Should unemployed get free entry to theme parks and attractions?

Ambitious1999

We discussed earlier today should theme parks, cinemas etc allow the unemployed free or reduced price entry to theme parks. I think its a great idea because it sometimes costs over £25 entry to some parks which few people can afford. Even working people find these fees excessive.
They could have a card which entitles people to free or reduced price entry, which is obtainable with evidence of a JSA claim. This allows entry at non-peak times only such as Mon to Friday and excludes weekends and bank holidays. Some could charge a small fee in peak months like July and August of £5 only.

I know of a local cinema in my town that allows the unemployed to watch a movie for £1.50 but only on Monday mornings.

I think it is a good idea as it gives those with little money the chance to get out and enjoy the world around them.

What do you think?

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Reply 1

Mayhem™

Unless it's genuinely not their fault(e.g. disability, attending education or something else), the unemployed shouldn't experience the same benefits as the ones who work hard.

Reply 2

username2353215

Yes, what a brilliant idea. Have you got some more of these genius ideas?

No need for them to actually look for employment, when they have free entry to theme parks. What next free holidays to the Maldives as a reward for going to the job center?

Unless (as mentioned above) they have a genuine reason such as disability then this is up there with some of the best ways to glorify the welfare state.

Reply 3

Ambitious1999

Original post by TSRFT8

True but how can someone on £60 a week JSA afford £25+ entry to a theme park? I'm not saying they should spend all their time playing in theme parks but if a person is jobless they get bored and detached from society.
Yes they look for work but that doesn't fill a whole week so maybe one day of leisure is not a lot to ask?

Reply 4

3121

Original post by Ambitious1999

I think it is a good idea as it gives those with little money the chance to get out and enjoy the world around them.

I agree to an extent because people on JSA do deserve to experience a good standard of living and it can be a way to justify cuts in JSA payouts since you provide them with goods and services instead, but other than that what's the point? Theme parks often have 2 for 1, is it fair on those who work hard on min wage but still gotta pay the full price?

You'd make a good socialist though

Reply 5

999tigger

They used to do a concession rate, which was about student rate. You are so consistent with these type of threads Ambitious.

Reply 6

Frazerc

This could boost aggregate demand... Leading to a growth in employment to cater for demand and this could help decrease spare capacity...

Reply 7

_Fergo

Original post by Frazerc

This could boost aggregate demand... Leading to a growth in employment to cater for demand and this could help decrease spare capacity...

Reality isn't AS economics mate.

Posted from TSR Mobile

Reply 8

Duncan2012

Original post by Ambitious1999

I want a Ferrari. I can't afford a Ferrari. Therefore I should be entitled to a subsidised Ferrari. Would that be ok? No? Well going to theme parks is a luxury too, not a human right. If you want to go you have to save up, just like I would have to for my Ferrari.

Reply 9

Frazerc

Where is your data to back these claims!

And errr no, never did gcse economics. AS level...

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 10

Maddie088

it depends on why theyre unemployed, but if it is because theyre lazy etc then definitely not, why should they have fun not the people working?

Reply 11

Tsrsarahhhh

No I disagree. Trips out like going to the cinema/ theme parks were hard to come by when I was growing up because my family were poor. Therefore when we did get to go it was a luxury ( instead of a family holiday abroad each year we went to a theme park). I don't see it as unfair that the unemployed cannot take part in such activities as they need to be earned. Coming from a background such as mine has encouraged me to work harder so In the future I can afford the luxuries I was denied as a child.

Reply 12

Bang Outta Order

Please don't take the piss like unemployed people want stuff like this. Most of em just want a gaff and food, no time to think about ****ing thorpe and if this idea gets any support it'll ridicule the otherwise importance of unemployed people needing things.

Reply 13

Joinedup

I might stretch to a cheap ticket at the local swimming pool or other sports facility so they can afford to take the kids for some healthy exercise... can't see the justification for theme parks though.

Reply 14

M14B

Original post by Ambitious1999

Theme parks are private businesses

Reply 15

HFBS

To be fair, job hunting can be full time work, done properly. I think most people are happy to take a 241 deal on things like theme parks, as it's a luxury, not a basic need.

Reply 16

_icecream

Unemployed people should get half price cheap holidays to places like Spain

Reply 17

The Roast

That'd be incredble!

I better start writing my resignation!

Reply 18

inhuman

Price discrimination could work.

Reply 19

XMaramena

No.

The dole is supposed to facilitate access to basic living, no more

Working for a wage/salary opens up further "comforts", including recreational activities. That's part of the incentive for working as opposed to just claiming benefits - being able to enjoy extra perks of life like theme parks, restaurants, cinemas etc...