WHY should pensioners work for longer when there are youths wandering the streets getting unemployment benefit, some with no intention of ever working?

It is time to stop being so soft. After six months they should be offered a job and if they refuse it, however menial, then there should be no benefits.

I have worked full time all my life, while also finding time to do voluntary work, which I still do - in common with many pensioners.

Some pensioners are mugged in order for some worthless individuals to obtain their next fix. Isn't it time that the Government put a stop to handing out benefits so freely?

Mrs K V Gruntman,

Sycamore View,

Upper Poppleton, York.

Updated: 09:09 Monday, November 28, 2005