So we've got some friends that have a little girl 2 days younger than Libby. Now he apparantly has a condition that causes him to have 'spasms' in his back which causes severe cramps in his legs, he is on disability and has a brand new zafira (which he drives - even though he has this 'problem' ) and he can't look after his little girl on his own so she goes to nursery while his wife works full time.

OK now they have decided to start up a little side business, doing wooden craft - like making puzzles/pens/garden ornaments - a bit of everything really, and has asked Simon to help out as he has a lot of experience with cutting jigsaws out of MDF. Now they won't pay Simon for doing this, have blatantly said they have put a different name to the business 'just in case' and just expect Simon to go round there all day on a Sunday (his only day off!!!!) to cut these effing puzzles out

Is it just me thats thinks this is taking the piss or is it just us? What do you think??? xx

sounds llike it to me!!! I wouldnt do it, I would say its his only day off!

trouble is doo it once and will they expect it all the time?? x

sounds like some one wants the cake and to eat it

WTF?!

Are they serious?! What makes them think they can make money from someone elses time?!

Also what do they mean they have put another name, do they mean he is pretending not to be working?!

Nope..do not allow this! Not only are u guys being taken advantage of royally...but this will lead to resentment causing the friendship to end badly. There is a difference to being helpful and courteous with friends, but when someone is making money off his hard work and not offering to share...totally wrong! End it now hun before it get's worse. xxx

Pfft i wouls tell them to b****ks!!!!

sounds like they're taking you for a ride, fair enough asking him for advice but what friends would expect him to do that on his only day off.

Tell em to shove their MDF up their jacksies mate

Lisa, yep I think so

I know Jen, that's the thing - Simon has done it the last 2 sundays to show him the ropes so to speak and then he can do it himself but now it seems he is expecting Simon to go round there every frigging Sunday to cut out jigsaws!!!

We have said to them that we're busy for the next 3 weekends in the hope it gets the message across - I doubt it though x

If your husband has to be away from his family on a day off...he better be A-having fun or B-making money! That's how Shayne factors in when he is asked for electrical favours! Do not let friends treat you like that. xxx

So not only is he trying to make Simon work for nothing...he also is trying to still claim disability allowance when he is actually working

I actually hope he gets cuaght out (sorry I know they are your friends) it really pees me off that people who are perfectly capable of working claim benefits

I tell you mate...jacksies. No mixed messages

i would be upfront and tell him to naff off!! that's just bloody cheeky!!

Jen - thats a great attitude to have!! It's just hard saying no to friends (or maybe we are too soft )

Lisa - don't worry we say that everytime we've see them, I mean they even got a green house paid for why the hell do they 'need' a green house!!!

I don't begrudge anyone who genuinely cannot work to caim benefits - to me they are entitled, however this guy only uses crutches in public, drives around with his wife and little girl in the car and can stand by a lathe (sp) for hours doing his 'hobby' (new business)

Mario, like I said I think we are just too soft!!!

Well i can understand that suse but i think if it means simon being used you might need to be a bit brutal

Yeah I know, well we've put them off for the next 3 weeks - then we'll make some more excuses after that too. xx

Yeah it sounds to me too theyre just using him xx

Hun..just tell them the truth, that you like them, value your family time, and if it's not benefiting your unit, than it's just not worth it for you and he missing out on limited family weekend space. Avoiding them just causes more problems. It's not easy saying no to ppl. you care about, but will put any of their suspicions to rest as to why you guys are not returning phone calls etc. I find with some friends..if you give them an inch..they will take the whole damn foot ball field to satisfy their wants and needs. There's helping out and then theres being taken advantage of..they know what they are doing is very using and manipulative to you and your hubby! xxx

I know your right Jen, I think we're seeing them for halloween (doing a little party for the girls) so we might say something then. xx

hun, i heard a rumour at work if someone is found to be assisting a benefit fraud they could be done too.... but not sure if this is right, but i know they cracking down on all benefit fraud..

i actually cant believe the cheek of your friends, if they know its his only day off with his family and still expect him to work...

what about saying he wants to spend time with little one before the new baby arrives and sundays is that day for him, so he cant do it.

some people drive me insane, especially when it disturbs family time, its so precious