Unemployed single mother caught in Britain's 'welfare trap' admits she's too scared to find a job - and lose her sickness benefits - in new Channel 4 Dispatches
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Unemployed single mother caught in Britain's 'welfare trap' admits she's too scared to find a job - and lose her sickness benefits - in new Channel 4 Dispatches

Daily Mail  

An unemployed single mother told filmmakers she is too scared to find a job - and lose her benefits - because it means she might not make enough money to provide for her son. While watching her son Alfie, eight, at the playground, the single mother said: 'Being pregnant basically broke my pelvis so it needed fusion surgery to put it back and keep it in place. It is presented by political journalist Fraser Nelson Due to her limited mobility, Amy claims long-term sickness benefits from the government and she has never worked a full-time job. She would need to earn over £35,000 per year to match the benefits she is getting now - £10,000 more than the average salary in her area During the documentary, Amy spoke of how she would like a job but is worried that if she finds one, or even starts looking for one, her benefits will be cut and she will lose far more money than she can ever hope to earn - a cycle known as the welfare trap. While watching her son Alfie, eight, at the playground, the single mother said: 'Being pregnant basically broke my pelvis so it needed fusion surgery to put it back and keep it in place' The single mother said that she had wanted to be a barrister but her 'pelvis decided otherwise' At the end of the documentary, it is revealed that Amy is training to become a councillor - although she is unsure whether she will ever be able to use her skills in the workplace.

History of this topic

Nearly 2 million single mothers are being hit by the benefit freeze
5 years, 11 months ago
Mother who gets nearly £29k a year in welfare payments says she can't work
10 years, 1 month ago

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