Poundland ruling - government slave labour camp

dmliverpool

What does everyone think of this judgement on work for your benefit programme?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/feb/12/poundland-ruling-government-work-schemes?mobile-redirect=false

Takeaway_Addict

probably the same as the other 3 threads on it

Oli.s

I hope that the government will just sought out the legislation properly, which seemed to be the problem going by the news report I saw, the court didn't say it was illegal per se, just that the legislation wasn't up to scratch.

I got the distinct impression that the lady who took the case to court, because she felt demeaned as a graduate, to work at pound land was aloof.

Why should she not have to work at pound land to get benefit handouts because she has a degree, does she think that its ok for someone without a degree to work there for the same benefits just because they aren't as highly educated?

AP007

Oli.s wrote: »

I hope that the government will just sought out the legislation properly, which seemed to be the problem going by the news report I saw, the court didn't say it was illegal per se, just that the legislation wasn't up to scratch.

I got the distinct impression that the lady who took the case to court, because she felt demeaned as a graduate, to work at pound land was aloof.

Why should she not have to work at pound land to get benefit handouts because she has a degree, does she think that its ok for someone without a degree to work there for the same benefits just because they aren't as highly educated?

If it's WORK and Poundland have a JOB for anyone to be done then I say they should get the JOB and be paid a fair wage!

ohreally

Oli.s wrote: »

I got the distinct impression that the lady who took the case to court, because she felt demeaned as a graduate, to work at pound land was aloof.

"I don't think I am above working in shops like Poundland. I now work part time in a supermarket. It is just that I expect to get paid for working".
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/02/12/poundland-free-labour-work_n_2667671.html

Frxn

I was "forced" (as in benefit cut if I didn't go) to work in a charity shop for three months, the experience gained was slim to none and there was absolutely no chance of me getting a job at that place, while I knew someone else that was "forced" to work at Farmfoods under the same scheme, they were offered a job half way through.

Although I don't like the graduate involved (for reason below), I do hope this leads to reform of the system, or simply scrap it and encourage employers to make use of work trials (I personally only know of one that's ever done it)

ohreally wrote: »

"I don't think I am above working in shops like Poundland. I now work part time in a supermarket. It is just that I expect to get paid for working".

That wasn't her attitude back when this appeal started, I suspect that statement was due to the criticism she likely received after basically saying working at Poundland was beneath her.

AP007

Oli.s wrote: »

Why should she not have to work at pound land to get benefit handouts because she has a degree, does she think that its ok for someone without a degree to work there for the same benefits just because they aren't as highly educated?

Oh yes also, some people WORK there too for a SALARY!!!

pc1271

Here's an idea. Scrap JSA completely, and guarantee every unemployed person enough hours work at minimum wage to provide the equivalent amount of cash to JSA. Even if the work is in the voluntary sector and the govt has to pay the wages, it wont cost any more than JSA. (Well, maybe a bit of administration like other schemes it woud replace). It would probably work out something like 16-20 hours, leaving plenty of time for job hunting.

AP007

pc1271 wrote: »

Here's an idea. Scrap JSA completely, and guarantee every unemployed person enough hours work at minimum wage to provide the equivalent amount of cash to JSA. Even if the work is in the voluntary sector and the govt has to pay the wages, it wont cost any more than JSA. (Well, maybe a bit of administration like other schemes it woud replace). It would probably work out something like 16-20 hours, leaving plenty of time for job hunting.

It would be in fact about 11.5 hours to get jsa

imatt

Oli.s wrote: »

I hope that the government will just sought out the legislation properly, which seemed to be the problem going by the news report I saw, the court didn't say it was illegal per se, just that the legislation wasn't up to scratch.

I got the distinct impression that the lady who took the case to court, because she felt demeaned as a graduate, to work at pound land was aloof.

Why should she not have to work at pound land to get benefit handouts because she has a degree, does she think that its ok for someone without a degree to work there for the same benefits just because they aren't as highly educated?

As with many commentators here and elsewhere, this is missing the point by at least 1,000 miles!

Firstly, Cait Reilly says she does have prior retail experience. So surely such work is NOT below her.

Secondly, Reilly did say she would have been prepared to work at Poundland. Had they offered her a job.

Secondly, she is now working at a local supermarket (Morrisons I believe). So again, working on the shop floor IS something she is quite prepared to do! As long as she's paid for it! And what is so scandalous about that?

P.S. What you see as 'aloof' is what i would call someone who is self assured, confident, intelligent and prepared to speak out. More young people need to do the same!