Originally Posted by jojo

All I can say is altho I hate the negativity, it is this forums job to offer accurate information and right now, things arent good in Spain. You only have to read the UK newspapers and the media to know that! Its no fair to give people false hope by those with a vested interest to "big things up".

So, anyone planning on moving to Spain, needs to secure contracted employment before they arrive, if they dont, they need to at least have some secure interviews or work prospects and will be given 90 days to have a paid job! - none of this "I'll do anything, I'm a handy man etc" ! If people have an independent income that will satisfy the authorities and they have health cover organised then all well and good, Spain will be pleased to have you!

Harsh?? Negative?? Well maybe, but that seems to be the score at this moment in time

Jo xxx

Originally Posted by mrypg9

Why use the word 'negativity' though when it is the truth? Truth and negativity are two different things entirely.

There are two kinds of immigrant in Spain: those with no money worries and those with.
The ones without are either retired, in secure well-paid employment or have solid businesses or are mega-wealthy.
The others are struggling.
Fact. And facts cannot by definition be 'negative' - they are either true or false. In the context used on this forum, 'negative' often seems to me to mean 'It's not what we expected or wanted to be told'.
We've had a lot of talk about being 'positive and welcoming' to posters enquiring about unskilled work etc.
Could someone post an example of a 'positive and welcoming' but TRUTHFUL picture of employment opportunities for non-Spanish-speaking skilled or unskilled tradespeople in Spain in the middle of severe recession? Does peppering a post with words such as 'unfortunately' , 'regrettably' or 'sad to say' make the truth any easier to swallow?

Originally Posted by jojo

True, but when its peoples dreams, it seems unkind to spoil them - altho better that than to let them arrive and find out that it isnt easy, or even possible these days. The new ruling that you need proof of income and healthcare is a bit of a killer if someone wants to come over and do "bits and pieces" to live the dream!!??

Originally Posted by jojo1970

How did my thread about the recession is Spain get to benefit fraud in the UK. It's seems that several people posting aren't even living in Spain - start your own thread! I live, work and pay taxes in Spain and don’t give 2 figs what is going on in the UK Benefit system.
I agree with Abyss-Rover, Spain has loads to offer and you can make a living here if like he/she says you are one of "only the brave and hardworking, would go off to a foreign land and start a new business."
I'm fed up of listening to the sob stories of how it didn't work out, it’s all Spain’s fault – more likely because they didn't do their homework about businesses and jobs, they bought villas that they couldn't afford and they didn't put the hours in. Businesses fail all over the world for similar reasons and there is always someone or something to blame!

Originally Posted by mrypg9

I love London, lived in North London for twelve years and thoroughly enjoyed it...but I wouldn't live in London now unless I were a multi-millionaire..

Benefits aren't higher in London, apart from housing benefit as rents are more expensive. Everyday living can be comparatively cheaper in London once you've taken off accommodation and travel as there are so many outlets and so much competition.

The fact is that your experiences of life in Spain -or anywhere - will depend on your own expectations. If you are used to secure employment and a comfortable life in the UK and are lucky enough to find the same in Spain, then yes, your lifestyle here will be better. But I suspect there are many immigrants here who are running like a mouse on a treadmill struggling to keep going.

Then there are some trades and businesses which need to talk up the feelgood factor simply for their own sake. People in the hospitality sector, real estate business or business consultancy have to 'talk up' trade. It's in their interests.

The OP didn't say what line of business she is in. It might be helpful and give us a better understanding of where she's coming from if we had more information.

Originally Posted by jojo1970

Not sure if I'm the OP - new to this forum and your jargon. I'm also not sure I'm allowed to say what business I am in - the moderator might tell me off! I think you may have guessed by now though. Yes I am in Real Estate...... I hear the groans now.
But, I concentrate on long term rentals and this market is thriving at the moment, we are seeing many Northern Europeans opting for this more sensible way of moving to Spain – try before you buy and don't lose all your money!
Although I must admit most clients I see at the moment are offshore workers and home workers from Northern European or American business (telecoms or finance). These are great clients they want to live in luxury villas and always pay and keep the places nice – I can’t get enough of them!
To be honest that's why I joined this forum to attract these types of workers to this area of Spain - Javea & Moraira. It ticks all the boxes for them, with great air and road links as well as the obvious weather benefits and the infrastructure and facilities. I just can’t help turning on the sales pitch sorry.
Anyway off to a viewing on a luxury villa – fingers crossed the clients take it.

Jo