Mandatory Work for Jobseekers and Job Clubs

Regulations 2011 SI 2011 No 688 has been scrutinised by the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee of theHouse of Lords(?) and the reponse from the Department of Works and Pensions was useful in getting a handle, ie for me, on mandatory work for jobseekers. Initially a minimum of 10,000 persons will come within the scheme and it is expected to grow. For Job Clubs there is scope to help those who might otherwise or will come within the mandatory work scheme. Initially consideration for needs advice and practice might be based upon:

• the importance of the practice of personal time management - setting and identifying targets and outcomes;


• how to source and procure support in personal job searching;


• learning and taking on board innovative and speculative approaches to job searching;


• action-research in obtaining and rationalising work experience into meanful outcomes;


• recording and explaining "work experience" from life experiences in situations involving work (of course) but also leisure, volunteering, church activities; home life and so on;


• networking at courses, exhibitions. business shows etc so as to understand how employers "think2 and "react" to one's personal behaviour;


• the rationale of complaining and the current procedures for progressing a complaint.

Members' experience in and with their job club will enable them to successfully avoid the negative aspects of indicating behaviours (to use the DWP jargon) and so get regular work by their own efforts - this not wishful thinking!

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201011/ldselect/ldmerit/126/12606.htm