Location
The Solidarity Federation (the UK section of the International Workers Association) is launching days of action
against the governments controversial Workfare scheme.
In Newcastle members of the Solidarity Federation are concentrating on health food chain Holland and Barrett,
who are to benefit hugely from the scheme.
Holland and Barrett are set to become the biggest exploiters of unpaid labour with plans to take on
thousands of work placements under the Tory Governments controversial workfare scheme. With
over 1000 workfare placements mooted, this amounts to 1 in 4 staff in Holland and Barrett drawn from
the unemployed, forced to work for nothing to retain their meagre benefits.
The government claims that Workfare provides people with valuable workplace experience that will make it much easier for
them to find permanent employment. But this is just lies. Even the governments own research found that Workfare schemes made it
harder not easier for jobseekers to find work.
A UK Government study into Workfare in the USA, Canada and Australia found that Workfare can reduce employment chances by limiting
the time available for job search and by failing to provide the skills and experience valued by employers. The same study also found that
Workfare is particularly ineffective at leading to work during periods of high unemployment.
SF members are asking others to join them on a demonstration outside the H&B store on the Bigg Market on Saturday 31st of March.
from 2pm to 5pm