Paddy & Mick worked together and were both laid off, so they went to the unemployment office.
When asked his occupation, Paddy answered, “Panty Stitcher. I sew da elastic onto ladies cotton panties and tongs”.
The clerk looked up panty stitcher on his computer and finding it classified as unskilled labour, he gave him £80.00 a week unemployment pay.
Mick was next in, and when asked his occupation, replied, “Diesel Fitter”. Since a diesel fitter was a skilled job, the clerk gave Mick £160.00 a week.
When Paddy found out, he was furious.
He stormed back into the Unemployment Office to find out why his friend and co-worker was collecting double his unemployment pay.
The clerk explained “Panty Stitchers are unskilled labourers, and Diesel Fitters are skilled labourers”.
“What skill?” yelled Paddy.” I sew da elastic on da panties and tongs; Mick puts ’em over his head and says: “Yep, diesel fitter”