^this.
Sorry Jono, but there's a big divide between what people/politicians are saying, and the reality. I'm not basing my assumptions on the 'media view', but on the experiences of my brother and at least another 10 acquaintances who fell into this.

1. "It's voluntary and they can quit." That's the idea, but if they quit it has to be for a genuine reason- and that's got to be more "My boss poured bleach down my trousers" than "I'm being exploited in lieu of them employing someone." If you don't have a valid reason, the job centre will issue you a warning for being uncooperative and "Not trying to find work." The result? Loss of benefits. It's clever as it's not directly the refusal which loses your benefits, but rest assured, you will be penalised.

2. "Offered a job and put on CV." Yes, if they were offering jobs- which they aren't. Tesco had tens of thousands on placement last year, and gave out just 400 jobs. Similarly, as DukeEuphoria mentioned, the skills aren't really worth boasting about.
(Sivvus trolley collision in the fruit aisle led to a jam, Thu 1 Mar 2012, 21:02, 1 reply)

Sivvus,

Thanks for the real world perspective. I appreciate that my comments were based on a very limited source.

I still don't think that 4 weeks is a particulalrly long time to take part, whether voluntary or not, and if I'm ever in the position of having to employ someone I'd hope that the person that has got off their arse and done 4 weeks 'unpaid' work would be a better prospect than the person who sat around doing Sweet FA.

I would also concur that if you are a recently unemployed Scientist, Engineer, Nurse etc, this scheme would be a pile of wank.
(jono_h, Thu 1 Mar 2012, 21:42, closed)

Yes, I agree with that in principle.
Like I said in the OP, it's not the concept I have issues with, it's the fact it's been so badly corrupted.

Thanks for such a polite response, very refreshing on t'net! Sorry if mine sounded annoyed. :P
(Sivvus trolley collision in the fruit aisle led to a jam, Thu 1 Mar 2012, 22:16, closed)