Work experience firms meet minister

Feb 29 2012

Employment Minister Chris Grayling is due to hold talks with a number of firms who have offered placements to jobless youngsters as part of a controversial work experience scheme.

The meeting with Mr Grayling is aimed at giving employers a chance to discuss any concerns and clear up "confusion" over the scheme.

The Government has been accused of "imposing" unpaid work placements on the unemployed and some firms have called on the Government to remove the threat of benefit sanctions against people who do not complete their placement.

Campaigners against the scheme - started a year ago - have launched a series of demonstrations in recent weeks against firms involved in the scheme, including supermarket giant Tesco and restaurant chain McDonald's.

Law firm DBS, named in a recent Sunday Times top 100 firms to work for, criticised the Government for "imposing" work placements on jobless people, and of planning to water down employment rights.

Managing director Rob Bhol said: "We are worried that many companies will be taking a lead from the Government and relying on the economic situation to retain staff and increase productivity through fear and insecurity. This short-term view is being encouraged by the Government's plan to weaken job protection laws."

Young people's charity Barnardo's warned that sanctions for those who fail to complete a work experience programme are too "punitive".

Barnardo's chief executive Anne Marie Carrie said: "Barnardo's believes this scheme gives a real opportunity to young people who are from some of the most disadvantaged backgrounds and who may have grown up in a workless household.

"However, the ways in which sanctions currently operate are punitive for a scheme that is voluntary. If organisations continue to withdraw from the scheme rather than making it work, there is a danger of losing a lifeline for the most vulnerable."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: "The work experience programme is voluntary. We are offering young jobseekers the opportunity to get invaluable work experience which plays a vital part in helping people get into the jobs market. We welcome the fact that a number of Britain's biggest employers are giving young people a chance to sample life in the workplace and they should be applauded for it."