THE Derry Trades Union Council are asking the public to join them today to protest at the treatment of people looking for work and the damage Steps to Success is causing in the wider community.
The rally will be held at the People Plus run Steps to Success office, City Factory, Queen Street at 1.30 pm.
Niall McCarroll (DTUC) said: “Department of Communities have not released the fees or the expected total cost to the public purse for this draconian project but it is expected to cost between £50 -£80 million.
“This highlights the fact that private providers are making huge profits on the back of unemployed people and causing more harm than good, whilst millions of public money is wasted. Public money which could go toward much needed community services.
“People Plus is given millions of pounds to supposedly help people find work but very few are finding meaningful and living wage work. Instead, People Plus bosses are walking away with massive profits.
“In fact only 1 in 10 enter into employment through Steps to Success in Derry, with only half of those jobs lasting more than 6 months.
“One such applicant who did not want to be named said on Steps to Success.: “I am told to apply for jobs I know I will not get because I do not have the requirements. I can sum up my time on Steps to Success as forced job searching.
“Those forced to go through ‘Steps to Success’ are humiliated and face the constant threat of sanctions on their benefits.
“21.386 social security sanctions for the sick and unemployed in 2014 – 15… 84 sanctions every working day.
“This is part of a war on the poor to shift more wealth to those at the top.
“It is leading to increased homelessness, depression, mental illness and poverty.
“Any such public contracts aimed at genuinely supporting those in search of employment or general support needs should be operated by already existing community groups and advice centres. These very same community groups and centres are facing cuts and uncertainty around job security is a daily issue.
“Derry Trades Union Council are calling for an end to Steps to Success in Derry, and for proper investment in the North West,” added Mr McCarroll.
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