DWP suspends referrals after charity routinely fined clients for minor misdemeanors
A charity is being investigated over claims it fined jobseekers for chewing gum, tutting and swearing.
Referrals to the Strive programme in North Ayrshire, run by the Lennox Partnership, have been suspended while the Department for Work and Pensions investigates the claims.
The Strive course aims to empower participants and develop skills, attitudes and behaviours that employers in the job market are seeking.
However clients are being told they would be fined for minor misdemeanours. Fines start off as little as 10p for tutting, or having hands in pockets, but can rise up to £1 for swearing or £5 for using phones.
One client said: “Most of these fines are really cheap for things like hands in pockets etc… but checking your phone or having it go off outside of break time is an instant £5 fine and if you don’t pay it on the spot you get kicked off the course... and since the Job Centre sent me there, getting kicked off the course is an instant sanction.
“One person got fined when their phone went off but only had £3 and had to borrow the rest from other people on the course.”
Those on the programme are ordered to wear business dress and follow rules similar to the probationary period in a new job.
A spokeswoman for the Lennox Partnership said: “The fine system replicates behaviours that would not be acceptable in most workplaces and is utilised as a preventative measure to change those behaviours, which could subsequently impact on clients both securing and sustaining work.
“We have been delivering Strive in North Ayrshire since 2011 and the fine system has been an integral part of all delivery. Our success rates have seen 80% of graduates securing employment and 84% retention rates with employers across a range of industry sectors. This demonstrates the success of Strive and what we are trying to achieve.”
A spokesman for North Ayrshire Council said the programme had an “extremely successful track record” with 90% of candidates going on to secure employment.
“Most participants find the course highly beneficial and carry forward the skills learned into their working life.
“The fine system is used as a preventative measure to change behaviours and instil a professional attitude that employers will be impressed with.
“Any monies collected go towards a fund to provide provision for interview clothing, haircuts and interview travel expenses.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “We have suspended the referral of claimants to North Ayrshire Council’s Strive programme while we investigate these claims.”
