O/T Benefits changes

[boingy]

Totally agree with you Boingy!
Regarding technology, I could give a whole range of examples when some bright spark has introduced some new tech (doubtless based on claims of it being more efficient) to replace existing systems which has clearly not been properly "sandbox" tested first and subsequently causes needless problems.

I'll limit myself to the two I find most frustrating. The first is automated phone services based on poor AI systems that have learnt only the answers to the most basic of queries and provide a host of frustrating blind alleys via a myriad of menu options. Inevitably, they also ask whether you have tried using their online service to find the answer, which-of course-is the very thing you have tried first, not found the answer to your issue and hence your phone call. (How many of us have found ourselves pointlessly swearing at automated phone system in frustration?&#128513. If you are lucky enough to eventually get to speak to a real customer service person it then takes a while to recover from the frustration of navigating their mostly irrelevant automated menus before you feel like being civil despite the relief!

The second is 2 step verification. I do understand the increasing security aspects but with passwords no longer being sufficient we cannot access online accounts for most things without first also getting an authorization code via phone or another e-mail.

Navigating so many systems today is becoming increasingly more difficult and, as you rightly say, many in real need of help are put off by this and simply give up trying. We are not alone by any means in identifying this problem as Age UK and a range of other charities and organizations, particularly around age, disability and mental health, are currently raising the issue with government. Let's hope they can find a solution.

And this: (whoever you call) We are experiencing a large volume of calls at the moment. NO! What they should be up front and honest about is We dont have enough staff to quickly answer your call due to cut backs. Its impossible that every time you call, night or day that at that particular moment theres a large volume of calls. Theyre just saving face.

[Omegstrat6]

A truly terrifying world Omeg. I'm just glad I don't have access to the Internet or social media of any kind. Including football forums which strangely enough are indeed considered as examples of social media by some.

If I had a mental health issue and read something which was insensitive that insensitivity in itself could be enough to lower my self-esteem and affect me in some way.

If only this site which I and I don't know how many others don't have access to came with a health warning so we didn't have to bother anyone with what makes our lips tremble and quiver at the merest hint of adversity. Sigh.

It is indeed a tough world 68. If Trump/Putin etc weren't enough to worry me, I also have the performance of the Albion to fret about-thank goodness for the brief respite of an unattractive international break to save me from this at least!😁

Right, that's enough of this social media stuff, in the absence of any wine in the house I feel the call of a relaxing cold beer, 'night all...🍺

[westcountryvillain]

Omeg a very good and thought provoking post to start this thread, I disagree on the parenting aspect as a causative factor - I am sure we can all think of families with more than one child who with the same support are polar opposites in behaviour & attitude. In addition the unlimited and inexhaustible crap that is pushed to their phones is another factor.

From the age of 14-15 they spend less and less time in the parentzone & we can all relate to feelings that we knew better than to listen to our parents as we started to make our own choices.

I fully agree it is a monumental challenge Labour has to turn the tide, I would like to see a world where benefits are earned through menial work as most are capable and then have a choice to carry on ad infinitum or seek something more meaningful.