Unemployed march against 'oppressive' benefits rules
JOBSEEKERS in Derby took to the streets yesterday to highlight the often impossible task they face of meeting tough rules to qualify for benefits.
More than 50 people marched from the Job Education Training (JET) centre in Normanton Road to the Jobcentre Plus office, at the opposite end of Normanton, yesterday afternoon.
-
More than 50 people took part in the march in Derby yesterday.
The protest was organised by the Derby Unemployed and Claimants Group, which was set up by Derby Trades Council to campaign for those out of work.
Secretary Keith Venables said: "We are marching to Job Centre Plus with claimants who have been set tasks they cannot complete. The tasks require high-level language, literacy and computer skills they haven't got, and if they don't get the tasks done, their benefits are stopped."
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Many of those on the march were from Eastern Europe.
Mr Venables said: "A lot of people don't have computers, their only means of access to computers is via libraries or other publicly-available internet access, without which they are unable to carry out the set tasks.
"Of course, over the Christmas period, these public access areas are closed, preventing claimants from completing their tasks and, as such, they've been told they will lose their benefit."
The protesters presented a letter to Jobcentre Plus calling for change.
Mohammed Sharief, executive director of JET, which offers help to people looking for work, said he was "appalled by the oppressive measures that are being imposed" on the unemployed.
He added: "JET feels that such box-ticking, standardised measurements are often futile and counter-productive. They do nothing to recognise people's differing situations and potential. They simply demoralise the genuine jobseeker and are likely to have little effect on anyone who may be reluctant to find work."
During a workshop at JET yesterday, one man revealed the hoops through which he was required to jump to receive his benefits. Josef Sana, aged 52 with a child under 16, said he was required to carry out 52 job searches in a fortnight to continue claiming his Jobseekers' Allowance.
Mr Venables said: "There aren't many jobs and pathways to training are limited. Support agencies like JET that enable claimants to seek for jobs and do their tasks are under-funded and at breaking point."
Comments
by Lampie87
Monday, January 21 2013, 8:39PM
“That day on the streets could of been spent looking for a job could it not? You don't NEED a computer and you don't NEED the internet to find a job. Its called a pen and paper and I don't know those two things called feet you walk on?!”
by OllyB1
Friday, December 21 2012, 1:58AM
“They're not 'job seekers' they're 'benefit seekers' send 'em packing”
by canykl
Friday, December 21 2012, 12:21AM
“Yes their benfits should be stopped..they shouldnt of got them in the first place and Mr Venables said: "A lot of people don't have computers''. Yes but a lot more do have some form of internet and another thing.. yes they do need to make an effort in speaking our language. you wouldnt go to another non english speaking country expecting to walk into any job, you need to learn their language just like here.”
by RockofAges
Thursday, December 20 2012, 11:34PM
“Oh, and keep those red arrows coming! It's most amusing to see how you and others who post on here spout such misinformed rubbish, whilst being completely shafted by this and previous governments.”
by RockofAges
Thursday, December 20 2012, 11:30PM
“The "Business man" (Ha ha!) who spends too much time on line and not enough working wrote:
Scrounging freeloading parasites. Time to kick them out, AND to sort out the "bad back" scroungers of our own. I'm sick ofr paying taxes to keep these vermin."
Well said Sir! You have just described this Government and its rich corporate buddies who are shafting you and everyone else in this country!”
by Marcus_oNE
Thursday, December 20 2012, 10:45PM
“This is all instigated by JET...this is not about getting people into work this is about getting that organisation funding so it can keep running its little empire!
Most of the 'marchers' are migrants on benefits anyway.. They have no intention of working!”
by make_redgreen
Thursday, December 20 2012, 9:53PM
“A bit of perspective, while not defending these wasters is needed.
The bank(ers) have been bailed out to the tune of £325bn over the last 4 years, somewhat higher than the benefit bill. Please remember people to look above you still when apportioning blame and hatred rather than below you (if people with all the free time they like that you're paying for can be classed as being 'beneath' a worker - I myself get confused sometimes at these definitions, but don't forget who makes the rules (those above, well above, 'us').
I'm not sure how long we can keep selling Sterling on the bond markets, but I'd say we're still a lot more civilized than many countries and even though they are buying nothing more than inflated land prices it seems it's a gamble worth taking. The jobs aren't there and never will be I'm not sure what the endgame will be of this whole global sorry mess, but it won't be pretty.”
by appraiser
Thursday, December 20 2012, 9:45PM
“"Something smells fishy here" this seems to be instigated by JET , only last month they were in the paper complaining about lack of funds. Here barmyburke let's shut down JET and have an agency in Derby that can really get people of Derby some real Jobs, Education and Training.”
by Jackknife
Thursday, December 20 2012, 7:47PM
“To be fair - if it wasn't for these Eastern Europeans my car would be filthy......LOL”
by barmyburke
Thursday, December 20 2012, 7:23PM
“Define protest. Objecting to being denied something that you think you are entitled to. So they came here solely for the benefits. Say no more.”