-

-
Scally Online
- Member

-
- Posts: 9231
- Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 10:11 pm
- Location: Scotland
Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:31 pm
by
Scally » Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:31 pm
It is very clear and explicit what expenses we can claim for, and yet millions of people do not understand the rules, and there is far more underclaiming of benefits than benefits fraud.
So, take this week for example. Or take today, when I earned about £110 in under six hours.
I am employed as a casual research worker, working the hours that suit me, and take home around £250 a week in around 20 hours - paid in a mixture of commission, hourly rates, and expenses. Our staff do not need any qualifications: just graduates of the school of life. We employ people from all backgrounds and none. They need to drive and be able to hammer a computer, and the gift of the gab helps: emotional intelligence if you like. Sure, sometimes we have to knock a few doors, and sometimes it is cold and rainy. Usually when the weather is that bad I just stay at home all day, I also dislike getting wet and cold, but on sunny days being out and about is a real delight.
I can deduct my tax and national insurance, and also any mileage expenses from my pay packet. I can also deduct the £50 a week cost of having a personal lease vehicle, plus 50% of any pension savings I make.
Because my car is electric, it costs me about 3p a mile to run, so my mileage is 90% profit. If I am driving a long trip I can top up my batteries for free at any one of a number of rapid charging points: tonight I charged up with 12 kilowatts - about 36 miles, for free, whilst taking a break for a coffee and a sandwitch.
So, I run around in a fancy eco-friendly car, save a fortune into my pension plan (which I can pull out at any time as I am over 55) , and have a good pay packet, whilst getting carers allowance. And I only work when either Mrs Scally or one of our care-workers is providing the care. And the care workers are paid by the Council through direct payments, so it doesn't cost me a penny either, though I do have to throw the odd hissy fit.
Yesterday I cashed in a pension plan for £15,000 to pay off the mortgage ... that's cool! And two weeks ago I cashed in another one to pay off the solar panels on my roof - they also earn me money - around £450 a year or so - through the governments feed-in tariff, and it is tax free and does not count as income for CA purposes.
Whats more, I love my job - tonight I was interviewing a young carer on behalf of the local health board. What's not to like?
The remarkable thing is that all social research agencies like mine have great difficulties recruiting staff. I really cannot figure this out. But if you want a job earning good money for flexible hours, then PM me by all means. I get a commission for new staff referrals of £200 and will donate it happily to Carers UK ..