[Vicky.]

So..it turns out workfare IS replacing actual jobs. Most of us knew this already, its just basic common sense...offer an employer free staff, they will take advantage.

Instead of just copying the links and such...

Originally Posted by Diaz

Homebase poster here: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/wp-co...e-workfare.jpg

This poster, leaked yesterday from Haringey Homebase, shows exactly how employers view workfare: an easy way to cut the wages bill. Homebase claim “We ensure they work alongside, not replace, paid colleagues”, but a staff member has told us that since tens of workfare placements were brought in, overtime has been cut for everyone. Some people’s hours have been cut from 48 down to 8 – far below the threshold for Working Tax Credits – because that is all they are contracted for.

It turns out 750 hours with no payroll costs – the figure for just one week in just one of Homebase’s 342 stores – does have a massive impact on the paid work available. Apparently it’s an effect that is popular with the regional manager, who we’ve heard has been trying to get all Homebase stores in her region to use workfare, and has been suspending or moving managers who don’t.

Full article here:

http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=2404

Guardian article also:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2...erience-claims

Contact Homebase:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/homebase
On Twitter: Tweet to @homebase_uk
By email: order.enquiries@homebase.co.uk or info@homebase.co.uk or enquiries@homebase.co.uk
By phone: 0845 077 8888 or 0845 601 6911

Or contact the company they are owned by: http://www.homeretailgroup.com/contact-us/

Since this came out...homebase have had this to say

https://twitter.com/Homebase_uk/stat...06478882562048

[arista]

Is this Policy Dead now?

[Vicky.]

Unfortunately not. Its still being used.

[Kizzy]

I don't understand what is happening here... is this employer exploiting the workfare system? or do the government know that this practice happens and are turning a blind eye. If they are why, of what benefit is it to keep people on the dole not earning the means to pay direct or indirect taxes?

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Kizzy

I don't understand what is happening here... is this employer exploiting the workfare system? or do the government know that this practice happens and are turning a blind eye. If they are why, of what benefit is it to keep people on the dole not earning the means to pay direct or indirect taxes?

I have absolutely no idea.

Apparently the dwp pay the companies 2k or so to take on the workfare people in the first place too :S