyone who can should contribute by working and paying tax, as we all use public services; but there must come a day when we've paid our dues and can relax? I don't think we have a duty to work till we die.

I still work and pay tax for 5 months of the year, and plan to do so until SPA (at which point I will still be paying tax, but giving up working will reduce the amount). I may stay on longer if I'm still wanted, but do reserve the right to hang up my laptop if I want to. My work can be done from home, which makes a huge difference too. I doubt I would have kept going so long if I'd had to keep going in, as my health would get in the way.

Germanshepherdsmum

The government does give a toss about me because I still pay a fair amount of tax despite now being retired, and I always have. The government is concerned about the number of people under state retirement age who are not economically active, but could be. Who do you think pays for benefits, the NHS, education? Taxpayers. I have always felt that if someone can work, they should. The pot has to be filled.
I think you should read up on corporation tax - not every employer is Amazon. You seem to be making excuses for not working, without describing your circumstances.

I have always felt that if someone can work, they should.

Why should someone do paid work if they don't want to?

Many people over 50 have planned early retirement through careful financial planning; or downsized to release money; or actively caring for grandchildren or their own parents.

If you want to spend the day on the golf course or doing voluntary work what has it to do with Mel Stride?

And they're not 'economically inactive' - they're paying taxes, purchasing goods and services, providing family care, etc.

Germanshepherdsmum

The government does give a toss about me because I still pay a fair amount of tax despite now being retired, and I always have. The government is concerned about the number of people under state retirement age who are not economically active, but could be. Who do you think pays for benefits, the NHS, education? Taxpayers. I have always felt that if someone can work, they should. The pot has to be filled.
I think you should read up on corporation tax - not every employer is Amazon. You seem to be making excuses for not working, without describing your circumstances.

and what of the economically inactive by choice? Not everyone under retirement age who is not working is on benefits, despite what the right wing press tell you. What of those who are carers? Saving you, the tax payer a fortune you know. Most of us pay tax, some of us a fair amount too.

Time for the Tories to get on their bikes.

So do you work and pay tax? You seem extraordinarily angry and defensive for someone who does work, or who is over retirement age or under retirement age but medically unable to work.

Where have I said I don’t work or pay tax!

To make Assumptions make an ass of you and me!

As well as wild assumptions you are completely missing the point -
I said Govt only gives a toss about those in work and generating income because they generate tax, income and profit! Anyone else not productive they don’t give a toss about.

That point is not difficult to understand!

What exactly do you mean Germanshepherdsmum? Are you saying that nobody should be allowed to retire early, even when they have saved to do so and are economically inactive by choice because they can afford not to take any state benefits?

The government does give a toss about me because I still pay a fair amount of tax despite now being retired, and I always have. The government is concerned about the number of people under state retirement age who are not economically active, but could be. Who do you think pays for benefits, the NHS, education? Taxpayers. I have always felt that if someone can work, they should. The pot has to be filled.
I think you should read up on corporation tax - not every employer is Amazon. You seem to be making excuses for not working, without describing your circumstances.

Germanshepherdsmum

What a load of tosh mumof2boys. Someone has to work to pay for pensions and benefits.

Anyway there’s already a thread on this topic.

So - go on - tell me exactly how it’s a load of tosh!

The Govt doesn’t give a toss about you - over 50s back to work fruit picking or whatever, fight to get any benefit, pensions lowest in Europe, can’t get a GP appointment , roads full of potholes, can’t get a dental appointment…. Need I go on????

Yes people need to work to pay benefits - but they work more to pay tax and make profits for corporations who are not taxed adequately!

02mumof2boys I totally agree with you. On a recent trip to the DWP myself ( I'm self employed but unfortunately on the merry go round) the work coach said himself that the government are only interested in people paying tax for the pot. I'm an avid believer of people paying their way, but for some getting the right job for them isn't always easy. Getting through an interview can be an anxious time for some & the most confident gets the job. Easier said than done.

Duplicate thread.
www.gransnet.com/forums/news_and_politics/1326428-Time-to-get-on-our-bikes-and-mopeds-to-earn-extra-money-to-live-on

What a load of tosh mumof2boys. Someone has to work to pay for pensions and benefits.

Anyway there’s already a thread on this topic.

The Tory party ( did you vote for them ?) are only interested in the public as units for working and earning money for their paymaster’s.

Elderly, disabled etc are of no use or consequence.