“Thanks mamt35 for the link to the article - very enlightening but also very alarming. The problem I fear is that most people read the articles - online and in print in the publications that reinforce their views so probably won't change their own opinions.
Having said that, the article you linked to has certainly made me think I should be more informed about exactly what is going on.
And I would like to know if this week's jobless figures included all the young people we are told are working unpaid in the private sector at places like Tesco? http://tinyurl.com/84s8as6”

“I can actually talk from personal experience (well my partner) jsa is replaced by 'training allowance' during the time that you are on the work scheme. you are not counted in the unemployment figures,i think that may account for the rise and fall from month to month. there are far more unemployed then the figures suggest for other reasons. The first time me and my partner were made redundant (we both worked for the same hotel, thats where we met) I was 6 days overdue with my son (i was called on the telephone to go into work to hear the news). We had some savings, and our employer had to continue paying me maternity therfore we couldnt claim jsa. Luckily my partner found a job before this ended. Then we had our daughter and my partner a few months later was made redundant again from the railways. This time we had no savings, so were entitled to the benefits. We struggled, and soon afterwards it became clear that our son was disabled, and that my hope to return to work aswell wouldnt be an option. My partner went on several of these work schemes in the hope that he would get employed (they are voluntary up until 12 months unemployed) but was exploited terribly by being made to work unsociable hours, and sundays, so that other staff could have time off. But when he tried to back out he was told our benefits would stop. He worked really hard but no job not even an interview at the end of each one. Luckily he has a job now, but it was a terrible time. i wouldnt wish it on anyone.”

“I have been in this country for 2.5 years, so please excuse me if I misinterpret this system as I have never been out of work here. After reading the article you posted in the introduction to this thread, I understood it to mean people who are claiming benefits are forced to do work for other organisations, in exchange for their benefits payments. Am I missing something; where is the problem with this idea? Doesn't it make the claimants have to give something back (time and labour) for the money they receive?

In theory I think this is a great system. What I do not understand is who is made to go on it. It clearly isn't everyone on the dole.”

“@AllstarLEI - I think what you are referring to is a policy of this government and only applies to those unemployed for 12+ months. In principle, it could be a good idea if the individual was doing something that benefited the community, and still had time to look for work, to go interviews etc. But the concern about the policy would be that these people could be exploited, or that they could take proper jobs and be used as cheap labour. If you have seen the recent story where Tescos advertised a job as "JSA + expenses", this seemed to be the issue that concerned people: exploitation and doing a job that someone should be getting paid properly for, not to mention subsidising Tesco at the tax payers expense.

I think these schemes, where there is no actual training involved which has a cost attached, should be paid at the minimum wage. So if you get £56 a week jsa, then you work approx 9 hours a week doing something for the community. That way, nobody is being exploited and nobody is getting something for nothing either.”

“Thanks for explaining that Martin_LE3. Yes, I can see where the issues lie . I still think it's a good idea that people who are on long-term unemployment are made to do something for their money, but I can see the problem with having them working for private companies without getting paid market rates. I would think perhaps they should be made to work for local charities or not-for-profit organisations as that would benefits all parties.”

“Its after 13 weeks, at that point it is voluntary, but they do tell you that it wouldnt look good if you refuse. Once you sign you cant back out. My partner says it wasnt a very nice experience, especially if your older, it can be demorilising enough when you are made redundant, then having to work alongside those on full-pay. The article makes it sound like its just youngsters, but its not, its anyone over 18. After 6 months its mandatory but only for some, then after 12 months the wks increase to 3-6 months i believe

I think one of the main problems is that companies are given the opportunity to have workers for free. There were quite a few there at the same time as my partner (8 or 9) none of them were offered a job at the end of it. the other thing is it gives a false account of unemployment figures as you are no longer figuring in them.”

“Please see http://tinyurl.com/6rlkjcn and read real life examples from people exploited by this scheme and then we will see if coments by biggots like ALLStarLEI. And Yes you can back out see the 1 week cooling off period at the link above, something the DWP staff fail to mention to the people they are trying to force onto this scheme. Please if you disagree with it you can also sign the epetition to get the scheme stopped. Read the above link and then tell me if you agree??”

“The rich exploiting the poor? Never........”