by Keith Sinclair
Secretary, Hull Trades Council
New Labour has decided to 're-focus' Project Work, the Tory workfare scheme. Speaking in Parliament on 20 June 1997, Andrew Smith MP stated that "All Project Work pilots will in future include intensive help with basic skills for those who need it...Enhancing the help given by Project Work pilots is an integral part of the Government's drive to tackle long term unemployment". Smith did add that "Project Work as inherited from the previous Government is far from perfect"! In an accompanying press release, Smith claims that that he made a particular point of 'talking to people taking part in Project Work" and that they wanted training in basic skills.
Until now, Labour has held a distinctive position on Project Work with labour councils refusing to offer placements. Indeed, David Blunkett wrote in January 1996, "Project Work is a workfare-type scheme. Labour is opposed to workfare. We do not believe in punishing the unemployed". Now in government, New Labour seem to think that Project Work might be part of the solution to long term unemployment.
The reality is that Project Work always was and remains an attack on the unemployed. Hull TGWU unemployed activist Geoff Collier is currently on Project Work, he told Socialist Outlook, "Labour should abolish Project Work immediately. The scheme I am on is teaching me nothing that could help me get a job. What's required are real jobs at reasonable rates of pay." Geoff added, " My problem is the lack of a job not my ability to read and write! Help with basic skills should be available to all and not mixed up with this failed Tory scheme."
Pressure should immediately be put on Labour MPs to demand the ending of Project Work. In particular, campaigns need to be launched or (re-launched) in the 29 areas where Project Work extension will now be implemented.
(Hull Trades Council can help with your local campaign. Ring 01482-858383 (day) or 01482-802050 (evenings).)
Wednesday, July 02, 1997 4:55:53 PM