Sir - It's so annoying to read firms spouting that they are hiring people from east Europe because British people are too lazy.

What they fail to mention is that they are paying minimum wage,which is far better money than in some places, then no doubt these people live 5-6 per house and can ideally share costs.

But, I'm sure firms pass onto the recruitment firms hiring that even though they are paying the minimum wage, workers can apply for tax credits and housing benefits etc, courtesy of the tax payer, so a man from say Bulgaria will be paid around £13,500 p/a good money in his country, but by moving his partner and 2 kids with benefits they will get £28,000p/a..

How can a single Brit compete?

GB DIPPER

Leominster