Transcript of Julia Hartley-Brewer and workshy unemployed layabout "Paul" on LBC 97.3

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Let's talk to Paul who's in Clerkenwell. Hi Paul!

Paul: Oh, hello Julia!

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Oh, hi, what do you want to say?

Paul: Yeah, I just think it's a bit unfair to be honest with you, these cards. Once it's my money I should really be able to spend it on what I want. It's sort of discrimination, really.

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Do you… I mean, look, the point really from John earlier was, actually, you know, that if you've paid in tax, paid National Insurance, it is your money and you should be able to spend it but what about people who've never worked, who've never contributed. It's NOT their money is it?

Paul: I've been unemployed probably for about six or seven years nearly now, and it's not really my fault, there's just not any work out there, you know, so I can't really understand--

Julia Hartley-Brewer: What did you do before then, darling?

Paul: People moan. I just did bits and pieces, you know, little bit of factories, labouring, that sort of thing, you know, but with the cards, you'll go to supermarkets, people will look down on you, you know, and it won't really affect me too much, 'cos… I shouldn't really say it, but I do a bit, now and then a bit of cash-in-hand--

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Mmm.

Paul: --but, you know, so I got a bit of cash, other people, families and things that are not like me, you know, they're going to be discriminated against and I think it's terrible.

Julia Hartley-Brewer: But it won't hurt them financially - they'll still be able to buy the stuff they need!

Paul: Yeah, but if someone likes their drink, they like their drink, don't they? They like cigarettes, they like cigarettes, so--

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Well, someone listening, who's earning but low wages and who could really do with not paying taxes to pay for other people's benefits might say: "If you like a drink… go and get a job!"

Paul: Yeah, but… why would you work for low wages? I can't really understand that - what?

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Hang on, I think we've just found out why you've been unemployed for the last six or seven ears! You know why? Because you should. And because other people do it, and… why should someone work for low wages to pay for you to NOT work for low wages?!

Paul: I was offered a job about two weeks ago--

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Yeah…

Paul: --they wanted me in there at 8:00 in the morning.

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Oh, Heaven forbid! And you didn't want to do that job?

Paul: Well, it's ridiculous, that time.

Julia Hartley-Brewer (BURSTS OUT LAUGHING) Hey, is it just me?! Is it just me?!! What time would you have finished if you started at 8?

Paul: Well, I would have finished about four, but it's just that early morning, you know, it's just too early!

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Er… d'you know, I'm actually speechless. Paul, are you're still… are you having me on?!

Paul: No.

(BOTH TALK AT ONCE)

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Are you saying there's no work out there?! So you were offered a job two weeks ago and you didn't take it because you didn't want to have to get up at eight o'clock in the morning?!

Paul: Yeah, but most people start work at 9, don't they?

Julia Hartley-Brewer: No, people start work at all hours! I've done-- I've done a shift at the Evening Standard and I started at 5:30am for God knows how many years. I tell you, THAT'S early.

Paul: Yeah. You know, I just can't figure out the (INDECIPHERABLE), you know, low wages and that, there's just no point working for low wages. What's the point?

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Well, you see, if it was up to me, if you turn that job down, you shouldn't have any more benefits. If I was in charge, your benefits would be cut that day. No more. Because you CAN work, you lied - you said there's no work out there. Yes, there is. There's not much work out there, and it's not greatly paid, no-one's pretending it's all roses out there. There are people out there who are struggling every single day, who would LOVE to get that job, Paul, but, frankly, you can't be fagged, can you?

Paul: Yeah, but sometimes I look for work, once sometimes twice a week - I never get any replies from hardly anyone, you know.

Julia Hartley-Brewer: I'm not, yeah, do you know what? If you were applying for a job with me - I'm not sure I was ever in a position to give someone a job but which is probably not a good thing that I should be - I wouldn't employ you! I'd say you had the wrong attitude!

Paul: I'd love to have had that job, if it had been, you know, say 9… 9:30 start, but 8--

Julia Hartley-Brewer: Don't you think what, maybe a 9:30am start and what, maybe a 1pm finish? Maybe nice, nice short hours?

Paul: No, you're making light of the situation now--

Julia Hartley-Brewer: PAUL! I am not making-- I am LAUGHING because I am trying to control my anger. I- I am outraged by what you've just said! I am outraged! I do not want a single penny of my taxes or anyone else's taxes listening right now to go to you because you're TOO LAZY to get up to do a job at eight in the morning! HOW DARE YOU!

Paul TRIES TO SAY HOW "RUDE" HARTLEY-BREWER IS BUT IS SHOUTED DOWN

Julia Hartley-Brewer: How dare you take MY MONEY because you can't be bothered to get up in the morning?!!!

Paul: That's very rude. I'd never work for you either, so thank you, bye.

Julia Hartley-Brewer SIGHS

Julia Hartley-Brewer: I-- ah, is-is anyone else with me?!! I'm sure I'm going to get told off for shouting at someone who's kindly called in, but.. I think that's outra-- I-- d'you know what?! People like Paul, I would like the welfare cash cards, please!