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