Sharon Minkin, who claims benefits equivalent to a salary of £70,000 before tax, spoke about about her plight in a TV debate. She also made the front page of the Daily Express and the Daily Mail website …
Following Featureworld’s exclusive story in THE SUN newspaper Sharon Minkin went on the sofa of ITV This Morning to speak with hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langford.
She was also joined by ex newspaper editor Neil Wallis who said he believed she should go back to work.
Former accountant and mum of three Sharon certainly held her own. She claimed she is unable to take a job because it wouldn’t pay enough to ensure she could afford her rent, essential bills and food. Already she only has approximately £200 cash a week to juggle outgoings such as gas, electricity, food, clothes and petrol – something she finds a struggle.
Sharon believes a parachute system where claimants work and their benefits are gradually tapered off as they earn more, should be introduced. She also believes there should be more help for parents like her who take a long career break to return to work.
At the end of the show, it was revealed 3000 viewers had sent in comments – many of which said it was the benefits system that needed to reformed to give people the incentive to get a job.
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Will this woman be taxed on what she earns for selling her story??
The truth should come out?
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As I said before – I hope she gets investigated from this interview as it doesn’t ring true!!
If you note the comments on all the other sites it seems a little odd!!
Thank you for your reply
I have put this comment on because I believe in free speech but in fact saying it is untrue is libellous. This interviewee was required to provide full bank statements showing all payments in and out of her account, plus proof of identity and proof of where she lives (as you would do if applying for a loan.) She then had full copy approval. This meant she saw the copy before it was printed and then had to sign that the account that appeared in every newspaper was true. These checks were then repeated when she went on television by the production crew themselves.
I think this is a disgrace that she can claim so much in benefit. She comes from a rich family and had a very good divorce settlement as well. This case should be looked into by the benefits office.