Nottingham charity involved in workfare
Published:
May 07, 2013 07:28
by Nottingham Indymedia |
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Notts Indymedia
The Nottingham homelessness charity, Framework, has admitted that it is involved in the Work Programme. This is one of the schemes known collectively as workfare, where unemployed people are forced to do unpaid work or face losing their benefits. Under pressure from anti-workfare activists, Framework announced that “we are one of the organisations who participate in delivering the work programme”. Campaigners from Nottingham Against Workfare delivered a letter to Chief Executive Andrew Redfern, encouraging him to withdraw from the work programme. Local activists also called on supporters to campaign on the organisation’s social media pages.
Newswire: Opposing charity involvement in Workfare | Take action to stop Framework using workfare | Framework uses Workfare
Framework claims that it “changes and saves lives by preventing homelessness, stopping rough sleeping and providing new opportunities.” However, some of those participating in the social media action highlighted the links between workfare and homelessness, pointing out that Shelter have refused to be involved in the Work Programme for that very reason.
Mikhail Goldman, commenting on Framework’s Facebook page, said “Framework should be supporting people in need, not disciplining and exploiting them.” Martin P Foster commented “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.” Bennet Kingston noted “Paid work gives people a sense of self respect and worth, however being forced to do unpaid work has exactly the opposite effect on most people making them feel worthless.”
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The Work Programme
In the last few days this page has been targeted by a number of individuals who are opposed to the Government’s Work Programme, and feel that Framework should not be participating in it. It is clearly for the organisation itself to decide on the activities that it undertakes, while respecting the views of people who would prefer it to make different choices.
Framework has a long-standing commitment to provide a range of services for homeless and vulnerable people, the aim being to help them establish sustainable lives, fulfil their aspirations and make a contribution to the community. It is this commitment that drives the Board in the decisions that it makes.
The Work Programme, introduced in July 2011, offers personalised support and work placements to people who have been unemployed for a long time. It was preceded by a number of other welfare to work and related initiatives to tackle poverty and social exclusion. Framework does not decide who is eligible for these programmes nor does it make the rules on how they interact with the benefit system – any more than it can determine who receives social housing or community care. The challenge for us is to secure the best possible outcomes for vulnerable people within the parameters that are set for us.
Framework is one of many charities and voluntary organisations that are currently engaged in delivering the Work Programme. This reflects the view of the Board and Senior Management Team that our involvement is in the best interests of some of the people that we exist to serve. It does not mean that we agree with every detail of how the programme is designed.
Since August 2011 we have assisted more than 2,000 people on the Work Programme. To date neither our Client Commission nor the Service User Advisory Group have expressed any reservations about the way we are working with them. If there are any concrete examples of individuals being adversely affected we are happy to investigate them and see whether there is anything that can be done to assist.
We are currently delivering the Work Programme as a subcontractor in Newark and Bassetlaw and for the reasons given above, have no plans to withdraw from this arrangement. So far, the cost of the activity has exceeded the income we have received from the sub-contracts. This may change over time but the motivation for our involvement is not a financial one. The Work Programme is simply one of a number of tools we use to help people build sustainable and independent lives. It is complemented by structured training, volunteering and paid work opportunities in our social enterprises whose purpose is not to make money but to help people work towards sustainable employment.
Our continued involvement in the Work Programme will depend on its effectiveness in supporting our overall aims and whether it remains a viable activity taking account of other financial commitments. These and other strategic decisions will be taken inside rather than outside the organisation.
The people who have made these comments are, of course, entitled to their opinions. For that reason we will not be removing their posts unless they contain abuse, profanity or swearing.
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