Should the unemployed

[dustypuss]

Be made to shovel snow in this kind of weather so as to earn their benifits .

[Answerprancer]

No because it would take them away from actively seeking permanent employment.

[sandyRoe]

Who would supervise them, pay for the shovels and the weather proof clothing?
Let them stay snuggled up warm watching Sky tele and drinking their benefits.

[jackthehat]

By the time they have undergone the requisite H&S training in 'Shovels: The correct usage of.....', negotiated an amicable settlement of shared job-structuring with the National Union of Shovel Wielders, Fettlers and Allied Trades, been measured and fitted for their hi-vis tabards and slip-proof footwear not to mention thermal trousers, jackets, gloves socks and hats...........

...........it'll be June 2011 and the snow will have gone.

[bookbinder]

Some of them, yes. Some of them, no.
It wouldn't really be fair to put unemployed people who are not used to manual work on snow-shovelling duty. An office worker might not be able to stay the course, but not because of laziness.

[spitthedog]

Huccct puttttt

[jd_1984]

Community service - YES definitely

[237SJ]

No, that`s treating them like criminals

[jd_1984]

Sorry, should have expanded. Community service should shovel the snow. Not unemployed should do community service.

[Dris]

No -thats ludicrous.Like treating them like low life as they cant get a job.My daughter has had to endure spells of unemployment (and ive got to work as a cleaner to assist her through those spells) but always gets a job eventually as she is a grafter-I would spit feathers if she was doing that whilst others sat in the luxury of their homes.
Im assuming this is a wind up cos its been successful:)

[Dris]

In fact looking back at some of those answers i think you are pompous gits and dont have a clue what its like to scrape the bottom of the barrel for a crust.O she would love to come on here and give you chapter and verse as to what its like -lucky you got me.

[jake-the-peg]

Ever been unemployed puss?

[jd_1984]

Dris - if you mean my comment, I have already replied above. I typed my initial answer respone quickly without making clear what I meant. Once again - Those on community service should be dispatched to clear the snow as it is a useful and currently relevant use of their time....

[sandyRoe]

Years ago I worked on the night shift for a few weeks gritting roads. Then, we stood on the back of a flatbed lorry and threw the salt onto the roads with shovels. It was absolutely freezing and not a particularly well paid job. I was unemployed before the snow and when it went so did the job.
If they're able to do it and are paid, then why not?

[237SJ]

If community service people cleared the snow, the councils would see a money saving opportunity and cut down on manpower, thus making more unemployed people