Worklessness: terms & conditions Report

This paper is both timely and encouraging, having been produced at a time of great activity within the area of worklessness. It is the first attempt by the Third Sector Assembly in Birmingham to bring together organizations to reflect upon a current policy item. The resulting perspective from the Third sector should inform the priorities of Birmingham City Council and other statutory agencies responsible for employment and training. However, it is neither exhaustive nor definitive, rather a point from which debate about solutions can begin.

Nevertheless, one clear message came out of the two sessions: a challenge to the usefulness of identifying groups of individuals within a community as being 'workless' and participants felt that, for the hardest to reach grouping in society, encouraging activity in their own community grows their confidence and self-esteem. Undertaken within a supportive environment, such activity ultimately brings rewards that any levels of benefit punishment and sanction cannot.

The emphasis on 'paid work' fails to reach those for whom paid work is not an option, but who still have things they can contribute to their communities.  Ultimately, some of the hardest to reach are further alienated and isolated by asking things of them that they are not yet able to deliver. Consequently, families are forced into poverty and all the long-term damage that it entails.

 Becoming more active in your community serves the Government agenda for increased participation and could be used as a 'credit system' so that people are able to demonstrate they are not in the 'worklessness' category, but more simply, not in the 'paid work category.'

Download this report below.