Have we become a nation of malingerers?

THE MAIL’S Ruth Sunderland (Sicknote Britain Isn’t Working) says it is ‘unacceptable for those who can work, not to’. She criticises ‘workshy youngsters’ and also has a go at early retirees. How dare people knock off a couple of years sooner than they might, after more than 40 years in the workplace?

She says ‘my father might be alive today if he’d had a chance to work again’ — but what about those whose health has been ruined by staying in their jobs?

It is wrong to suggest that people must get back in harness as soon as possible, irrespective of rates of pay, terms and conditions or health.

G. MATTHEWS, Lancaster. MANY firms have staff shortages and I’m sure a lot of people will agree with Ruth Sunderland that there are far too many malingerers in Britain. Many find it easy to convince doctors they are too ill to work, then non-working becomes a lifestyle. If unemployment and other benefits were drastically reduced so people could only afford food and rent, not phones, TVs and holidays, more might be willing to work.

CAROL WRINGE, Chelmsford, Essex. I’M NOT sure Ruth Sunderland understands how unpleasant working conditions can be for ferry workers, airline crew, cleaners, hospitality staff or lorry drivers. The low-paid are at the mercy of managers, uncertain hours and short contracts. It’s tough to survive on the minimum wage and I’m not surprised so many are fed up with work.

CLAIRE KINGTON, Westbury, Wilts. IF PEOPLE were paid a good living wage and felt valued at work, they might be more enthusiastic about it, especially if their bosses didn’t always put profits above everything.

JOHN PURCELL, Ilford, Essex.