News

Coco-UK   30/07/2012 at 13:08

This could be of benefit to the jobless if it provides them with useful work experience that they can put on their cv.

W L Scales   31/07/2012 at 12:50

Will they receive any help to get to work such as bus/train fares. I note from recent contact with someone unemployed DWP are placing people in jobs up to 15 miles from where they live. Many on JSA cannot get credit owing to unpaid credit card bills from unemployment. Bus fares can cost up to £7.50 or more per day. Train fares are higher for those travelling in the morning peak.

AR   03/08/2012 at 09:24

So these "972,000 people who have been completely out of work for more than three years" have actually been dodging work-offers all that time, and now need to be dragooned back into the workforce? Anyone who's been out of the work-routine for that long *is* quite likely need a measure of support and "encouragement" to get back. But the root of the problem is that there's nothing to get back to; unless Ministers, "think tanks" and employers get together to do something about that, this is simply kicking people who are already down.

Assaf Shalvi   07/08/2012 at 16:08

I think it's a question of changing employers' mindsets, not just the long-term unemployed. Create more short-term and temporary jobs. Don't be as afraid to offer jobs as some people are of the sometimes over-complex process of applying for one. Get people working quickly without all the administration and paperwork. Get them used to earning and getting job satisfaction, but unlike this scheme, let them make the choice to do that themselves. Our company connects employers to employees by text message, a format that people are totally comfortable with using to connect. Interviews and covering letters are not within comfort zones and time pressures sometimes. We all, including the Government, need to be more realistic and positive about what job seekers can and will do, and what makes them respond.

Christopher   10/08/2012 at 08:50

I think this scheme has potential and as long as it is presented correctly as an encouraging step towards finding permanant work then I feel this initiative should be applauded. One of the other comments on here spoke about this being good work experience and something to place on a CV however this initiative will only work if businesses and organisations are willing to participate. I feel this scheme could benefit from merging with the apprentice schemes that have popped up.

Danny   08/10/2012 at 15:14

I agree with any scheme that will allow people to return to (or even experience for the first time) work. Seems to me however that the more governments tinker with changes to the age for retirement, the less work opportunities will be available. Perhaps we need some joined up thinking on this, a holistic view that takes account of the implications of raising the state pension age to a point that people cannot afford to retire. This situation will be exacerbated to some extent by the very recent ruling that employees cannot be forced to retire at 65. If people cannot or will not retire, there will be no real, lasting job opportunities for our young people. Knee jerk reactions to our current economic plight are only making the situation worse.

Ray   29/11/2012 at 14:25

This could be useful if managed properly with supports for people into employment and financial support for travel to work and lunches - some of the unpaid intern schemes run by voluntary organisations provide a good model where the cost of going to and being at work is provided. Are the jobcentre staff going to help find placements in a time when there are major job cuts? will there be some liaison with employers to ensure that some skills are developed or acquired to improve future job prospects? will on the job training be provided? This could work if adequately supported or it could be an unmitigated disaster with thousands unable to find work and losing benefits.

Mark   03/12/2012 at 13:15

Why shouldnt people who are physically able and receiving JSA's or unemployment benefits, housing Benefit and the myriad of other benefits be made to work. There are a number of roles in the community that could be undertaken and I ask "why should benefit recipients do nothing" work for benefits dont work - no benefits - work can include volunteering - something in very short supply in most communities.

Greg   17/12/2012 at 16:21

This will displace earned work and lead to a rise in unemployment

MISSSCANT   09/01/2013 at 10:39

well said, Assaf Shalvi, I totally agree!

Stephen Rowe Bschon's   15/01/2013 at 01:00

86% of science graduates can't get work, 86% of science graduate jobs are done by immigrants, there you go and that's why i haven't got a job . Send them home and give British jobs to British born people. Ow i forgot the skills shortage British are unskilled idiots i suppose like Micheal Faraday and Isak Newton and Dalton , yes no wonder we have to be replaced by foreigners Faraday what an idiot hey.

Lizzles   18/03/2013 at 13:14

I agree with W L scales, how on earth does the government expect these people to travel on pittence, give them travel vouchers instead of cash then there is no excuse to say they can't get there. Yes I agree people should work for their benefits if possible and a thouragh health check should be made, if you are fit to work YOU WORK, get people off their backsides, the world or this country does not owe them a living they earn it like the rest of us have to. If we had not become an EU country in the first place we wouldn't be having this trouble, the pound would stand strong, brits would have british jobs, we would eat and buy from british farmers, unemploment would go down, ourr industries could afford to compete with foreiing companies, the retirement age be limited at 65 and better pensions, seems simple doesn't it but you'll always find some beurocratic idiot ruining things....

Mark   13/05/2013 at 14:06

Its about time the unemployed did their bit for society by way of voluntary work. They should be forced to do it or lose their benefits. Take a look at our streets... rubbish and graffiti everywhere. Make the unemployed clean it up to "earn" their benefits. When they realise that cleaning the streets in the cold and wet is tough work, they might realise that a job at the local supermarket stacking shelves or serving people at a fast food chain isn't such a bad thing.