For a Claimants Union in South London!
Wednesday 27th March 4pm
Eileen House, 80-94 Newington Causeway, SE1 6EF
Wednesday 27th March 4pm
Eileen House, 80-94 Newington Causeway, SE1 6EF
Following the three hour skill-share and discussion yesterday at Eileen House on claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) – covering in-depth a variety of topics – it was decided to set up a Claimants Union, (likely to be) for people living in South London.
We have yet to discuss any organisational details, such as name, formal structure and geographical coverage, but aim to focus our group on advise, practical assistance, mutual aid and solidarity for JSA & ESA claimants.
It was generally accepted that there are already effective campaigns to raise awareness and protest against changes in benefits – such as Boycott Workfare and ATOS Kills – this is why we desire to create a union dedicated to practically supporting claimants.
Naturally we touched on Disability Living Allowance (DLA), housing/council tax benefit, working tax credit, income support, as many of these benefits are inter-connected or relevant, but also feel our knowledge, experience and focus lies with JSA & ESA.
Our next meeting, to formalise our Claimants Union will be 4pm on Wednesday 27th March at Eileen House (or if evicted Library Street Social Centre – 5 minutes walk away).
This is an open invite to anyone interested in joining, and/or anyone seeking advise/support on benefits they are claiming, additionally continuing the skill-sharing environment.
We have yet to discuss any organisational details, such as name, formal structure and geographical coverage, but aim to focus our group on advise, practical assistance, mutual aid and solidarity for JSA & ESA claimants.
It was generally accepted that there are already effective campaigns to raise awareness and protest against changes in benefits – such as Boycott Workfare and ATOS Kills – this is why we desire to create a union dedicated to practically supporting claimants.
Naturally we touched on Disability Living Allowance (DLA), housing/council tax benefit, working tax credit, income support, as many of these benefits are inter-connected or relevant, but also feel our knowledge, experience and focus lies with JSA & ESA.
Our next meeting, to formalise our Claimants Union will be 4pm on Wednesday 27th March at Eileen House (or if evicted Library Street Social Centre – 5 minutes walk away).
This is an open invite to anyone interested in joining, and/or anyone seeking advise/support on benefits they are claiming, additionally continuing the skill-sharing environment.
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Nudge Psychology and the Unemployed
13.05.2013 11:17
My name is Brendan Caffrey. I am a retired academic.
I have been researching the above and am appalled by my findings.
It appears that filling in a 48 questionnaire by unemployed people is completely pointless, as the outcome is relentlessly positive, whatever the answer.
I attach below my analysis. If it of interest to you or your members please use it.
My website address is at the end of the analysis.
Nudge Psychology and the Unemployed.
A survey using a large questionnaire of 240 questions has been reduced to 48 questions by the Nudge Unit at number 10 Downing Street. The original design was by an American not-for-profit organisation, who at first objected to the way it was used by the Nudge Unit.
The purpose of this survey is to analyse the answers given by the unemployed, in an attempt to improve their chances of getting a job. by showing them evidence of their positive strengths. This has produced criticism of the Nudge Unit for creating a “nanny state”, which does not fit well current government ideology.
More seriously, the unemployed may have feared that this information, and it’s analysis might undermine their chances of future employment. This could lead to deliberate lying in the questionnaire. Whether this fear is well grounded or not, the Nudge Unit has created at least 5 pairs of questions; where the second of the pair checks on the truth of the first. So the nudge unit anticipated lying.
Here are just a few examples. What is striking is that all examples have the first sentence as the positive, and the second as negative; and always in that order. Also, the pairs are next to one another. The possibility of having the pairs further apart would have created a better check on lying.
I always finish what I start./ I get side-tracked when I work.
My life has a strong purpose. /I do not have a calling in life.
I always let bygones be bygones./ I always try to get even.
Secondly, there are 5 cases of questions where a positive answer might indicate a lack of interest in gaining employment. Despite these positive answers which I put to the following questions, an analysis of answers showed that on every count I was extremely suitable for employment. Here are a few examples:
I am easily bored.
I never go out of my way to visit museums.
I get side tracked when I work.
I mope a lot.
Despite agreeing with the “museums” question, one of the results of the analysis of my answers was as follows.
“You always loved school, reading, and museums”.
What this shows is that whatever negative characteristics I reveal, the Nudge Unit shows me to be a very good candidate. Presumably all answers will reveal positive, even positively exaggerated, results.
At the least, this brings into question the validity of this exercise. Beyond that concern, the exercise begins to look manipulative. Firstly, because there are sanctions if this exercise is not completed. Secondly, the exercise produces a “character”, which the unemployed person may, or may not, believe in.
See my website at:
whyworktoday2967.wordpress.com/
Brendan Caffrey
e-mail:
whyworktoday@btinternet.com
Homepage:
whyworktoday2967.wordpress.co.uk/