Employment confusion

[andrewducker]

When I was unemployed for about 18 months back in 1994-95 (just after graduating), I was sent on a few training courses, and put into unpaid work placements. Is this actually different to what's currently being proposed?

I'm not trying to snark - I'm actively confused as to whether this is in any way a new thing.

Comments

[marrog.livejournal.com]

If they're promising me 30 hours a week work at minimum-wage painting park benches I'd grab it with both hands as that's £178.00 a week, a lot better than the £63.50 a week JSA I'm currently receiving. I'd lose a chunk of Housing Benefit but I'd more than make up for it with the extra dosh.

If they intend (as the "put the slackers to work" sound bite carefully doesn't mention) to make me work for thirty hours and only give me the current amount of the weekly JSA then that's another matter and I suspect it would fall foul of European laws on work and remuneration (and possibly Wilberforce's laws against slavery).

This is my concern exactly.