Age UK: still using workfare
Supposedly, Age UK pulled out of workfare
in December. However, since then we have had a number of reports from people
doing Mandatory Work Activity at Age UK East Sussex in oppressive conditions at
their Newhaven warehouse. We have been told they take on about 15 placements
every week! With about 10 of these being bullied off or dropping out due to the
nature of the placements over the 4 weeks. These people are likely to have then
had their benefits stopped for at least 3 months as a result of Age UK East
Sussex. On top of this it appears there are issues with health and safety and
reports of people being injured from the work and then told not to come
back.
Here is what someone who has been at Age UK East
Sussex had to say:
“Abuse of workfare placements at Age UK East
Sussex continues. AGEUKES is a charity in financial trouble according to the
accounts that are published on their website. The money losses are down
to mis-management. Paid staff have been laid off and the use of zero hours
contracts and placements is being increased to save money.
Placements are promised a structured program to
learn skills but are just used as general dogs bodies. They are sent out to
deliver leaflets and put up signs in the street. They are sent out on vans to do
manual lifting. Activities which are not covered by either the charity or
Pinnacle’s insurance. People are bullied into doing jobs that are demeaning. The
paid staff were not expected to do some of the things Pinnacle people have to
do. Example: sorting rubbish with no proper personal protective
equipment.”
The welfare-to-work company organising the
workfare placements at Age UK is Pinnacle
People: Age UK East Sussex’s Commercial Director Richard Scott-Clark is the
person arguing in favour of Age UK’s involvement with them in East
Sussex. He opposed trustees when they wanted to end the workfare
placements.
If you want to show your anger at how Age UK East
Sussex have been treating claimants and staff they can be contacted here
Or alternatively just contact Age UK:
Tweet them here
