Episode 2
Benefit Busters - Thursday 27 August 2009
This programme in the series centres on a group of long term unemployed people in Hull. Their barriers to work are invariably complex, especially for people categorised as ‘long term unemployed,’ but many of these difficulties are compounded in Hull where jobs are scarce and those that exist are poorly paid.
Hull’s economy is based on industries which have been heavily affected by the recession. Temporary contract work gives the employer more flexibility but this creates issues around employers hiring staff, only to lay them off after just a few weeks, when the work dries up.
For people claiming benefits, taking a job that could suddenly end is a great risk. If a job disappears the benefits system will not restart straightaway, leaving people worse off than before. A4e’s contract is to support the 13 week job hunting courses.
Mark
Mark is 47, and under no illusions. “I know people who are working that are worse off than me.” Mark is aware that his background could stand in the way of obtaining the outdoor job he hopes for.
He attends a mandatory course by Job Centre Plus designed for unemployed people over the age of 25. After just three weeks Job Centre Plus secured him a landscape gardening job. The employer was account managed by Job Centre Plus.
When he is successful at finding the job he wanted, his relationship with his partner and his own self esteem improve beyond all recognition. The elation was short lived when the job ended, leaving Mark feeling bitter and worthless.
A4e recognises that employers need more support to keep people in work and there also needs to be a more flexible benefits system that will kick in again quickly if the employee is suddenly laid off.
Dane
Dane has never found a job he can put his heart and soul into, and has a very low expectation of the advantages employment might bring. He has a partner and a young daughter, but is increasingly resistant to job offers that are temporary and low paid.
He says: “Everyone in my family is on benefits. I want something better than that for my daughter.” Dane has grown up without role models for work in his life and is in danger of repeating the pattern in his own family
His role models have taught him that remaining within the benefits system provides the security of knowing how much money he has each week, whilst a job that doesn’t last, cannot.
A4e offer him interviews for jobs but Dane does not attend. He expressed the view that the course would not benefit him, though he seemed more motivated and productive in a one to one setting.
Sherelle
Sherelle had previous work experience, was enthusiastic and showed great potential. She had left school early because of family problems but had seen herself as an achiever.
After two weeks on the programme she had secured a one- week work trial, leading to employment with a local recruitment company. The employer spotted her potential and developed the original telesales role to include general recruitment and office support.
The employment came to an end due to problems in Sherelle’s personal life.