Unemployment Mandatory work scheme does not improve job chances

tom_e · 13 Jun 2012 at 22:13

evanswolves82 said:
MWA is a pain in the **** i was meant to go on it but my JCP Advisor was a complete useless ***** as was the cmpany sorting it out, but things changed at home so i had to sign off...
What they should do to the long term unemployed (yes iam one of them*) instead of forcing them to do 30 hours a week unpaid, is to make them work off their JSA at minimum wage, so 11 hours a week while they're on this silly ass course, it gives them the same experience, plus your not made to feel like a total slave...
Just my opinion of course

Useless ***** seems to be the general impression I got from most of the staff I've spoken to at molineux house, my advisor had a habit of asking me if there's anything else I feel they could do to help me find a job. When I said I was unsure and asked what kind of help they can offer it was basically met with a blank stare.
In the end I managed to get myself a nice little IT job without their help.

estebanrey · 13 Jun 2012 at 22:14

Grauniad in blasting scheme it's never liked before it's been running long enough to judge either way shocker.

Joshct · 13 Jun 2012 at 22:26

Before reading my post i should tell you i've not read the OP link, i'm basing this on other similar stories and my own experience, feel free to ignore me.

Also note i think it's completely a waste of time to argue on these points, it will always be a subjective viewpoint, and they cannot be categorized, they change on individual situations (Some people cant get work, others don't try, the same judgement shouldn't be labelled on both due to being on benefits).

Ok basically i was unemployed for about 6 months, i was on JSA for about 3 of those, this was due to 1. Not being offered a single job (mainly) and 2. Looking for a job specifically in IT (I applied for others, supermarkets / pubs / shops wherever, but never heard anything).
During that time i had about 5 interviews, the 5th being the one i finally got the job for (Temporary contract thats been extended, fingers crossed for permanent), at the other 4 i was told by each that they couldn't employ me without any experience, anywhere, it didn't need to be IT, just"I worked here from X till Y for Z hours a week", if i'd had that i'd of likely got a job sooner. I base this on the fact that 2 of those previous 4 said i interviewed the best of the candidates.
If i'd had a temporary job from the job center it would have improved my chances, given me something to talk about, and so on that side im all for it.

However, i've seen plenty of articles that it's not a temporary work experience, it's a slave labour for major companies, people doing 40 hour shifts with no supervision, basically stacking shelves or similar, in this case it's useless. I've also seen reports of threats of loss of benefits if they didn't attend, how is that useful to them?

(Realized my point has been lost so to sum up

The scheme is a really good idea, if it was executed correctly it would be of great help to those ACTIVELY looking for work. The people who're just on benefits and don't want a job will never get anything out of it, and probably not do it anyway.
However, the scheme is corrupt, especially with young people, they're sent off to work full time via threats of loss of benefits, it doesn't help them get a job in any way, if there was a job at the end of it it would be amazing but no...

/rambling over. I realise my post holds little value but im tired and i don't want to delete it

cheets64 · 13 Jun 2012 at 22:39

Remember when dave said

evanswolves82 · 13 Jun 2012 at 23:01

tom_e said:
Useless ***** seems to be the general impression I got from most of the staff I've spoken to at molineux house, my advisor had a habit of asking me if there's anything else I feel they could do to help me find a job. When I said I was unsure and asked what kind of help they can offer it was basically met with a blank stare.
In the end I managed to get myself a nice little IT job without their help.

Chapel Court is the Job Center i go to, dont think my advisor liked me, talked to me like i was something she had stepped, talked down to me, told me next time i came to see her i was to make an effort with my appearance (clothes wise) she was lucky iam like iam because others wouldve had a go at her there and then for far less. We're meant to treat them right, with respect and all that and its only right they do the same, was going to go through the complaint procedure, but dad had a stroke so had to sign off

Dolph · 13 Jun 2012 at 23:03

Once again, I raise the idea of universal entitlements coupled with tax offsetting to solve this problem once and for all. That way everyone will always be better off working, but those who don't aren't getting anything that others don't get one way or another.

arknor · 13 Jun 2012 at 23:23

Eeeeeethan said:
It's not voluntary.

i thought they changed it recently so its now voluntary?

evanswolves82 · 13 Jun 2012 at 23:33

Work programme for the under 25s its voluntary but if you dont accept it you could be put on mwa or something like that, for 25+ MWA is mandatory if your advisor thinks it will be of any use to you

arknor · 13 Jun 2012 at 23:39

either way when i did it around the age of 19 it was made out that my benefits could stop entirely if i didnt do it and i had been only signing on for around 3 months at the time.

i worked 9 till 3 in a boots warehouse 3 days a week
2 days a week was studying for some nvq

i spent about 2/10 of my JSA on travel expenses.
had to fight tooth and nail to get the travel costs refunded which i shouldnt have.

and it was a living hell trying to find the time to meet my JSA requirements of looking for work with very little money and time.

Philtor · 13 Jun 2012 at 23:41

Im thinking of becoming a Child minder. In light of David Cameron's antics I would say it's a good line of work to be in guys

Yosiah · 14 Jun 2012 at 02:51

philtor said:
Im thinking of becoming a Child minder. In light of David Cameron's antics I would say it's a good line of work to be in guys

StriderX · 14 Jun 2012 at 02:58

Yosiah said:

CREATIVE!11 · 14 Jun 2012 at 06:39

I've been unemployed since I moved near on 8 months, keep trying though, work programme is a joke. It seriously sickens me, just run by ******* scumbag disgusting human beings too.

You'd understand what I mean if you had to go in where they try force you into unpaid work and get a nice commission if they "find you work" Reality is they have done **** all for me.... literally no help what so ever.

Told me to rewrite my CV when I sent my CV off too a couple of recruitment agency friends they said my CV was immaculate. :rolleyes:

I've just been unlucky thus far I think but ingeus just keep spouting bull.

hurfdurf · 14 Jun 2012 at 06:59

CaptainRAVE · 14 Jun 2012 at 07:03

Gives them something to do.

FabienO · 14 Jun 2012 at 07:36

Out of curiosity, how many of you guys claiming JSA have tried or are doing voluntary work? At a charity shop or anywhere. For the work experience that is.

When I was looking for web development jobs I was just about to start asking companies if I could work for free before I luckily landed a role. Great way to get experience. Only has to be once a week or something.

Mr Jack · 14 Jun 2012 at 08:58

Dolph said:
Once again, I raise the idea of universal entitlements coupled with tax offsetting to solve this problem once and for all. That way everyone will always be better off working, but those who don't aren't getting anything that others don't get one way or another.

And, once again, you ignore the 'small' problem that the numbers simply don't add up on your proposal. I'd dig out the numbers again but there seems little point since you fail to address them everytime.

Calabi · 14 Jun 2012 at 10:00

Dolph said:
Once again, I raise the idea of universal entitlements coupled with tax offsetting to solve this problem once and for all. That way everyone will always be better off working, but those who don't aren't getting anything that others don't get one way or another.

That sounds suspicously like a citizens income isnt that totally socialist?

RDM · 14 Jun 2012 at 10:03

Calabi said:
That sounds suspicously like a citizens income isnt that totally socialist?

Not totally as it it also allows you to earn as much as you like on top of it. In theory it is a nice idea, I am just not really sure that the figures will add up. It also relies on people taking responsibility for themselves to a greater degree than we have now and then there is the whole "law of unintended consequences" as we have no real idea how the economy as a whole would react to such a radical change in government taxation and spending.

Calabi · 14 Jun 2012 at 10:26

RDM said:
Not totally as it it also allows you to earn as much as you like on top of it. In theory it is a nice idea, I am just not really sure that the figures will add up. It also relies on people taking responsibility for themselves to a greater degree than we have now and then there is the whole "law of unintended consequences" as we have no real idea how the economy as a whole would react to such a radical change in government taxation and spending.

No, I think it would be a good idea, just surprised Dolph suggested it. You cant avoid society, I mean we are totally dependant on it and each other, something like this would make that clearer.

They've had this project in Australia, where they actually help and look after the homeless, and it turns out it actually works and saves the goverment money. Who would have thought helping people works. Having the threats of homelessness and destitution, and forcing people to work, does not work. Just makes them hate society.