Take action to stop Framework using workfare
Published:
May 04, 2013 18:26
by Against Workfare |
Neighbourhoods:
Framework the Nottingham based charity that exists to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness has got itself involved in the workfare programme. Workfare is the name given to various government programmes that force benefit claimants to work full-time jobs just to get their dole money.
On Sunday 5th May we'll be raising the issue on their Facebook page and Twitter feed. We ask that you join us.
1) Ask Framework to end their involvement in the workfare programme.
2) Explain to them that the Workfare programme is exploiting the very people that they proclaim to be supporting.
3) Share this information with as many people as you can.
4) Get in contact with us and join forces in stopping Framework's
exploitation.
Framework's involvement in workfare
This is the text of a leaflet delivered to Framework bosses by anti-workfare campaigners:
Dear Andrew Redfern,
We are writing in order to express our sadness that your organisation is participating in the Work Programme. As we're sure you know, the Work Programme is both this government's and its predecessor's attempt to penalise poor and working class people for the failures of the current economic system.
We know that Framework has a Training and Employment side called EVE Works, which delivers the work programme as a subcontractor to A4e in Nottingham as well as the county. Secondly, Framework set up a wholly owned CIC (community interest company) called EVE Trades to deliver/manage its social enterprise activities. This is the side where mandatory work activity is used in the businesses, referring to participants as "volunteers", despite the fact that they are obliged to participate or risk losing their benefits. The manager of both parts is Claire Eden and she is based at 36 Bentinck Road. We know that the Paint It project organised apprenticeships for six of your service users, enabling them to gain valuable experience and qualifications, whilst helping financially sustain Framework. We know that you have now ended these apprenticeships and use the government's workfare programme in order to provide yourselves with free labour. There can be up to 10 people at a time forced to undertake this for a 4 week period. This we feel is a grievous error, but one you could remedy quickly and without drawing attention to your participation in workfare, simply by choosing not to participate in the Work Programme.
As we are aware of the considerable work you do which benefits those struggling to survive in this system, and also of your reliance on the public perception of Framework as a charitable and socially positive organisation, we felt it was only fair to inform you of our intentions. We have decided to hold a demonstration outside your main offices on Gregory Boulevard at the end of the month, and we will be inviting the local press along to cover the demonstration as we feel it would make an interesting story. Following this demonstration we will build a campaign aimed at highlighting your participation in Workfare. We do this in solidarity with all those who are being forced into unpaid work by both this government and its predecessors.
Sincerely,
Notts Against Workfare
Contact email: Nottsagainstworkfare AT riseup.net
Comments
Framework Confirm their use of Workfare
Published: May 06, 2013 12:15
by
Unsuprised
<blockquote><p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/karlt0">karlt0</a> @<a href="https://twitter.com/ncclols">ncclols</a> Hi there. Yes we are one of the organisations who participate in delivering the work programme. Let's talk about it..</p>— Framework (@Framework_HA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Framework_HA/status/330559888235315200">May 4, 2013</a></blockquote>
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some discussion from their page
Andy Platt Why are you using workfare? It is forced labour and results in people losing their benefits.
@NCCLols I'm not able to answer that specific question at the moment Andy, but I will endeavour to find out more information for you.
Mikhail Goldman Very disappointed to hear that Framework are involved in workfare - forced labour for job seekers. Framework should be supporting people in need, not disciplining and exploiting them. I would like to see an end to Framework's involvement in the Work Programme and I will be spreading the word about the situation until I hear that the organisation has pulled out.
20 hours ago · Like · 2
Martin P Foster Framework, as you know Workfare is NOT fair, it is the exploitation of those needing real help, Workfare does not help people find paid employment, of the 100,000 people put through this scheme by the DWP this year alone 96,300 will not gain paid employment at the end of it. In a recent article in the Telegraph it was shown that the long term unemployed are more than twice as likely to gain paid employment by NOT participating in the Workfare program, showing that not only is it an exploitative scheme but it also hinders a job hunters prospects as they are to busy being made to work for free than actually getting out their to find and apply for real jobs, it delivers no qualifications and for each hour a person is working under this exploitative scheme they are having an hours wage stolen from them.
The unemployed are not third class citizens of our country, so please do not treat them as if they are your chattel.
I will be spreading the word of what type of organisation you really are and what find acceptable...
Workfare is NOT acceptable, using a human for free labour never has been and never will be...
Shame on you, shame on your organisation.
Taking advantage of a recession and using the policies of a right wing government is not something people expect, nor will people accept it...
The word is spreading...
19 hours ago via mobile · Like
Framework Official Site Hi, Yes Framework do operate some services to support job seekers back into employment. And like all Framework services, the people accessing support are treated with fairness and respect. This is not just a bland statement; the ethos here at Framework is to treat everyone as an individual and offer tailored support to help people achieve their potential. Our commitment to supporting vulnerable clients in a sensitive and understanding way is something we will not compromise on.
And, I would encourage anyone who feels we have not treated them in a fair, balanced and supportive way to consider making a complaint. I can assure anyone in this position that it will be investigated scrupulously.
15 hours ago · Like
Martin P Foster That is rubbish Framework, your statement is more than bland, it is condescending as well.
Workfare does not help people back into work, as you know, of the 100,000 people put through Workfare, 96,300 will NOT gain paid employment from it, you are exploiting the unemployed for free labour and your own greed.
Having somebody in a position where they have to work for you is not showing them respect, it is exploiting them.
Do not expect people to be duped by your 'carefully' worded statement, it does not wash with myself, it will not wash with others.
I will personally be spreading the word to others to make sure they know you are an actively and knowingly an exploitative organisation.
The figures above are the governments own findings so do not even try to deny them, do not try an pretend or make out you are trying to help the unemployed.
Some parts of Workfare where introduced illegally, the high court stated that.
You are just another unscrupulous organisation which is failing the people of Britain.
Shame on you...
15 hours ago via mobile · Like
Unite Community Sheffield
Hello, we're a bit confused about something, and wondered if you could clear it up for us: if you're meant to be against homelessness, then why are you taking part in the Work Programme, a scheme which leads to people having their benefits cut off and put at greatly increased risk of homelessness? Shelter have decided not to participate: http://england.shelter.org.uk/news/previous_years/2012/february_2012/shelter_statement_on_work_programme Are you not a bit worried that people will end up thinking of you as being like Shelter, only much, much shadier?
http://www.facebook.com/frameworkcharity