November 9, 2013

Dear Sir,

I would like to propose an idea to the Social Assistance programme we have set in place currently.

I would like to point out that I have a secondary education and successfully obtained a Bachelor of Honours Degree from a highly accredited university. I have been applying to any job that fits my qualifications for the past three years, had several interviews and still no luck with a full time job (along with many other people I’m certain). I have been lucky to find a part-time job for a family business which affords my monthly bills and bare essentials with little to no “play money”, and having this job makes me ineligible for social assistance.

Here’s my problem ...

At my part time job I am faced often with telephone calls and walk-ins for people looking to have their social assistance papers signed. Some of these people drive right up to my job in their fancy cars while wearing designer clothes with nails and hair all done up to the nines ready for a nightclub, some others come in pyjamas or the scruffiest clothes they can find ... hardly what I would see as appropriate “interview” clothes. Many of these people don’t enquire about open positions or whether they can get an interview, they simply ask to have their paperwork signed. It’s unbelievable to think that taxpayer money goes toward this scheme.

Here is my proposal ...

For anyone wishing to obtain financial assistance they should pick up a newspaper and apply to actual jobs advertised. Paperwork can then be filled out as usual with a set number of these unsuccessful applications being signed off on and over a set time period (I think a month would be fair). Newspaper ads or a print out of positions you applied to should also be submitted with your resume and application for financial assistance. Therefore proving you are actually being denied a job that is actually looking for employees to hire (which you could actually perform and your resume fits), not looking for a signature getting you closer to a government cheque you may or may not deserve. Just an idea.

Not Financially Assisted

St George’s