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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be purple with rage over workfare

360 replies

HoneyandHaycorns · 19/02/2012 11:53

Sorry, I know there are loads of related threads on here, but I am getting really, really really upset and angry about the fucking workfare programme. It's an absolute outrage that my taxes are funding slave labour to line the pockets of huge tax-avoiding corporations, while the most vulnerable in our society are having their lifelines snatched away from them one by one.

I want to voice my protest, but apart from writing to my MP (which I have done) what is the best way of fighting this crap?

I simply can't believe that anyone in a civilised society could possibly think this was a good idea. Why on earth would a private company ever create any new jobs if they can have government-funded slave labour for free?

Will someone please come and tell me why the fuck anybody other than the boss of tescos would conceivably think this was a good idea?

And if you can't tell me why it is a good idea, please tell me the best way to protest.

OP posts:
carernotasaint · 19/02/2012 23:32

Mingo im getting increasingly suspicious of exactly where your posts are coming from. Maybe from a certain terminal in a certain office in a certain big house in London.

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 19/02/2012 23:33

MINGO is probably Louise Mench

garlicfrother · 19/02/2012 23:41

whydontwehaveasharpknife Shock Shock Angry

What's this panel of people? She must have the right to bring somebody with her?
I have been told at various times that I couldn't bring anyone or take notes but, when I finally got a social worker, found out that was just intimidating bollocks.

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 19/02/2012 23:43

Well its the people who have read her form which asked qus like...'can you goto the toilet alone without assistance?' etc
now they will interview her she is beside herself with anxiety wondering if she will lose her council flat or worse end up back in "hospital" where she has managed to avoid for a few years. Angry

Nilgiri · 19/02/2012 23:46

Not, I hasten to add, that I'm looking forward to this happening. But given the DWP have been known to tell people to leave their hospice beds and go to the JobCentre, it's sadly an extremely good bet.

Of course, each time it happens, we'll be told it's all just a regrettable admin error, and the system is fine. Juuuuust fine.

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 19/02/2012 23:48

Cant wait until the next general election

Nilgiri · 19/02/2012 23:51

God almighty, whydontwe! Shock

Agree, they're almost certainly lying that you can't go with her. I've seen this, and also the attempts to intimidate people into not taking notes.

It's one of the surest signs how fucked the tests/boards are, that the people doing them are scared to have witnesses or notes of what was said.

Can you talk to MIND or google any disability advocacy charity in your area. They're all closing down, of course, because of the cuts... And legal aid still exists for disability appeals - just about, I think.

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 19/02/2012 23:54

I rang her CPN but she has very little time and would have to sort this case out in her own personal time which is a bit above and beyond the callof duty.
Ive told mymum I will come with her and she said dont worry my friend has said she will come with me and wait out side the door for moral support.
What can I do?
I cant force my mum to have me there with her (I was going to bring dictaphone) this friend of my mums is more mentally ill than she is so its a really frustrating situation.

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:00

They even just mentioned workfare on sky news (im only watching cos owen jones is on.This young bloke is going places.) he got his two pennorth in believe me. He doesnt let people derail him.
I fully intend to order his book chavs the demonization of the working classes.

Nilgiri · 20/02/2012 00:00

Just turn up anyway - even on pretext of going shopping with them afterwards or something? And then just happen to offer to go in with her?

I know if your mum says No you really can't, but she's more likely to say Yes if you're there. If you can arrange the time, of course.

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:02

i have rang five live NOW

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:04

They said they would ring back im on any minute NOW. jenny

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:05

im waiting to go live on air.

Nilgiri · 20/02/2012 00:07

Ooh ooh!

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 20/02/2012 00:07

Thats true thanks, its just I live quite far away so would need to book time off work and uni but yeah I think Ill just turn up, it feels like bailiffs are coming in with the power to destroy the lives of innocent people

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:07

im just waiting on the line.

Nilgiri · 20/02/2012 00:09

I've found it online. Good luck!

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:10

thanks im bricking it!

Nilgiri · 20/02/2012 00:11

You'll be brilliant! They're banging on about the Sun, if you're not allowed to have it on.

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 20/02/2012 00:11

Good luck carernotasaint

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:12

thankyou hope they can fit me in.

carernotasaint · 20/02/2012 00:14

OMG

IDoNotLIKEFun · 20/02/2012 00:14

Link?

Good luck carer Smile

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 20/02/2012 00:15

www.bbc.co.uk/5live/

whydontwehaveasharpknife · 20/02/2012 00:15

It is SURVIVAL of the fittest Angry