Assembly member hits out at workfare scheme for young unemployed (From Haringey Independent)

Assembly member hits out at workfare scheme for young unemployed in Haringey

3:15pm Friday 31st August 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

A London politician has slammed plans from the Mayor of London to force young unemployed people into unpaid work.

London Assembly Jenny Jones has criticised the plans for a new mandatory work experience scheme which will launch in Haringey soon.

Young people between the ages of 18-24 will be required to undertake 13 weeks of work experience with in order to claim job seekers allowance earning the equivalent of £1.88 per hour.

The Green Party member said: “The Mayor claims this will help young people get jobs, but the government’s own research found that workfare doesn’t work.

In fact, it can make their lives harder by taking up time that could be spent job hunting.

“The Mayor should stop messing young people around with back-to-the-workhouse gimmicks and focus on creating real job opportunities.”

The new scheme will be introduced later this year across 16 London boroughs including Haringey.