Dear USDAW executive,

I am writing to you about the Mandatory Work Programme and Work Experience schemes that have been in the news which both include making the unemployed work for their dole. Many of the companies taking part are in the retail sector, including companies such as Tesco, Primark and Boots.

While I welcome the union opposing the forced nature of these schemes, demanding that such ‘experience’ pays the rate for the job and discussions with companies our union has agreements with about their involvement, this unfortunately will not be enough. Although Tesco and other companies have pulled out, without an active campaign to organise our members against this threat they and the Tories could try again later on.

We need to produce information for our union’s activists on why this is a threat, as well as linking up with others such as Unemployed Workers Centres and Youth Fight for Jobs to develop a mass campaign. This should include supporting protests outside stores taking part in these schemes.

Yours,
Robbie Segal
USDAW EC member

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