to boycott shops that use forced unpaid labour (aka slavery)?

[ChickenLickn]

These stores:

Boots,
Tesco,
Asda,
Primark,
Argos,
TK Maxx,
Poundland,
Arcadia group of stores run by billionaire Sir Philip Green, which includes Top Shop and Burton,

are all using 'workfare' schemes, forcing jobseekers to work 30 hrs/week unpaid for 6 months in profit making companies or face losing their jobseekers benefits. Mre details here.

Please avoid shopping in these shops as much as possible, this is basically slavery and is illegal under human rights law (and currently being challenged in the courts).

The good news is that Waterstones and Sainsburys have recently pulled out of the scheme.

this is basically slavery and is illegal under human rights law

Seriously? I don't agree with the practice either but the definition of slavery is
"The state of one bound in servitude".

Those on benefits, being asked to do a work placement, are not so bound. They have choices. Stop claiming benefits, get work or refuse to do the scheme. People genuinely in slavery are so bound and cannot escape as they have no choices at all.

Is it true that it is only up to 4 weeks? I read that for disabled/sick it's indefinite, or is that just in other stores. Whatever!, it's still stealing labour, slavery (in other words)!.

I learned a quote, from my Father, which was allegedly by Napoleon "There are only 2 levers for moving men, one is interest, the other is fear".
I have always believed interest is the best one, as happy workers are much more productive. Is there any financial incentive for anyone to become a slave here, or are we supposed to curtsy, and thank those above us for the crumbs they deign to throw us! Even inexperienced youths should be offered some incentive, otherwise this country is condoning what they have embarrassed others for doing (poverty-stricken workers, in clothing manufacturers abroad, not so long ago!).

I don't see the bankers being asked to work for less than the minimum wage!
Why would our Government have brought in a minimum wage, then expect people to work for less, are they aware that prices are RISING, not falling!!!!!!!!!

Does anyone remember me mentioning the British Heart Foundation upthread.
And how if they sanction someone they are going against their own ethics?
This went up on the Boycott Workfare site today.www.boycottworkfare.org/?p=584#more-584

I agree, OP. These stores are well able to pay people at least minimum wage for the duration of their placements. The fact that they don't is exploitative, in my view.

CremeEggThief - I couldn't agree more!

I used to place long-term unemployed people, during the years I worked in Jobcentres, and no-one was expected to work for nothing. The Community Enterprise (I think it was called), helped people to get back in the flow, and they benefited a little financially, however, it was not for a profit-making company, but to help on community projects. Profit-making should not involve robbing from the poor, to give to the rich!!!!!

Just out of curiosity, has anyone asked if Cameron et al would be willing to work for the same amount as a Benefit claimant in the same family position? (I suspect that they would be horrified, like the graduate who studied/worked to achieve more, as are the experienced/qualified unemployed)!!!!