Read on Twitter
Okay I'm going to talk about my time being "case managed" by @SarinaRusso and some of the things that happened to me and people around me.
1. I started a bookkeeping course (my choice) to improve my prospects. Was told by my case manager that she had the perfect job for me due to this. It was a forklift operator position.
Was told if I didn't apply, I'd lose my payment.
Was told if I didn't apply, I'd lose my payment.
2. While I was in the waiting room, a woman came in and asked reception if someone could help her go over her CV and make it better. Receptionist said "We don't do that here"
YOU SHOULD.
YOU SHOULD.
3. During a mandatory "Job seeker" course, the manager of the branch came in to speak to us. She reduced a young man to tears insisting he talk about his time as a soldier in Iraq although he calmly stated he didn't wish to discuss it.
She then went on to individually tell each of us we were a waste of government money, lazy and not trying to find work.
4. At one point there was a job advertised at that branch. I asked my case manager (a different one to the forklift one) if I should apply. He *teared up* and shook his head. He left shortly after and I hope he's doing well, he was a nice guy.
5. I attended a mandatory "Job Seeker" session where i was handed a copy of the local paper and a pen and told to apply for two of the jobs listed. There were about 20 jobs listed, none of which I was qualified for.
6. When I found a job (no thanks to them) I had a phone call demanding the information of who hired me, how I found the job etc so they could claim it for their government money.
I have been through the @SarinaRusso mill twice and NEITHER time was ANY useful help given, just threats of stopped payments and being told I was useless for not yet finding work.
In short I fully support the #MOstrike because mutual obligations serve no purpose except to punish.
I've been having a think overnight and there is more. Everything SR does - everything - comes with a threat of stopping payment or having to return payments made.
Can't make an appointment? Stop payments.
Didn't finish a pointless course? Stop payments.
Can't make an appointment? Stop payments.
Didn't finish a pointless course? Stop payments.
I don't know if this is still the case, but once you make "Initial Contact", which you must do pretty soon after applying for the dole, you are sent away for a few months. "We can help you after 4 months" they say.
Everything is a threat of punishment. Nothing at all is done with the interest of the person they're supposed to be helping, it's entirely about their power over you.
