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Radical Idea ! Universal credit reform and the third sector !

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Edited by Hede Maria Cavell, Friday, 29 Oct 2021, 21:15

Points to raise.

Collaboration with the third sector. The government is prepared to invest in 'so called' new training schemes  and pay huge sums of money for consultants. 

The third sector provides training for all volunteers to equip them with self confidence and the ability for some to return to the work force and for those that cannot return to work they give a life line in assisting those to be able to be part of society by contributing in some way. The third sector thus provides education and training  which can be used to provide a foundation for all sectors.

Universal credit could be used to provide a living wage to all those that participate in some form with this volunteering structure.  As a result this would assist charities, benefit those who are unable to have full time employment and therefore reduce costs while building highly paid and highly skilled workforce for the nation and not just for a few.  Instead of penalizing those who are educating and working  the government should be encouraging them every step of the way and  actually showing the lower divisions that the word, 'levelling up' is not just a tag line used for material commodities but for flesh and blood people as well.

How do we implement this strategy ? By discussing with the third sector maybe a starting point. They have lots to offer and it would be beneficial to those charities. 

Costs; By investing in the charities to train  and universal credit to pay and a living wage surely that would benefit all and  prevent the wastage of money that we appear to do/not have, dependant on what independent company can give the government the best rate.

Human rights issue;  The International Labour organisation to which the government  has the signed the protocol included ;

The Definition of forced labour

 Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) forced or compulsory labour is:
"all work or service which is exacted from any person under the threat of a penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily."  ( last accessed 29/10/21.) Does this apply to the sanctions implemented by the DWP? If we want to  put this into some sort of context  surely enforcing people to take up  employment roles  that may not be suitable for them and sanctioning people for refusal to comply  could be classed as modern slavery could it not ?
Radical rethinking and quick action is required if the government really wants to prove that they  are  forward thinking  and fit for the 21st century ! 

https://www.ilo.


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