Governments, in many
countries that maintain a social security network, are mulling a policy to make the unemployed, receiving unemployment grants, to afford free community services. This concept has both takers and critics with
their individual opinions to support their arguments.
Those advocating for this notion propound that this would help convince tax payers that they are not being cheated by the state, and that their hard-earned money is not being channelized to support unproductive inhabitants. Moreover, this arrangement will aid recipients of unemployment privileges, in reciprocating for community support, enable poloicy makers in saving monetary resources otherwise spent on paying the salaries on those locations.
Likewise, this could also rule out any chance of complacency on account of those without a job, and not being able to find one, and, in turn, help in determining the alternative areas where gainful employment could be taken up. Furthermore, it may also help in keeping the unemployed away from taking up crime, as a way to spend free time.
Nevertheless, the concept is in for critical assessment, as it may affect unemployed psychologically. Most of the times, it has been observed that people who lose, or have to quit, their jobs, is not due to their mistake, the prevalent economic conditions decide the fate of employment. Making them work for free may rob them of the self esteem – a professional working as voluntary is generally not a welcome idea.
To conclude, I feel voluntary work in lieu of unemployment grants is an appropriate response to social and commucial support. All the criticism can be easily overlooked in favor larger public interest; this, in fact, will assist such people too.