Out of work vs unemployed...

[skeggijon]

50 years ago the number of people 'out of work' would have been nearer 40% since most women stayed at home after getting married, yet there was virtually full 'employment'.

[mothhawk]

...I really don't see the problem with MH's post - or is it too early in the morning?..

Oops, sorry peeps. I just thought it was hugely funny and a big joke, which was why I posted it. Maybe I just have a right-angled sense of humour.
Didn't mean to start a serious discussion...

Gosh I wonder if my American BIL meant me to read it in all seriousness? He can get quite political at election time, so maybe he did. Oops again...

[veggiechicken]

This "Another weasel idea to massage figures." made me think it was serious
I haven't the foggiest about American politics - even less than I do about UK politics.

[cptncrackoff]

I thought the same when I was 32..............wait till you get to 52 or maybe 62 in your case, your perspective will change.

...I'd rather not work for ever BM..

I litterally can't forsee a different future, you never know though!

[Bigmallly]

You never know what's round the corner Cpt. I thought I would retire @ 66 giving 42 years service but here I am 10 years earlier, retired & very happy.

[cptncrackoff]

That's brilliant BM, I'll stay optimistic!


Several people have used the phrase 'you never know what's around the corner' to me aver the past week or so.. this could be a sign!? Haha!

[veggiechicken]

I thought I'd have to work until pension age at 60 but had the chance of voluntary redundancy at 48. Never thought that would be around the corner but so glad it was.

[Bill Door]

I think that it is very unfortunate that some people never get the joy of finishing their working life and enjoying one of a different attitude. Some have been unable to partake of work through circumstance, health or complete let down by society.

Many people "working" now may never have the pleasure of "retirement" or even understand what they should be experiencing.

So I say that whilst "leaving" work early I have tried to enjoy all that I do and can afford.

Looking at the original post I think we should also consider how many people are actually in gainful employment and the split between the "white" and "Black" economy. Funny how net migration continues to rise (even the ones we know about) and the "unemployed" drops.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Being self employed I find myself in a different position.

69 and still loving to work, the difference being I now employ others to do the hard manual graft whilst I stay warm and look after the office, a job I can do as and when I please.

I also love problem solving, so enjoy it when the odd one pops up.

To me its like retirement with benefits.

[Lumpy]

I thought it was supposed to be comical because of the names Abbot & Costello. I could imagine them doing this kind of rhetoric in a 1950's TV show.

[sparrow100]

Looking at the original post I think we should also consider how many people are actually in gainful employment and the split between the "white" and "Black" economy. Funny how net migration continues to rise (even the ones we know about) and the "unemployed" drops.

You're conflating net migration (which figure also rises when fewer Brits leave for Oz/Spain/France/US etc), the size of the black/grey economy (which by the nature of the thing is only ever based on guesswork) and how many people are working or not...They are separate and complex things.

I'm about to join the out of work crew for a while - am very fortunate having saved all my pennies for the last 10 years - and will switch to the unemployed wing, hopefully only briefly, in Autumn. And no, am not claiming a penny off the state. Which I am proud of.

[Lumpy]

Now that I am having a rare moment of seriousness about an apparent humorous email I think that it is unfortunate that this discussion has gone way beyond the emails context.

This is the dictionay definition of 'unemployed'

adjective
1.
not employed; without a job; out of work:
an unemployed secretary.

So they share the same meaning.

Reasons for not working are numerous ranging from those that have no intention to those who desparately look and apply but without getting anywhere for whatever reason.

It is very easy to blame the individuals and as the continual TV programmes insist on showing us that all claimants of State benefits are 'scroungers' those who rely on the DWP become easy targets not just for ridicule but also statistical manipulation.

[skeggijon]

I always knew it was a humorous email, but love any excuse to debate lol - especially since the modern day Abbott & Costello seem likely to be competing for the US Presidency.