Workfare is a scheme implemented in the last few years within the United Kingdom that forces the unemployed (and more recently, sick and disabled people) to provide free labour to companies and charities or be deprived of social security required to survive. Proponents of this scheme insist it is about giving the worker confidence and 'giving something back' to their community. In reality, workers have no choice but to endure degrading and unpaid work for four weeks at a time to the benefit of the 'employer', before being replaced by another unemployed or unwell person - as this it is cheaper to replace than to reward the person by actually offering them a paid position at the end.
Workers on the workfare scheme are in a position to be treated worse than genuine employees as many are in a desperate situation, and can have their social security affected by the 'employer' if they refuse unsociable hours or chores they can't handle.
Whatever positive or hopeful language workfare is dressed up in, there still exists a word that describes being forced to work without pay. Slavery.
This campaign seeks to boycott all companies and charities that utilise free labour and assist in normalising this disgusting practice, until it is abolished.
- **As this campaign mainly affects companies in the United Kingdom, not all are listed, and no public sector or charities are. For an exhaustive list, as well as sources, other facts around workfare, personal testimonies and other ways you can help, check out www.boycottworkfare.org **
- Targeted action directly against the offending companies can be more effective than a consumer boycott.