Yes its all changed since we were lads
How come your visiting the job centre Pete. I take it you're unemployed :-? Is this recent?
Ive been self employed for about 8 years but most of the work I do is for councils and their cutting back
The last work I did was two days worth in September, i've had my CV out with loads of agencies but i've not had a snifter as yet. My wife is doing my head in, we have a Morrisons distribution warehouse about 15 minutes walk up the road and Roberts Bakery about 10 mins away but she won't let me work their or sign on, she'd rather blow what little money we have saved :-?
You've got to claim your benefits Pete. Christmas is coming and your entitled to them. Tell your missus that you wont win any prizes for getting by on your own money, quite the opposite, people will think you're nuts.
She does my head in, she phoned this morning from work and said "on your way to the Office can you drop my glasses of for me". The Office she was on about was the Job Centre but she didn't want anyone in her office to know where I was going 
Just register for benefits Pete. The wife doesn't have to know. Once you've got your plastic card, all you have to do is pop in to the post office and withdraw any money you are entitled to.
Not the best marriage guidance advice, I know, but you're not scrounging, you pay into things so that you benefit when you need to. It's just like insurance, in fact, it is insurance, National Insurance.