Would you apply for a job that you morally disagree with in my situation?

[Beezknees]

Was made redundant not long ago. I'm a single mum, living in rented accommodation. Don't have a huge amount of savings and I'm now having to claim full UC and JSA. DS is 15 so childcare is not an issue, I'm applying for anything and everything that's suitable as I really don't want to be out of work for long. I've got no qualifications or specialist knowledge, I was a lone parent by 18 and have always worked whatever fit around DS, so I can't really afford to be fussy and the market is tough right now.

I have my CV up on various job sites and had a message from somebody who likes my CV and has invited me to apply for a job. The money is probably better than anything I'd get elsewhere but I'm not sure if I could do a job where I morally disagree with some of the fundamentals (it is a charity but there is a religious element to the organisation without being too outing) I am not religious and don't really agree with the notion of organised religion.

Would you apply?

what a daft thing to say. Why should we pay people benefits because they morally object to the c of e. You could morally object to pretty much anything if you take umbrage with the c of e. You don’t get to have the rest of a support you because you are unwilling to work due to your “morals”.

Exactly.
We should be ensuring our welfare system allows people ethical choices, not insisting people in need should be forced to act against their beliefs. It's our responsibility to create a system that respects ethical beliefs and supports individuals' right to them.

Can't you see how deeply disturbing and horrifying what you're saying here is?

(And by the way, the C of E is in many ways extremely ethically dubious!)

Everyone has the right to their beliefs. You don’t have the right to have the rest of us support you because of them.

No. not really. Maybe you might think that if you were entitled and never had to do anything you didn’t want to. But that’s not adult life for most of us.

I grew up poor and am of a non Christian religion. If I had to, I’d work for the c of e. Why should I pay taxes to support those who are too precious? For the most part in this country there is a variety of work available. There are plenty of options available for reasonable people.

Are you saying this charity specifically does this, or are you generalising about the C of E? If that is what this charity does then no, I couldn't work for them. But if your objection is some perception that the entire C of E does that, then you're obviously very badly informed.

The organisation that I volunteer with was started by a bishop and many of our volunteers are Anglican church goers. I'm atheist. My organisation does valuable and caring work with people of all religions and none, and our staff are likewise diverse.

I'd be horrified if someone judged us as immoral because of our beginnings and because or volunteered tend to hear about us via their churches. I'd also be concerned that this person wouldn't respect the multiple religions of our service users who are from many different countries and cultures, many of whom are religious.

I'm regularly asked by our service users (who are desperate straits) if I could pray for them. They need that in their hour of need. I would never say no to them, and while I don't pray in the way they do, at the end of the day I reflect on how it went and think of the people I've seen and their needs.

Unwilling to work? I've been out of work less than 2 weeks and I want to work 😂 I have applied for many jobs and am just questioning this particular one as I might not be a good fit. Stop creating some fictional narrative.

The Church of England’s official statement on abortion in 2019.

Each individual within the church will have their own stance though. A separate charity isn’t necessarily representative of all C of E.

Which charity is it? We can give better opinions then. I wouldn’t be able to work for someone who thinks protesting outside clinics is acceptable. I can’t think the C of E would be ok with it either.

Is this charity actually involved in the abortion debate in any way?

Where would you like to draw the line? Should an unemployed Muslim be forced to work in a pub? should a Jewish person have to serve up bacon rolls in a cafe?

Spot on. Perhaps my description of my experience working there was too obvious, but it’s interesting you recognised it. I’m sorry your experience as a child has left you so scarred but at the same time, I’m not surprised. I was only an employee but it definitely changed my impression of the organisation and the work they do. It’s a very interesting place.

Next up, DWP Captive Bolt Pistol training for Hindus.

@TimesRwo I knew straight away! Hierarchical, inward looking, suspicious of anyone deemed an outsider (not from an Army family, not in uniform etc). I do not envy anyone going to work there.

Am very glad to be out but even despite the terrible things that happened to me there still have strange pangs for it. It definitely gets under your skin.

It would hugely depend. Some jobs, if I really needed the money, I might consider it. But there are some I like to think I never would, no matter what. I couldn't perform abortions for example. Or work in homeopathy.

I could work for a faith based charity though, even if I am of another faith. I have seen many good things come from religious groups and people and would have respect for their aims (I'm assuming mainstream religion here. Not a cult or terrorist group!). I'd find it interesting too. But it doesn't sound like that's true for you.

@Beezknees I would apply in your situation. I'm atheist so wouldn't feel comfortable about it, but not so uncomfortable I'd rather be in benefits. I'd see how it went & if I was uncomfortable I'd keep job hunting, but if I liked the job & religion wasn't pushed on me, I'd stay.

there are jobs I couldn't do and if benefits were an option I'd go/stay on them.

it's also easier to get a job when you have a job. I think you'd be mad not to apply.

I would apply, if I was selected for interviews then use that as an opportunity to see if the culture seemed a good fit. Working with the right people might mean you can still express your personal views safely as long as it doesn't mean you can't perform in your role. However if the culture seems oppressive think again or you don't think you'd be able to do the job with the views you hold then no

Next up, DWP Captive Bolt Pistol training for Hindus.

Everyone has a line, surely. The rest is just debate about where the line is.

It’s not about having a line, it’s about telling other people they can’t have one if they don’t earn enough.

I’ve worked since I was 14, with a 2 week period of unemployment 30+ years ago when graduated

Yea I was about to say, OP - I don’t think you’d be a good fit for this organisation. And majority of staff would be Christians and probably in that kind of role they’d expect an environment where their views are not being scoffed at which is understandable. Keep looking for something else!

But you previously said you claimed benefits. You claimed benefits for 2 weeks of unemployment?

Still I find your views pretty gross.

It’s not about having a line, it’s about telling other people they can’t have one if they don’t earn enough.

I agree with you BTW.

Indeed.

I'm as atheist as they come, probably verging towards antitheist because I'm really sceptical of all organised religion, but I'm also a strident believer in that a secular society you permit individuals complete freedom of expression, and with that comes a respect for the right of the individual to their beliefs.

The logical end point of the 'you don't have the right to be supported' argument is that Muslim women will be censured for refusing to take cleaning jobs in male toilets/changing rooms, Hindus for refusing to take work in abattoirs if it's available, Jews for refusing to handle pork, ham, and sausages in deli counters, certain Christians for refusing to work weekends, and so on.

The 'taxpayer' argument is banal, as the exponents of it quite clearly have no issue with the prospect of people being forced into roles they are completely unsuited for either, to the detriment of both themselves and the employer. It smacks of the old 'a good stint in the army' lunacy, because yes, I'm sure the MOD is just desperate for a load of demotivated, recalcitrant teens to deal with.

Torie vibes 🤮