Workfare Can Be Broken – Join the Week of Action and help make it happen
Posted: February 1st, 2013 | Author: editor | Filed under: Call to action | 74 Comments »
Take action on your high street or online
Take part in the week of action 18-24 March
The Government is pushing ahead with increasingly savage workfare policies despite the fierce resistance to the scheme causing many high street names and national charities to pull out.
Unemployed people can now be sentenced to six months compulsory unpaid work as part of the Community Action Programme. On December 3rd last year – International Disabled People’s Day – the DWP introduced forced work for sick and disabled claimants.
Companies such as Superdrug, Argos and McDonalds, who have all been quick to take on unpaid workers on government schemes, have seen a year of boycotts, pickets, demonstrations and occupations due to their involvement in the scheme. Many national charities have pulled out as a result of protests, but some, such as The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Salvation Army and Sue Ryder Foundation are unrepentent about their army of government subsidised unpaid workers. Many of the new workfare programmes depend on charities like these to provide placements.
Workfare can be broken by showing these organisations that the public have clearly rejected unpaid work. Evidence has shown that mandatory work has no impact in actually helping someone find a job, the stated aim of the scheme. Instead workfare is used to replace real jobs, with some companies even caught taking on unpaid workers to fill temporary Christmas positions.
Join Boycott Workfare on 18-24 March for a week of action against workfare exploiters everywhere. Take action in a town or city near you, join in online and show all those who profit from forced labour that we mean it when we say “if you exploit us, we will shut you down”.
Organise now and contact Boycott Workfare on Facebook or info[at]boycottworkfare.org to be added to the national list of actions:
Birmingham – Sat 23rd March 1pm – Outside Poundland Corporation Street
Bournemouth & Poole - Four days of leafleting outside work programme providers. More details here.
Brighton – Wednesday 20 March, Fighting the Assault on Welfare, Public meeting, Friends Meeting House 7.30pm,
Brighton – Friday 22 March , Universal Jobmatch demo/leafleting, Brighton Jobcentre Edward Street 11am
Brighton – Saturday 23 March – Anti-workfare picket of Poundland meet Clock Tower 12 noon
Bristol – Sat 23rd March – End workfare in Bristol
Edinburgh – Sat 23rd March, meet 12 noon, Kirkgate shopping centre, foot of Leith Walk, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AD. Organised by Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty. Action against companies and charities using workfare.
Edinburgh – also… Mass leafleting of A4e, 11am – 2pm Wed 20 March, A4e, 34 Earl Grey Street Edinburgh EH3 9BN
Glasgow – Sat 23rd March, 11am, Argyle St.
Leeds – Sat 23rd March, 12.30pm, outside Leeds Art Gallery
London - Sat 16th March – ‘Blitz Sleuth’ of London high streets to find out where workfare is still being used. See the Facebook event.
London – Sat 23rd March – Workfare actions with Sol Fed & Feminist Fightback. Meet: Superdrug on Leytonstone High Road at 1pm sharp. Or action in Wembley tba.
Nottingham – Sat 23rd March – Meet 2pm at Burton.
Sheffield - Sat 23rd March. 1pm, outside the Central Library.
[...] From Boycott Workfare [...]
[...] From Boycott Workfare [...]
Brilliant!! Let me know of any local events ie northwest and will publicise on my blog lipsticksocialist.wordpress.com
solidarity
Verdict on Government’s “Back to Work” schemes will be handed down on Tuesday 12 February 2013 at 10 am at the Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand.
http://www.publicinterestlawyers.co.uk/news_details.php?id=296
[...] part in the week of action 18-24 March called by Boycott Workfare. We’ll be organising events around Birmingham – get in touch if you want to be involved [...]
[...] Another powerful testament to people power when challenging workfare, and great news in the same week that Sense have finally pulled out of workfare too. For top tips on finding workfare on your high street, see this blog. The workfare week of action is coming up on 18-24 March.. [...]
[...] And join the National Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March and let’s finish off what’s left of Iain Duncan Smith’s workfare obsession: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
Anything happening in Croydon during this week of action?
[...] Join the National Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on 18th March and help bring an end to forced labour for good: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
[...] Workfare’s UK-wide week of action on 18th-24th March will go ahead with the aim of bringing Mandatory Work Activity to an end and ensuring the [...]
[...] need to make sure workfare can’t get back on its feet. Take part in a huge week of action on 18-24 March to help make sure there’s not a charity or business who will dirty their hands with [...]
Government will always win and compulsary work programs will always be there and sanctions on the most vulnerable people in our society will be making them poor, hungry, destitute with nowhere to turn, the only people who agree with these work programs are the ones who are in work and never been on jobseekers, until it happens to them which i hope it does they will not see the full effect it has on people, but im sure they will not work for nothing if they were forced to do it. I would not mind working on one of these programs if i was at least getting the minimum wage and working tax credits.
[...] Join the Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March 18th and let’s bring a final end to forced work: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
There is an e-petition on the HM Government website which needs your signatures! It closes TOMORROW! Please sign, and share on twitter, facebook, blogs etc etc…
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29356
[...] need to make sure workfare can’t get back on its feet. Take part in a huge week of action on 18-24 March to help make sure there’s not a charity or business who will dirty their hands with [...]
Regarding universal jobmatch. how can this ever be made compulsary, when universal jobmatch requires cookies to use the site, to mandate the use of cookies on a persons computer is illegal, so therefore universal jobmatch in a mandated form would be illegal.
I will be attending the demonstaration in cambridge against slave labour. My son was left penniless when he refused to work as a labourer for £51.00. My son searches every week for paid work. The more slaves we have the less jobs their will be. The practice of slave labour has to stop. Slavery is not the way forward. Count me in…
[...] Join the Week of Action Against Workfare beginning from March 18th – 24th: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
I was a shop steward, and chief shop steward for 12 years in total until i had to retire on health grounds, my son went to college and gained city and guilds in electrical fitting/ construction, and he’s been looking, no Searching everywhere for an apprenticeship but to avail nothing, he was on jobseeker’s and was forced onto workfare to keep his allowance, i’m absolutely disgusted about this as it go’s against everything i worked for as a shop steward.
I think David Cameron should be made to work at Poundland for free!
if we have to work we should be paid , it that simple ,,instead of th £71 we should euro min wage 30hours x £6.15 = £184.
this is fair and should be a lot easyer to get sorted.
Let’s get rid of all of them.
I did a month of full time work on Flexible New Deal when JSA was about £65.00 so I worked 35 hours per week for £65.00. This works out to a
princely £1.85 for a seven hour day. I was there on Christmas Eve, the manager made me hoover up after everyone else had gone. At 5.20 he looked down his nose when I told him I needed some things from the supermarket and they may be closing at 5.30 as it was Christmas tomorrow
He was an ‘intelligent’ man with a degree. He told me his mother was an AUSTRALIAPHOBE. I said what dosn’t she like about Oz? He said no, she loves it. I told him that she was an Australiaphile then.
He had later asked what the difference was between a guitar and a double bass.
When I said ‘A double bass is about five times the size’ he flushed up and walked away. I was working for this numb skull for £1.87 per day. He was in charge of me.I was the most demeaning time of my life.
[...] Join the Week of Action Against Workfare [...]
I came across this group through my contact with Norfolk Coalition Against the Cuts, and Disabled People Aaginst the Cuts. I was happy to go and support them on Saturday in Norwich City Centre, took part in the small demo we had outside Primark, Topshop and McDonalds, bit scary as not used to this kind of protest! I also took part in a protest outside Atos offices in Norwich on Friday, that brought the local BBC TV news person out and they had a small piece on that evenings news and reporters from local paper came too. I was in a lot of pain that day, had had a very bad night and struggled to stand for the hour with my small lollipop banner, but I really want to do something, however small as it’s evil what is being done to us all.
I came out of working in a DWP call centre for 5 years, just over 2 years ago and though I wasn’t really well enough to work, I went on Jobseekers Allowance because of all the horror strories we were
Took part in a small demo against workfare on saturday afternoon in Norwich city centre, bit scary as I’m not used to this kind of protest! We protested outside Primark, Topshop and McDonalds.
I also attended a protest the previous day, Friday outside Norwich Atos offices, the local BBC News came and also reporters from oor local paper. I was in a lot of pain from a very bad nights sleep, lots of pain and find standing difficult, but worth it to campaign and I want to feel not going down without a good fight. I was absolutely outraged to see and hear what that evil bastard, IDS sprouted on the Marr show on BBC1 on Sunday morning about the workfare ruling! Have you noticed that he starts off laying down his facts in a cool tone, but then out comes his real nasty, evil self and he sprouts such crap!!
[...] Join the Week of Action Against Workfare !!! [...]
[...] know how your MP responds. We plan to keep people updated over the next 40 days, as we prepare for the week of action. MPs can claim £250 a month in expenses without a receipt. People on JSA are expected to work in [...]
[...] Join the National Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March 18th: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
[...] Please keep us posted on any responses you get! (And remember, workfare is wobbling because of the action we’re taking to stop companies and charities taking part. Take action on the streets on 18-24 March!) [...]
[...] Join the National Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March 18th:http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
[...] Boycott Workfare (Campaign) [...]
[...] Join the Week of Action Against Workfare beginning March 18th and help bring an end to forced labour for charities and unpaid work for profit making companies: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
Practical (and legal) action everyone can take: 1) go into Argos/Superdrug, wherever. 2) Fill a trolley and take it to the checkout. Let the cashier ring up the purchase. 3) Ask the cashier if the firm participates in workfare/CAP. 4) If they say yes, reply: “Oh well, I won’t want this lot then”. 5) Walk out. 6) Get all your friends to do the same.
At McDonald’s, order a meal, then quickly ask about Workfare, then cancel the order.
[...] all still need to pull out – let’s keep the pressure up as we move towards the week of action on 18th-24th March, where companies and public sector organisations using workfare will also be highlighted in actions [...]
[...] all still need to pull out – let’s keep the pressure up as we move towards the week of action on 18th-24th March, where companies and public sector organisations using workfare will also be highlighted in actions [...]
Excellent! I definitely want to be involved with the London protests. (My spell check wanted to change *definitely* to *defiantly* yeah that as well).
[...] from a number of larger charities meant a sharp reduction in placements.” Let’s make the week of action on 18-24 March [...]
[...] Week of Action Against Workfare is coming up on 18-24 March and you may be wondering what you can do in your town or city. [...]
[...] Please keep us posted on any responses you get! (And remember, workfare is wobbling because of the action we’re taking to stop companies and charities taking part. Take action on the streets on 18-24 March!) [...]
[...] Please keep us posted on any responses you get! (And remember, workfare is wobbling because of the action we’re taking to stop companies and charities taking part. Take action on the streets on 18-24 March!) [...]
[...] the week of action on 18-24 March approaches, people across the UK are planning to step up the pressure on workfare exploiters in [...]
[...] the week of action on 18-24 March approaches, people across the UK are planning to step up the pressure on workfare exploiters in [...]
Poole and Bournemouth. Few days of handing out leaflets and stickers outside companies operating Work Programme, Jobcentres and The College who have close association with Working Links. Would also be good to hit the High Streets to leaflet outside shops who participate and more people the better. If you would like more details please contact info@bpacc.co.uk
BPACC: Don’t forget to add your event(s) in Poole and/or Bournemouth to the Week Of Action page when you have finalised the details.
http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996
[...] Week of Action Against Workfare begins on March 18th. Already several events are planned in Brighton, Bristol, Edinburgh, [...]
Anything planned for South Yorkshire?
Does Leeds count? http://www.facebook.com/events/604978072849011/
Sheffield event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/431099706978940/
[...] the Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March [...]
[...] the Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March [...]
Is anything happening in Huddersfield?
I have been referred to the MWA by my advisor who is using this as a bullying tactic and want to fight against it. If anyone has any idea of the best way to go about this I would be grateful for the advice.
What’s happening in Liverpool ?
[...] the Week of Action Against Workfare beginning on March [...]
I understand vulnerable people should not be forced to work however whats wrong with enforcing work for benefits on people who do not WANT to work?
I am 30 and have been out of work on a number of occasions however I have always used that spare time to look for work pro actively. The longest I was ever out of work was 4 months.
I did not turn my nose up at cleaning and catering even though my previous roles were office based and paid far more.
lets get some action going in wales. im from cardiff. lets shake them up with some legit protesting. 07990937292 if u want to arrange.
[...] For the latest details of all events visit: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
[...] UK offices of the charity were visited by campaigners today as part of the National Week of Action Against Workfare. Salvation Army are one of the largest charities left who use forced labour – under threat [...]
[...] Join the National Week of Action Against Workfare now taking place: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]
[...] the National Week of Action Against Workfare now taking [...]
I’m appalled.
There will a demo in Bath thiS friday at 3.30, outSide of poundland in the centre. we will be handing out leafletS and chatting to people, feel free to make and bring placardS.
[...] From Boycott Workfare: [...]
[...] UK offices of the charity were visited by campaigners today as part of theNational Week of Action Against Workfare. Salvation Army are one of the largest charities left who use forced labour – under threat of [...]
[...] part of the Week of Action Against Workfare an online blockade of poverty pimps A4e has been called today (20th March). Join in at: [...]
[...] part of the Week of Action Against Workfare an online blockade of poverty pimps A4e has been called today (20th March). Join in [...]
[...] busy week of action has seen Superdrug pull out of workfare – the promise of demos taking place across the UK this Saturday must have [...]
Can not tell you how ashamed I am of the LABOUR PARTY. Supporting all I can. Anything going on in Norwich on week of action. Keep up the fight.
[...] Join people in cities across the UK for pickets and creative action, and take part in online action too! [...]
when people are given a job they should be paid, even if it was a trial period.
I am making comments here about the ATOS assessment, they said it was a French firm,
I have attended the tests my self, but there was no French doctor there, but only health workers asking questions which were the same questions we were asked on the form they sent us before the ATOS assessment,
I had the results of the assessment which was zero points for physical and mental capability to do work,
it is up to the employer to give the job and keep people in their job it is not up to the doctor or the ATOS or to the DWP or the governement or the Media
having said that, some of the information was not accurate,
so I had to write to them again to answer the questions
[...] With protests against workfare set to take place across the UK today, Boycott Workfare have also called for a day of online action against the Policy Exchange. [...]
[...] protests against workfare set to take place across the UK today, Boycott Workfare have also called for a day of online action against the Policy [...]
[...] spirits were lifted by the news that Superdrug had already pulled out of workfare just before the demonstrations set to take place across the country, Result! The first stop on our tour of companies using forced labor under the workfare scheme was [...]
[...] The next week of action against the government’s workfare scheme which is nothing more than a gift of free labour to the companies and organisations who participate in it will run from 18th – 20th March. See Boycott Workfare for details: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=1996 [...]