But we are not all benefiting from cheap labour. As has been pointed out by sandbach99, some people are positively and directly suffering because of it, and these numbers will increase. In addition large numbers of people are suffering indirectly because the tax burden upon those earning reasonable salaries continues to increase (partly to provide support to those who are not so �fortunate�) thus depressing their standard of living at the same time
It was announced today that record numbers of people are now in employment but (wait for it) the number of people registered as unemployed continues to rise. The problem with lumping the labour force of the entire EC into one �market� is obvious. There are huge variations in wages and costs across the region, particularly between east and west. Therefore it is not the �free market� to which sp1814 refers and the results of which are considered �tough�. It is a false market which, ultimately, will see a lowering of living standards for everybody in Britain. This is a typically socialist attitude - we can't raise the floor so we'll lower the ceiling.
So I return to my original point (which I know departs a little from the original question concerning child benefits but is somewhat related). Just why are we importing labour to this country when the number of unemployed continues to rise? If the answer is that the incomers will do jobs that those already resident here will not undertake, then a radical re-think of the benefits system (which we were promised in 1997 but which never materialised) is urgently needed.
I think everybody has heard enough from me so I think I�ll say nor more on this topic.
By the way, there is only one �t� in benefiting.