Taking Action Against Workfare

Over the past few weeks, Feminist Fightback activists have joined members of the North London Solidarity Federation in picketing against workfare.

On 22 March, as part of the Boycott Workfare campaign’s week of action, we spent a snowy afternoon in Leytonstone picketing Argos. Argos is one of the many companies who use workfare – where those who are in receipt of welfare are forced to work unpaid or will see their benefits cut. Most shoppers were unaware of Argos’s involvement in the scheme – and many were keen to find out more.

On 10 April, the picket was at Home for Haringey, the council housing provider. They claim participation in the scheme is voluntary – yet claimants are sanctioned by the Job Centre for not turning up to workfare placements.

More pickets set to follow – watch this space!