Mandatory Work Activity

nannytone_2

i went on one many years ago, when i was on benefit for a short time. i actually had to almost beg to go, because, as a single parent they said it was quite acceptable to sit on benefit!
it didn't lead to a job, but it kept me busy and kept me in the 'working' frame of mind. getting up early and actually having somewhere that i needed to be.

i agree, most people would choose to work, but there is a significant minority, that are quite happy to live on benefit. i would suggest that a period of 1 year is long enough to be 'job hunting' by yourself. if after this time you are still unemployed then these courses should be obligatory.

Richardsct

Exactly as I thought you went on one 'many years ago' a far cry from the regime in operation today

Opinions are one thing but yours are out of date, bigoted and too politically biased I'm afraid for my tastes and many others

If you live in a borough where there are approx 100 vacancies advertised on Directgov with an out of work population of 4000 plus the sums even for someone like you are obvious

I also take exception to the way you describe it as 'jobhunting by yourself' as if belittling the efforts of those that try very hard (like myself) to find work

Put sky news on and read the daily express instead of these forums

yappycat

It is possible that entry into the MWAS may be pushed onto a claimant from day 1 of their claim. Their current job aspirations and whether the experience they will gain from the program is relevant, or even desirable, will not be taken into consideration.
Would this not have the effect of hampering someone's efforts to get back into work rather than helping it?

I doubt there will be much data available on which to judge this scheme and evaluate the way it is actually used in practice until it has been running for some time. However the implications and possible abuses of a scheme like this worry me a great deal.

Richardsct

I agree very much with you, however if you read my previous post where I live unemployment levels are very high - there simply aren't sufficient places for everyone! I think the criteria will be simple - how much effort has someone actually put into finding a job, someone who has put the bare minimum into actually looking for work for example,may have a problem, someone who already doesn't have much experience of work, the young with worthless qualifications in many cases (not their fault, I blame the education system for encouraging non academically inclined kids to stay on in education) will be easy targets

everytime I sign on i carry a folder about 2inches thick with my efforts to find a job, nearly everyone else has their signing on card stuffed in their back pocket! and nothing else, they are a sitting target and make the advisors job easy, but i do think it will vary widely in its use

google this - 'Response to the SSAC consultation on Jobseeker’s Allowance Mandatory work activity regulations 2011'

dark_lady

Richard ive just googled it and had a read. Its quite frightening.
Blimey i feel sorry for anyone signing on.

red_devil

There is an alternative to a work placement its a course with the provider. Its for 30 hrs a week and you can get first aid, manual handling, food hygeine certificates. Also you get help with interview techniques. Its not always mentioned so anyone not wanting to do a placement with a charity etc should ask about this placement. It is mandatory but its another option.

nannytone_2

so i am politically bigoted? i'm non political actually......i prefer to vote for the person that takes the electorates view into accounbt, and doesnt just follow party lines!
i lived in one of the most deprived london boroughs until 5 years ago, so trust me i DO know what it's like.
without doubt there is a dire shortage of jobs right now........but in these deprived areas, there are also a large number of people whose way of life revolves around benefit paydays.
it's a way of life for them, and unless they are almost forced to participate, they will just keep claiming, and their children just follow in their footsteps.

i havent been brainwashed by propaganda.....i KNOW this from my own experience!

Darlyd

I think people who can't be bothered to work, and the job centre knows which people, should be forced to do the dirty jobs, such as litter pick

red_devil

Never going to happen. It would never be allowed that only certain people were forced to work based on a member of staffs suspicion. Whose to say the staff are right and how could it be proved?

Who would supervise the work and make sure it was carried out? Someone would have to be employed to oversee it which would cost money? It would also take jobs away from people who are paid to do that sort of work by the council. There are many reasons why a scheme like that wont work and will never be introduced. It still wouldnt help some people into work. I guess you know that though.

It would be better if dirty, ill educated and lazy litterlouts didnt drop rubbish in the first place and respected their enviroment.

Richardsct

To nannytone you obviously cant do simple sums! there are too many in many areas to do the things suggested, and yes in my opinion you are bigoted, you described yourself as once being a single parent there are many who are VERY prejudiced against this group(i'm not one)

As regards who you vote for that sort of candidate seems to be the type that will say what people want to hear!

To simply make everyone who is out of work do something for their benefit WITHOUT reference to their abilities, aspirations, type of work they are looking for etc will backfire - the dole lines will still be there. What will happen in many cases is they WILL be used as CHEAP labour.

We need to start at the beginning - education should be matched to the jobs market not on simply a 'pass' in a worthless subject that employers do not want - employers have told me most youngsters they have seen have trouble with basic spelling - yet the pass rate for GCSE's last summer at my old school was almost 100% - send fewer to the pretend universities (the old polytechnics!) and those less academically inclined into proper vocational training.

It is simple to spot those who don't want to work - sanction them by all means.

Those that do - help through training and GENUINE work placements that will further their prospects of STAYING in work-one thing I do agree with is that those operating the new work programme will be paid by results and will monitor clients even after they have found work to try to make sure they keep it

BUT DON'T TAR EVERYONE WITH THE SAME BRUSH!

Thanks for the debate I've enjoyed it!