I, we, are not 'work shy'

My rage is tempered by two white envelopes in the post.

One is a "Certificate of Successful Course Completion" from the University of Hull, for the Particpatory Appraisal training I did.

The other is a "Certificate of Participation" stating I worked on a community research project from February to September 2009, sponsored by Camden Safeguarding Children Board.

I loved this work. You know why I loved this work? Not only because it involved research and I love research, but also because it was part time and flexible and could fit around my primary job of parenting my child. That is what, believe it or not pesky politicians, many single mothers want, many married mothers want.

Next year the Government, regardless of which one is in power, will not let me do part time, flexible work because I AM ON MY OWN. THE STATE IS MY SYMBOLIC HUSBAND. I MUST DO AS IT SAYS OR BE DAMNED.