Most right thinking people would like to work for their living. There is nothing wrong with that. The problem is that the job market has become so competative, and only temporary ones are the easier ones to find.

However, the UK government though is trying to "force" the process of full-time (ideally) employment on as quickly as possible. This is done via a number of mandatory courses ( notably the Gateway to Employment last for 2 weeks, and the subsequent 13 week programme known as Action4Employment, or A4e). This is fair enough as far as it goes especially if someone has been unemployed for a long period of time (ie. over 18 months).

The problem though lies in how the very poor are punished for very minor "offences" in which they may be dismissed from a mandatory course. Apparently, they could have their Job Seekers Allowance, and Housing Benefit "closed down". This could well lead to an increase in homelessness which is surely contrary to Human Rights. The obvious question arises.How legal is all this? Is this European Employment Law at work, or is it simply the Labour government trying to act "illegally" once again?!! Can the authorities be challenged legally, or are we beginning to see a return to what some people might called "forced" labour well-loved in fascist states.

The author would love to know whether there is anything being done about the above. The internet has not come up with much information especially in the way of an actual legal challenge if the UK government is actually operating "illegally" on this issue.


RJ