Unemployment

Press, 11 February 1983, Page 14

Unemployment

Sir,—Warren LadbrookSloan (February 9) hits the nail on the head when he says Mr Lacey and friends should be out looking for a job. That is precisely what they want, a job! I quote: “social welfare is

there to provide needs and to assist in finding employment." Social welfare pays benefits to 100.060 people because it has been unable to find them employment because there are no jobs for them. Perhaps social welfare should employ Mr Lad-brook-Sloan, who must be an expert in the field of surviving on a low income. Human beings have a right to work and a decent standard of living, and $7O a week falls far short of providing this. It is because of the gross inequality of the division of wealth that there is such hardship in the world. We hope Mr Ladbrook-Sloan finds himself in the unenviable position of being unemployed or one of 300 applicants for one job. — Yours, etc.. DEBORAH DWYER. ALANNA McLEAN. February 9. 1983.

Sir,—Mr Ladbrook-Sloan's lack of understanding is matched only by his lack of facts. I in no way advocate a life of luxury for the unemployed. but rather a life of meaning on a realistic wage. As we enter the post-industrial age and as the recession continues, unemployment will continue to rise, this is not the fault of the unemployed but rather those in positions of power. I also agree that the unemployed should look for work. However, with over 100,000 unemployed their chances are slim. While our social security may be better than that of Australia this is no excuse for its inadequacy. We also have a better system than India. So what. That Mr Lad-brook-Sloan cannot understand the need for an unemployment union merely shows his ignorance of the situation. — Yours, etc.,BRYAN LACEY,

Spokesperson, Christchurch Unemployment Collective.

February 9, 1983.