CITY VIEWS: SHOULD PEOPLE ON UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS BE FORCED TO DO VOLUNTEER WORK?
BARRY KEANE | EQUUS
”It’s a fantastic idea. If people aren’t willing to contribute something voluntarily when they are on benefits, I see nothing wrong with a reduction in benefits. That is, providing it doesn’t eat into their time that needs to be spent on looking for a job.”
DUNCAN CRAIG | FREELANCE INSURANCE PROJECTS MANAGER
“I think it’s a good idea to encourage people to go back to work. Though I do think there’s a danger of people being effectively used as slave labour, which is hardly the kind of motivation people need to re-enter the job market. It also risks making the job market even harder if free labour is available.
MAXINE INGRIM | HARRISONS
“People should contribute to society, even if they don’t want to work. It would create opportunities for people who haven’t worked for a long time. The only exception should be people who genuinely aren’t able to work.”
SWAMINATHAN MAHALINGAM LLOYDS BANKING GROUP
“It’s a good idea but so many companies are cutting jobs, and people are losing their jobs for so many different reasons, that people must be given suitable voluntary work. It could help people to gain more skills and experience if it’s done right.”