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People residing in certain areas of Britain known for their high concentration of benefit recipients share insights into what life is truly like in communities where numerous individuals struggle with poverty.
Residents in sections of Birmingham, London, and Bradford shared with MailOnline the difficult decisions they have to make daily.
An unemployed mother came close to tears when explaining that she had to choose between having shelter over her head and putting food on the table.
However, tensions are escalating in these regions, as employed individuals label the unemployed as lazy and argue that immigrants from across the globe are 'flocking in' to take advantage of social benefits.
Approximately 1.75 million people in Britain registered for unemployment benefits in January of this year, which represents an increase of 22,000 from December and 184,000 more compared to January last year.
A recent report from the House of Commons library revealed that the West Midlands constituency of Perry Barr, located approximately 15 minutes northwest of Birmingham city center, Birmingham The city center has more unemployed individuals than any other location in the UK.
Approximately 64.2 percent of the working-age population in that area receive unemployment benefits.
Parts of London , including areas like Tottenham and Brent East, as well as Bradford in West Yorkshire, also lead the top ten list.
It arrives as many are fearful Labour The benefits reduction measures, unveiled yesterday, will merely exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals desperately trying to return to employment.
During an eagerly awaited speech before Parliament, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall outlined plans to save £5 billion by 2030 due to concerns that escalating expenses have become unsustainable.
The government aims to cut down the escalating expenses associated with individuals claiming sickness benefits, which amounted to £48 billion in 2023-24 and is projected to increase further to reach £67 billion by 2029-30.
However, that would still result in health and disability expenditures being £15 billion more than this year, according to the OBR forecasts made last autumn.
Qualification criteria are becoming more stringent for the primary Personal Independence Payment (PIP) disability benefit, as claim numbers have surged by 71 percent over the last half-decade.
At the same time, individuals younger than 22 might be prohibited from receiving the health support component of Universal Credit, which has the potential to impact around 66,000 people.
In Birmingham Ladywood, the rate of Universal Credit claims stands at 57.4 percent. Meanwhile, in the Yardley constituency, this figure has climbed to 53.2 percent.
In Tottenham and Edmonton as well as Winchmore Hill within London, the claimant rate has increased to 49.4 percent and 48 percent correspondingly.
In East Ham, the claimant rate stands at 50.7 percent.
While Bradford East had a 52.2 percent claim rate, Bradford West saw 57.1 percent.
When the cuts were revealed, MailOnline went to several major centers for welfare recipients nationwide, areas where joblessness and dependence on government assistance have surged dramatically.
UK's top benefit claimant city: Birmingham
Nagalinagam Kuganathan, who is 55 years old, has been without a job for one year now and is relying on jobseeker's allowance. He expresses his desperation for employment but feels that the government hasn’t provided sufficient assistance.
I am searching for employment, I have looked everywhere without success; nobody has offered me a position yet.
I don’t wish to abandon my job seeker’s allowance; however, I urgently require employment. Financially, I’m really having a tough time. Any assistance would be appreciated, but most importantly, I desperately need a job right away.
I'm extremely bothered. I have no interest in claiming any funds; what I really need is employment. I’m searching high and low for one.
'I have extensive experience across various fields. I held positions such as a cashier at a supermarket and spent ten years working in London.' Asda .
He mentioned that his application for universal credit was denied and expressed frustration over the lack of support provided by the government. Additionally, he pointed out the scarcity of employment options within his region.
Currently, only my wife is employed, but she works just 24 hours a week, which isn’t sufficient.
No one is offering assistance; many individuals receive my resume but fail to follow up with a call.
'Many stores are shutting down; currently, there isn’t much commerce going on as things are quite slow. It’s really challenging.'
Mat Jabatesh, aged 32, has been out of work for three years and now resides in a hostel within the Ladywood district along with her four children.
I've been looking for employment, but so far I haven’t secured any position. I visit the job center regularly, search online, and even try applying through platforms like Indeed, yet I still haven’t landed any work.
I am not claiming any benefits. The housing situation has turned into such a challenge for me that I’m attempting to find someplace to stay, but it’s proving very difficult. I have no idea where to turn.
She mentioned that she feels there isn't sufficient support available for her assistance: "They attempt to help... yet it’s not genuine. They make an effort to assist you, but ultimately, you have to manage things on your own."
Some individuals lack the ability to communicate in English, others struggle with connecting to Wi-Fi or using Google — so how will they cope?
'I am able to head over there, however, I'm uncertain about what actions to take or which direction to follow.'
Prior to losing her job, she worked as a care assistant. However, she states that currently, 'there are no job opportunities' available in the region.
'There are no job opportunities. Life is getting tougher for everyone. I'm not alone; everybody is struggling.'
'There's a lot of homeless People in the streets are experiencing significant impacts, both financial, emotional, and physical.
'I observe individuals without employment who are struggling mentally, physically, and spiritually. Folks are getting increasingly agitated, and many are falling ill due to difficulties in obtaining appointments with general practitioners.'
'Things have become quite challenging nowadays.'
Wasiullah Fada, who is 42 years old and works as a shop manager in Perry Bar, supports his wife and three children without relying on benefits. He mentioned that there isn’t sufficient assistance available for individuals who do rely on them.
They lack sufficient backing for both education and employment opportunities. What stands out most is job scarcity and inadequate governmental assistance in educating young individuals and supporting workers too.
He mentioned that unemployment in the region increases crime rates and causes concern for our future. Young people often end up going crime And subsequently, they find themselves behind bars. What will become of their prospects for a brighter future if the government doesn’t provide assistance and backing?
London
Today, locals shared their observations about how the number of daytime pedestrians in the streets has risen since the start of the pandemic, along with an increase in antisocial behavior.
Retiree Jerry Keane, aged 67, who has resided in Tottenham for nearly thirty years, mentioned that his acquaintances obtaining Personal Independence Payment (PIP) from the government are worried about potentially losing their monthly benefit.
"I believe that addressing mental health issues is complex because individuals often grapple with challenges such as addiction, which may require more time for them to recover and secure jobs," he stated.
I believe that it's beneficial for individuals to return to employment; however, this process might be slow at times, hence they would benefit from additional assistance.
'This simply doesn’t have a Labour vibe. It’s the classic tale of what happens when a party assumes office; they immediately have to manage budgets and end up criticizing the previous administration.'
Mr. Keane also mentioned that although he knows many individuals face difficulties finding employment, it becomes challenging to measure this issue since an increasing number of people are opting to seek work online instead of lining up at the job center.
Mental health support worker Agnes Boateng, aged 47, stated: "The government has already reached its decision; no one can prevent them from implementing it. They have already formed their opinion."
I empathize with individuals who are unable to work due to physical limitations and will face difficulties as a result. However, those capable of working, whether it’s part-time at around 10-15 hours per week, ought to return to employment.
The unemployment rate in this area is fairly high. Jobs were readily available in the past, but nowadays, due to economic conditions, finding employment has become rather difficult.
That's why, in my view, the cuts to benefits should not have happened, as the economic situation continues to worsen.
The costs for water and electricity are increasing, and many individuals are struggling to make ends meet. Therefore, for certain people to cease receiving payments could prove rather challenging.
Derek Adjei, a 51-year-old business owner, informed MailOnline that reducing benefits now would be akin to casting numerous individuals onto the streets, yet he also acknowledged that a significant transformation in social care is necessary within the UK.
'The unemployment rate is fairly high in this region. While there are several job openings available, the location has an intriguing aspect as it sits at the forefront of gentrification,' he mentioned.
It is split between those who have and those who do not, much like many other parts of London. Tottenham is indeed a highly disadvantaged area and has remained so for a considerable period.
If you spend just an hour at Costa, you'll notice a very high number of intoxicated individuals and drug users passing through. Over time, this has led to increasing social issues.
Mr. Adjei, however, stated that the matter was not so straightforward. He contended that decades of governmental social assistance have resulted in a "less resilient" society, where individuals find it difficult to return to employment.
In nations in Africa, such as Ghana, for instance, they lack structures like social welfare systems," he explained. "While this might be disadvantageous for those at the very bottom, generally speaking, it encourages everybody into action; everyone needs to contribute.
And although it may seem more severe and drastic, for most individuals, it turns out to be preferable as everybody gets involved. However, over many decades, extensive social support has rendered people less resilient. Nonetheless, this presents challenges since certain persons lack either the capability or the means to engage in productive labor.
Pearl Cook, a former employee of Westminster who resides in Neasden, stated: "This situation is extremely challenging, and the reduction in benefits will adversely affect numerous individuals."
The government must examine why individuals require assistance for their personal needs. It is crucial they ensure the system isn’t being misused since currently, the system is indeed being exploited.
If their aim in reducing benefits is to prevent misuse of the system, then it can be justified. However, one must also consider those who truly require assistance. This isn’t a straightforward matter.
We need to determine the reasons behind individuals exploiting the system and understand why those who genuinely require assistance aren’t receiving the support they need.
Ms. Cook mentioned that even though Neasden boasts "good schools," job opportunities are scarce in the region. As a result, individuals looking for employment are being forced to relocate outside the area.
'The price of everything is increasing, which means fewer job opportunities. Therefore, I believe young individuals seeking work are finding it difficult to find employment,' she noted.
'Even with a university education, their degrees might not match the job requirements, making things very challenging for them.'
Alison, residing in Willesden Green, mentioned that individuals receiving benefits frequently do not receive guidance on how to use the money provided to them.
She stated: "Occasionally the government provides funding, yet they withhold their backing."
I'm not entirely supportive of these cuts, but I often question whether individuals should receive assistance to learn how to manage their funds in order to improve their quality of life.
'Sometimes people find themselves abandoned without knowing how to better their circumstances.'
The mother of three, 52-year-old Irene Lewis Crasta, became emotional when talking about her concerns over potential reductions in benefits.
"I must pay the rent; we can’t afford to fall behind, particularly with my little daughter. While I am fine without food for myself, ensuring the rent gets paid is crucial," Ms Crasta stated.
I've resided here for two decades, yet I lack education and cannot drive, which makes life quite challenging.
I previously contributed food to the church since I am a Roman Catholic, but now I plan to visit the food bank where I initially made my donation.
I have barely any money left after paying for gas and electricity bills; it simply isn’t sufficient. My aim is to provide my children with a brighter future compared to mine. Reducing benefits will do nothing to assist those of us who are already struggling.
A resident of Willesden Green named Leon, who has resided in the neighborhood for a decade, commented: "The main worry is the number of job opportunities accessible to individuals. The reductions are only making things more difficult for everyone."
The location offers excellent connectivity; you can reach London Bridge as well as Canary Wharf with ease.
'Subjectively, it seems like there are more individuals facing difficulties now compared to earlier times, yet this perception has likely been influenced by the impact of COVID-19.'
We've observed significant changes since before and after Covid. Food bank lines in the region have been growing larger and larger.
Bradford
Residents of Bradford had differing opinions regarding why their city was labeled as a hub for welfare dependency; some employed individuals criticized so-called freeloaders, whereas people receiving benefits argued that job opportunities were scarce.
Andrew McQuade, aged 55, was eager to return to his job at the quarry even though he had a freshly healed right arm.
He stated: "My job involves working in a quarry; I don’t receive welfare—I earn my living. Unfortunately, I injured my arm on the job. I have no respect for individuals who do not contribute through work."
'I'll take a week off from work until my arm heals, after which I'll return.'
Ruth Lisgo, a 41-year-old street performer known as Busker Lisgo, was captivating residents of Bradford with her vocal talents, loudly singing hits like ABBA’s "Dancing Queen" through her microphone.
She stated: "I do not lay claim to any benefits. However, I wouldn’t want to pass judgment without understanding the reasons behind it. It’s fortunate for me that I’ve never needed to rely on benefits, so how could I truly comprehend the situation without experiencing life from another person's perspective?"
I'd prefer to engage in activities I'm passionate about throughout my life. I’d choose work over leisure anytime. Typically, individuals receiving welfare might have valid reasons for being in such circumstances.
'Being born itself can be considered a stroke of fortune. Simply having shelter overhead, a loving family, and access to education makes one fortunate from day one.'
Roco Fiziel, aged 63, attributed the rise in local welfare applications to immigration, asserting that individuals were taking advantage of the benefits system by flocking to Bradford.
'It doesn't make sense to discuss this. I can only express my own views. Many individuals are flocking to Bradford from every corner of the globe.'
There has to be an explanation for this situation, likely related to welfare advantages. I am unable to address individuals entering the nation solely to receive benefits.
I've put in every effort to return to work, but at 63 with cancer, it’s incredibly challenging. I would do whatever it takes to get back into employment.
But being from Bradford, I don't see the point in complaining about it. That's just how life goes.
Rebecca Amy, aged 34, stated: "It's disappointing that there aren't sufficient job opportunities for everyone, which leads some individuals to rely on government assistance. These people desire employment, yet such chances are scarce."
'I've been searching for employment over the last decade, but every time I apply, my efforts either meet with rejection or simply come to nothing. It seems like there aren’t any job openings available.'
'Surviving on benefits can be extremely challenging as well. The amount provided isn’t sufficient. Occasionally, individuals might exploit the system,'
Ranjit Singh, who is 52 years old, has an upcoming interview for a permanent position, yet he has faced difficulties finding employment for several months now.
He stated: "I've applied for ten permanent roles, yet all I've managed to secure is a part-time position driving a bus for school routes."
I've never applied for benefits throughout my entire life. When I visited the JobCentre, I found a temporary position right away, which meant I didn’t require their assistance.
Bhola Singh Dhillon, aged 56, moved to the UK in the 1990s from India and promptly found employment in the transportation sector upon arrival.
The truck driver stated: "Throughout my career, I've always been employed. I have never received unemployment benefits. Many individuals who rely on such support might do so for valid reasons like mental health problems or inability to work due to injuries."
'But some people may be too lazy to work - and their parents have never worked. I drive for Marks & Spencer's. I came to England in the 1990s and always been a lorry driver.'
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