Worked constantly since I was 15. Didn't miss a day of work unless I was dying. I am now, ug, on benefits and waiting for a council house after serious illness.

I'm earning far more on benefits than I was working, and my job was in quite a senior position. My new home is far larger, nicer, and less than half the rental cost I paid to a private landlord. And I get to stay inside in my pyjamas instead of slogging to work in the rain. I should be over the moon but I am pretty disgusted by myself and the amount of money the government is throwing at me. In fact, the way the system works actively discourages me from working as for every £1 I earn working I lose 63p of 'universal credit'.

Can't help but feel that if they hadn't cancelled Jeremy Kyle I would feel much better about this...