Boycott Workfare @ the British Heart Foundation, Union Street, Glasgow, 23rd March.

The Britsh Heart Foundation And Workfare Is Heartless.  The Britsh Heart Foundation And Forced Unpaid Work Is Heartless.

Boycott Workfare @ Poundland, Argyle Street, Glasgow, 23rd March. The Union Street Poundland was also picketed later.

                                                             Switch Off Poundland.

Boycott Workfare @ Poundland Glasgow Saturday 23rd March 11am

 Superdrug have pulled out of Workfare, so we will be picketing Poundland's largest city centre store instead: 167-201, Argyle St, G2 8BU

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/events/164977433649794/

Despite being the focus of a court judgement, which ruled Workfare regulations unlawful, Poundland continue to use unpaid labour.

It's good for the bosses and their profits.

But bad for unemployed people on the Scheme who don't get paid.

It's bad for all workers - replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending temporary posts.

Workfare is an attack on us all!

Like many chain stores, Poundland, have been given a massive public subsidy, in the form of unemployed people working for nothing but their benefits on a Workfare Scheme. Poundland have 'Work Experience' placements across 71 of their stores. 80% do not even get offered any kind of job with Poundland. Poundland's profits rose by 27% in the last financial year. They can afford to pay and keep on all their staff.

This Scheme is not only an attack on the unemployed - Poundland claim that their 'Work Experience' scheme is completely voluntary, but it involves Job Centre Plus, so those taking part can still have their benefits cut if they do not comply. The degree to which the scheme is genuinely voluntary is disputed as there are countless reports of lies and intimidation to get jobseekers to participate and after one week the scheme becomes mandatory. Dropping out of a 'Work Experience' placement can lead to being put on other schemes like Mandatory Work Activity. 'Work Experience' mostly involves stacking shelves for up to 30 hours a week for 8 weeks.

It is also a direct attack on Poundland’s workers and other workers - replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending temporary posts for students and others who rely on this type of work. We have heard complaints from Poundland staff who have had their hours cut, because of Workfare.

The same number of people will be doing the same amount of work – but thanks to Workfare, Poundland can replace paid workers with unpaid ones. Once again, the lies of the Government and businesses, claiming that Workfare is a way to help people back into work, are exposed. The exact opposite is true - Workfare is a job destruction scheme.

The best way to end the iniquity of Workfare is to directly affect the profits of the companies exploiting it - we have shown that this works with other companies such as Holland & Barrett and Superdrug. Join us doing the same to Poundland! Until Poundland gives in, help us in fighting this attack on all workers’ terms and conditions - Don't Shop At Poundland.

Tell them you won't be shopping at their stores again until they publicly withdraw from all Workfare Schemes:

Feedback form: http://www.poundland.co.uk/enquiry/customer-enquiry/
Press centre: poundland@bottlepr.co.uk
Chief Executive (Warburg Pincus – their US based private equity fund owners): egustafson@warburgpincus.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Poundland

Twitter: https://twitter.com/poundland

Charities shouldn’t make people poorer – day 5 in the workfare week of action

 Some charities have adopted an ethical position on Workfare. Let’s make the others follow!

Given today’s evidence that there are targets to increase sanctioning people’s social security at all costs, it is time to put the charities who help that happen on the spot.

In the last month, thanks to your action, five charities have said they will no longer take part in Workfare Schemes: Sense, PDSA, Capability Scotland, Sue Ryder and the Red Cross. The Children’s Society has also pledged not to use Workfare.

This means the Workfare Schemes which rely on charity placements are on the rocks! Already before the latest withdrawals, the government complained: “The high profile withdrawal of placements from a number of larger charities meant a sharp reduction in placements.”

One in five people sent on mandatory work activity in charity shops face destructive sanctions (benefit stoppages) of three or six months. The charities still involved are profiting from making people poorer. Let’s tell them it’s time to pull out!

Contact details for Workfare charities including TCV and the British Heart Foundation here:

http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2332

Superdrug out – let’s make it more! Day 4 of the Workfare Week of Action

A busy week of action has seen Superdrug pull out of workfare – the promise of demos taking place across the UK this Saturday must have helped!

Unfortunately other high street chains are still profiting from unpaid work. What you are doing works! We are winning so let’s keep it up and let more businesses know workfare is wrong!

Please contact the following companies today. If you’d like to use a standard letter, there’s one at the link below.

Note: Retailers like to claim these schemes are voluntary. Read more about why they’re not:

http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2324

Superdrug have pulled out of workfare

From their Facebook page:
·
"We have received a number of posts from customers asking about our policy in terms of work experience placements.

Superdrug believes in supporting those interested in getting a start in a career in retail, supporting the community and creating jobs, since starting to offer voluntary work experience placements over 500 people have gained permanent employment in our business after completing a placement.

We listen very carefully to our customers’ feedback and to be honest the response we have had has been mixed. Some customers were concerned about the programme, while others thought it was a good way to give young people a chance to gain some work experience.

After careful consideration we have decided to withdraw from the voluntary work experience schemes we currently support. We still believe gaining work experience is crucial in getting people into the work place and so at this time have decided to concentrate on our School Leavers’ Apprenticeship programme."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It has been easier to edit the leaflet to include details about Poundland as there is lots of information about their involvement with workfare and nice graphics to use for the leaflet and placards rather than Burtons or other Workfare companies, so if there are no objections we should picket them instead:

Poundland largest city centre store:
167-201, Argyle St, G2 8BU

The Salvation Army and Workfare

 There is still time to take part in the online action today against the Salvation Army's use of Workfare. They exploit the unemployed, sick and disabled.  The Workfare Scheme they use, like all the others, is not voluntary, but is forced unpaid labour with little chance of future employment.

http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/03/18/workfare-makes-you-free-claim-salvation-army-join-the-online-day-of-action/

Boycott Workfare - A4e Communications Blockade – Wednesday 20th March

 http://www.facebook.com/events/171387819678555/

A4e is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Government welfare policy. In 2011 the company turnover was £180 million, 100% of which came from the public coffers. Out of this the bosses shared out £11 million between them. A4e have a catastrophic record of failing to meet even the paltry minimum targets set by the Department for Work and Pensions for finding people jobs on the workfare scheme, the Work Programme. You have more chance of finding a job without their bullying 'back to work' tactics. Not content with what amounts to the officially sanctioned scam of lucrative welfare to work contracts from their friends in Government there are numerous accusations of fraud against them, where records are apparently falsified, so that they can claim even more public money for not doing their job. They are further subsidised by the public by their use of mandatory unpaid labour within the company as well. The costs of Workfare are socialised while the profits are privatised.

We are asking everyone to make their voice heard once more. Contact A4e and complain about their involvement in Workfare.

The aim is to shut down their communications as much as possible in order to cause them disruption. They may not listen to individual complaints, but they will take notice when they can't do their day-to-day activities for the sheer volume of complaints coming in! Be polite.

Email A4e: customerservices@a4e.co.uk

Head of Communications: kmccrory@a4e.co.uk

Media Relations Manager: jkerr@a4e.co.uk

Send secure email via: https://www.hushmail.com/

Fax A4e Head Office fax number: 0114 275 4632
Send free faxes via: http://www.freepopfax.com/

Many classic books are available as free PDFs online. Perhaps A4e would like to read them.

Phone A4e Customer Services Freephone Number: 0800 345 666

Twitter: @OfficialA4e

@AniaMendrek - Operations Manager

Website Complaints Form: http://mya4e.com/contact-us/complaints-form/

This is part of Boycott Workfare's Week Of Action 18th-24^th March:

http://www.facebook.com/events/517491058274105/

https://www.facebook.com/boycottworkfare

http://www.boycottworkfare.org/

DWP Trying to Hide Crisis Loan Replacement

Posted on March 16, 2013 by johnny void 

The DWP are attempting to hush up the existence of the scant support available for those left without any money at all due to delays in processing benefit claims.
From April 1st the discretionary parts of the Social Fund will start to be closed down.  This was a pot of money which provided repayable ‘crisis’ and ‘budgeting’ loans to those facing emergencies or awaiting benefit decisions.   The fund was also used to provide small ‘community care’ grants – usually to people moving into independent housing for the first time, such as a young person leaving care.  These were only available to buy the very basics such as a bed or oven, with prices set at the lowest cost possible for each item.

According to the legislation, some form of crisis and budgeting loan system will still be managed by the DWP.  Much of the support however is being devolved to local authorities, many of whom have yet to release clear details on how they will manage the new schemes due to start in just over a fortnight. Many are thought to be introducing some form of smart card or voucher schemes.
A post on the PCS Union website (spotted by @UKJCP ) reveals that loans for those awaiting benefits are to be renamed Short Term Benefit Advances (STBAs).  These will be available through Jobcentres providing new claimants meet the following conditions:

“There is an underlying benefit entitlement or reasonable expectation that there is entitlement to benefit;
The claimant can afford to repay – other debt and loan repayments will be taken into account;
There is financial need – there is serious risk to the health and safety of a family member.”
Astonishingly, according to the PCS the  “DWP does not intend to advertise the availability of STBAs to the public.”

Which means it’s down to claimants and supporters to make sure that everybody knows about the existence of this scheme.  Spread the word and make sure everyone knows about these loans which will be more vital than ever.

UPDATE: Thanks to @anitabellows12 to who’s discovered this document buried on the DWP website which explains the new schemes but contains no information on how to apply: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/budgeting-short-term-advances-guidance-las.pdf

Follow me on twitter @johnnyvoid

BOYCOTT WORKFARE - BOYCOTT THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

 Last year the British Heart Foundation boasted about their involvement in Government Workfare Schemes in all their shops, “Around 1,000 of (the people working in their shops] are on placements with us through Work Programme schemes and 600 [people working in their shops] are placements on Mandatory Work Activity.”

More and more volunteers, customers and members of the public have been speaking out against their exploitation of the unemployed on these forced unpaid labour schemes. Many veteran volunteers have left BHF in disgust as charity shops are swamped with unwilling conscripts. Workfare contradicts the voluntary ethos charities are supposed to uphold.

Pickets, occupations and an online campaign forced BHF to finally withdraw from the Workfare Scheme, Mandatory Work Activity, but they are still involved with another Workfare Scheme, the Work Programme. BHF are trying to pretend that the Work Programme is voluntary, but they have been told that the unemployed face losing benefits if they do not comply with the Work Programme. BHF have to sign a contract stating that they will inform the Department for Work and Pensions if a benefits claimant does not comply. The Work Programme gives Workfare Provider Companies the power to mandate the unemployed, including sick and disabled benefit claimants, to undertake compulsory work placements.

BHF said they recently established an important partnership with Job Centre Plus to actively promote volunteering as an option for anyone who is unemployed and wants to gain work experience. Because JCP is involved the 'work experience' is not voluntary. Again the unemployed will have their benfits cut if they do not comply. Workfare does not help the unemployed. Only a tiny percentage of people on Workfare go on to get paid employment. Please keep up the pressure and help make sure this charity which has profited from exploiting 100s of unemployed people pulls out of Workfare entirely.

BHF welcome their supporters contacting them directly if they have any questions about their participation in the Work Programme. Please email customerservice@bhf.org.uk. You can complain about the British Heart Foundation's involvement with Workfare via the contact page on their website. Ask them to make a clear public statement that they will immediately withdraw from all Government Workfare Schemes. You can also contact them on Facebook and by faxing or phoning -

Sarah Davies, Customer Services Manager, BHF - Retail Division
Fax - 01372 477509 (send free faxes from www.freepopfax.com)
Tel - 01372 477373
This picket is part of a 'Boycott Workfare' National Week Of Action. They have information on other charities that use Workfare on their website: www.boycottworkfare.org/

Thanks to Boycott Workfare campaigns the PDSA and Sense withdrew from Workfare last month. Cancer Research UK, Age UK and Scope withdrew at the end of last year.

A guide to all Workfare Schemes and advice on how to avoid them can be found here:

www.solfed.org.uk/

Organised by the Crutch Collective -

Claimants Resisting Unfair Treatment, Cuts and Harassment – thecrutchcollective@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Crutch-Collective

www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk

& the Scottish Unemployed Workers Network - c/o seanpc76@googlemail.com

Backed by

Clydeside Industrial Workers Of The World – clydeside@iww.org.uk www.iwwscotland.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688

Glasgow Right to Work Campaign - www.facebook.com/groups/119156394809034/

Glasgow Solidarity Federation – glasgow@solfed.org.uk www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381 www.solfed.org.uk/?q=local/glasgow

Unite the Union Community Branch – c/o Jack Ferguson, Unite Scotland Community Coordinator 07711 376562.

BOYCOTT WORKFARE - BOYCOTT SUPERDRUG

Superdrug have admitted taking on over 500 people on the Government's 'Work Experience' Workfare Scheme.

It's good for the bosses and their profits.

But bad for unemployed people on the Scheme who don't get paid.

It's bad for all workers - replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending temporary posts.

Workfare is an attack on us all!

Like many chain stores, Superdrug, who made a £20 million profit last year, have been given a massive public subsidy, in the form of unemployed people working for nothing but their benefits on a Workfare Scheme. Superdrug suspended their participation in the Government's 'Work Experience' Workfare Scheme a year ago after actions against Tesco exposed this scam, but Superdrug began using the Scheme again from at least last June.

This Scheme is not only an attack on the unemployed - who are bullied on to the so-called voluntary scheme by Job Centre Plus and fraudster workfare provider companies like A4e, or are forced on to other workfare schemes for refusing to take part in 'Work Experience' that mostly involves stacking shelves for up to 30 hours a week for 8 weeks, and who face sanctions i.e. having their benefits cut in certain circumstances, while on the scheme.

It is also a direct attack on Superdrug workers and other workers - replacing paid jobs, holiday pay & ending temporary posts for students and others who rely on this type of work.

The same number of people will be doing the same amount of work – but thanks to Workfare, Superdrug can replace paid workers with unpaid ones. Once again, the lies of the Government and businesses, claiming that Workfare is a way to help people back into work, are exposed. The exact opposite is true - Workfare is a job destruction scheme.

We call on Superdrug to end this exploitation and withdraw immediately from all Workfare programmes - any workers now working unpaid should be hired straight away.

The best way to end the iniquity of Workfare is to directly affect the profits of the companies exploiting it - we have shown that this works with other companies such as Holland & Barret

- join us doing the same to Superdrug!

Until Superdrug gives in, help us in fighting this attack on all workers’ terms and conditions -

Don't Shop At Superdrug.

This picket is part of a 'Boycott Workfare' National Week Of Action. They have information on other High Street stores that use Workfare on their website: www.boycottworkfare.org/

A guide to all Workfare Schemes and advice on how to avoid them can be found here:

www.solfed.org.uk/

Organised by the Crutch Collective - Claimants Resisting Unfair Treatment, Cuts and Harassment – thecrutchcollective@gmail.com www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Crutch-Collective

www.thecrutchcollective.blogspot.co.uk

& the Scottish Unemployed Workers Network - c/o seanpc76@googlemail.com

Backed by Clydeside Industrial Workers Of The World – clydeside@iww.org.uk www.iwwscotland.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Clydeside-IWW/216550781713688

Glasgow Right to Work Campaign - www.facebook.com/groups/119156394809034/

Glasgow Solidarity Federation – glasgow@solfed.org.uk www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Glasgow-Solidarity-Federation/237568036376381 www.solfed.org.uk/?q=local/glasgow
Unite the Union Community Branch – c/o Jack Ferguson, Unite Scotland Community Coordinator 07711 376562.

Boycott Workfare Actions Glasgow Saturday 23rd March 11am

 Meet Front Entrance St Enoch Subway Station, St Enoch Square, G1 4BW

1^st Action, Superdrug, 66 Arygle Street, G2 8AG

2^nd Action, 12 noon, British Heart Foundation, 10 Union Street, G1 3QX

Organised by the Crutch Collective and the Scottish Unemployed Workers Network.

Backed by Unite the Union Community Branch, Right to Work, Clydeside IWW and Glasgow Solidarity Federation.

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/events/164977433649794/

Edinburgh Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/events/429023800520044/

The Co-Op Ditch Atos Recap

http://johnnyvoid.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/co-op-ditch-atos-keep-up-the-pressure-it-works/

We didn't think it was a co-incidence that the Co-Op made their statement 3 days before a communications blockade and pickets. Thanks to the individuals and organisations that invited 3200 to the communications blocakde, the 400 who signed up to take part and the dozens who were planning to take part in the pickets. Thanks also to the individuals and organisations who contacted the Co-Op over the months.

the crutch collective