Myths and lies

It is very interesting.

The headline grabbing poor are what stick in people's minds.

Working as a SW I saw many poor people - they were mainly disabled. And often those managing on tiny incomes were least well able to budget through lack of educaiton and maths ability. In the main people wanted to work and were at home through no fault of their own: unemploymeny, disability, caring for children/disabled relative.

I did of course see the stereotypical negative image of poor families too - but they were in the minority. It is no good us pretending they do not exist and they form a disproportionately large chunk of SWs' workloads. But we need to get it in proportion.

The tabloids love these "Shameless" families - they make good copy. We need facts and figures to make real sense of what is going on.

Thanks, Mice, I've only managed to read the executive summary so far but it supports what I know from my work at CAB. I've bookmarked the report for further reading.

Thanks, Mice. Much food for thought.

I'm tired of the constant demonising of various groups of people. Thanks for presenting information that gives a less distorted picture about poverty.

Interesting report me thanks for posting.

Very interesting. I think I may get a skewed look as I see a lot of fraud. Also a lot of people who have either never worked or only worked until they have children who are now grown, who have been signed off as sick for years, but who are I actuality quite fit to work, expecting to be still paid by the state!