ur voice Yo Annual Report 2012

Yo t s u r r i g h Unemployed Workers’ Centres Who are we?

ur voice Established in April 1983, the Derbyshire Unemployed Yo Workers’ Centres are a part of a much larger network of TUC Unemployed Workers’ Centres. We aim to build unity between employed and unemployed workers, and campaign for full employment with quality training and jobs and a benefits system that allows people to live in s Yo t good health and in dignity. u r r i g h What we Provide The Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres have gained a fine reputation for the services we provide. Our work is recognised locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. We provide advice, support and representation for all who come to us for help. However we don’t just wait for people to come to us, we proactively make our services Some of our fantastic volunteers at the 2012 TUC Poverty Conference. known to the hardest to reach and most vulnerable within our Each year we deal with over 9000 we lose the vast majority of our communities. enquiries at our Centres and volunteers to paid work – so it is outreach venues. We have with both joy and sadness that we recovered over £2.5 million in say goodbye to many of those lump sum payments and who have helped the organisation Contents increased weekly benefits for the deliver services in Derbyshire. people of Derbyshire. This money Who are we? 2 is vital both for the recipients but What we stand for… The Chairman writes also for the regeneration of the Graham Baxter 3 local economy. Money gained is l Provision of a voice for unemployed, underemployed Your Voice Your Rights! 4-6 mostly spent locally helping to preserve jobs and aid local and unwaged workers. Fundraising 7-8 businesses. l Provision of information Statistics 9 Our services are provided by a concerning the issues facing Chesterfield 10-11 few paid staff and a team of people on benefits and credits. 12-13 volunteers across Chesterfield, l Campaigning on issues , Bolsover affecting unemployed people 13 and Amber Valley. We have been and related issues for the N.E. Derbyshire 14 successful in training volunteers whole community. from our communities many of Case Studies 10-14 l Provision of top quality, free whom move on into employment. advice and representation on User Feedback Survey 15 Seven of the volunteers featured all aspects of welfare benefits. Management Committee/ in a photograph in last year’s Where to get advice? 16 annual report have gone on to l Support for Trade Unions and find employment, the majority other bodies in their efforts to using their experience gained at save or create jobs. Front page photograph: Dennis Skinner MP and Natascha Engel MP launch the the Centre to work in the advice l Research and dissemination of Snakes and Ladders Climbing out of sector or in caring professions. information on issues affecting Poverty game in Market Place. Training is a costly business and employment and benefits issues.

2 The Chairman writes...

These are difficult times for Suddenly your whole world people seeking help and changes and you look to the state representation from our for support. That support, a services. The constant recognition of our interdependence as human beings, should come as barrage of changes to the Graham Baxter, Leader of North East support for people out of of right – but increasingly people Derbyshire District Council. are made to feel they are a burden work, sick, disabled and government and the many local on the rest of society. Incomes are the low paid, means that people these policies affect. threatened and lessened. Some the Unemployed Workers’ politicians, ably assisted by a The unstinting work of the staff and Centres are needed now complicit media, put over the idea volunteers in our organisation is more than ever. Our that charity should replace state laid out in this report. I am proud workload continues to provision funded from taxation. of our achievements in such increase but the funding of difficult circumstances. As leader of This throwback to pre World War our services becomes ever North East Derbyshire District Two Britain is a dangerous path. Council, I know that the grant more difficult. You might think I paint a bleak given to the Centres has helped The competition for funding is picture or one that is no more than thousands of people challenge intense as the voluntary and scaremongering – but this year has decisions denying them support, community sector tries to react to seen the establishment of food has increased their income, and the onslaught on the most banks in Derbyshire. In such a rich given them a voice in an vulnerable in our society. Some country this is a national disgrace. increasingly hostile world. people may think they are immune The Derbyshire Unemployed The Derbyshire UWC’s must to these attacks but they should Workers’ Centres stands as a buffer continue their work and I ask all remember that ill health or between the increasingly punitive those reading this report to do disability can happen to anyone. legislation on sickness, disability, what they can to help in this All it takes is an accident or bad unemployment, housing and process. news at a visit to the doctors. council tax changes imposed by

contracts. We The Co-ordinator writes... represent at Appeals tribunals Gordon Smith was the first co-ordinator of the and proactively Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres, and seek out the hard senior Welfare Rights Adviser. He would often say to reach in order that giving Welfare Rights advice without to maximise the addressing the issues that cause people to seek incomes of the help, support and representation is like sticking most vulnerable. plasters on a gaping wound. In other words, Our work in this alongside the necessary advice work provided by area is Colin Hampton receives the ‘David the Centres there needs to be vigorous work Lyons’ Community Activist Award from outstanding and carried out to lobby and campaign in the interests the GMB General Secretary Paul Kenny. acknowledged by (Photographs, with kind permission of those we represent and advise. politicians across from Andrew Ward ) The Centres receive funding and support from the spectrum. Local Authorities, Parish and Town Councils as well Our lobbying and campaigning work has always as many grant making bodies to provide the had a separate source of financial support, relying services to the people of Derbyshire. With that on supporters who contribute to the One Fund For money we have developed a network of Centres All and utilising a wide range of fund raising and outreach bases where we advise on benefits activities. In the recent past these have included related issues as well as on tax credits and issues workplace giving through payroll, fundraising facing people dealing with the Department of Work concerts and merchandising. Colin Hampton and Pensions and the agencies delivering their

3 Your Voice Your Rights! Too many snakes - not enough ladders In April 2012 we launched The event was covered by our ‘Snakes and Ladders Midlands TV as well as the local Climbing out of Poverty’ newspapers. Following the game and exhibition. The launch the game has been life size game was exhibited at schools, conferences, inspired by people festivals and galas in and around North Derbyshire as well as at involved in ‘Migrants national events. We were even Voice’ and ‘ATD Forth invited to take the game over to a World.’ European conference at the It is designed to show the many International Auditorium in difficulties a person faces in trying Brussels hosted by the European to get out of poverty into a Anti-Poverty Network (see page 7). sustainable full-time job with The amount of bookings and decent pay as well as the policies fantastic reception the game has and initiatives that can help. We had lead the Health Services to launched the game, which was Launch of ‘Snakes and Ladders’ purchase a second copy of the Cllr Anne Western helps out. financed by Bolsover Financial game and exhibition in order to Inclusion Project, in Shirebrook maximise its potential. The If you are holding an event where Market Place. Dennis Skinner MP Scottish Unemployed Workers’ you think the exhibition would be and Natascha Engel MP rolled the Centres have also purchased a useful in challenging perceptions first dice in front of a market day copy for north of the border. of poverty or giving guidance on crowd and local voluntary good practice – please get in organisations. touch to book the game. Don’t pay your workers - have some for free! DUWCs have been collecting evidence from the people contacting us following the introduction of the Government’s Work Programme initiatives.

Cases of unemployed people recruits – at worst it being ruthlessly exploited by has been a employers using the scheme now replacement for come to our door. At best it has jobs that otherwise been used as a subsidised would have interview process, with groups of commanded a unemployed people working for wage. free while the employer has With Christmas chance to look at potential Protesters toured the town targeting business exploiting free looming we are ‘forced’ labour.

4 Welfare Reform Death Toll Rises! The Derbyshire ‘reform’ which aims to cut Unemployed Workers’ spending on benefits regardless Centres have been at the of the human cost. forefront in exposing the Given license by a public consequences of the opinion fed on a diet of stories treatment of people with of scroungers and lies about the health conditions by the level of benefit fraud, Department of Work and Governments have been piling Pensions and those on the agony. The two men, carrying out their one from Staveley and the other contracts. from , had worked all their lives until prevented by Thousands of people have had Unnecessary and avoidable, the cost of heart conditions. The ludicrous ‘welfare reform.’ their benefits cut and been told Work Capability Assessment to look for work against the (WCA) found them fit for work country people are dying as a advice of their GPs and despite the advice from medical direct result of the rush to deny Consultants. In two such cases professionals that they should benefit entitlements to sick in Chesterfield this has resulted not, DUWCs represented both workers. Suicides are on the in the deaths of men who fell men at appeal and the rise amongst these targeted foul of Government welfare decisions were overturned. No groups. A website called sooner had their appeals been Calum’s List heard, they were summoned (www.calumslist.org) details the again for a further WCA. One local news stories throughout died the day before his the UK describing the distressing assessments, the other was stories told by families of those found fit for work again. He killed by ‘welfare reform’. The died subsequently when exerting DUWCs will continue to lobby himself, feeling under pressure and campaign to prevent this to get back to work. unnecessary death toll. These examples from Chesterfield are not extraordinary. All over the (Photographs, with kind permission Colin Hampton from the Daily Mirror) aware that, nationally, employers to bring ever more harsher now 20 Food Banks operating in are using the scheme for conditions on the unemployed. Derbyshire. This situation is a temporary seasonal work instead However, the DUWC’s warn that national disgrace in such a rich of giving people the chance to this continued slide towards country as ours. earn a little income before the forced labour will soon threaten We are now having people festivities. In all of these cases every unskilled job. Why should knocking at the Centre’s door new jobs for unemployed people employers pay a wage when the asking for food. With the have not been created. People Government is willing to provide forthcoming change to monthly have the choice of work for workers for free with little payments of inadequate benefits nothing but your benefits or risk alternative but to co-operate. The the situation seems destined to losing them with all the problems number of people having their get even more desperate. that will bring. benefit stopped is on the increase. No wonder there are Politicians think that it is popular

5 Your Voice Your Rights! Dole not Gold at Remploy!

Unemployed Workers’ Hundreds of Centres staff and people have volunteers have been been found fit present on every day that for work – but the disabled workers at our initial Chesterfield Remploy have research findings show taken industrial action. that few have We have proudly stood returned to the Remploy demo in Chesterfield September 2012. shoulder to shoulder with Labour Market. them on the picket line as People tell us The evidence shows otherwise. they fight for their jobs, that even if they felt they could Previous Remploy closures terms and conditions. In a work, the lack of appropriate including and Pinxton year where all of us were jobs and the discrimination from have left the majority of disabled cheering on our athletes employers against those with former Remploy workers at the Paralympics it has health conditions means that a struggling to find work. In a been such a contrast to return to employment is unlikely. difficult market with scores learn of the treatment of Against this background the chasing every available job and disabled workers at majority of the Government hundreds of thousands of Remploy. proposes to close Remploy youngsters out of work – what factories and sell off the rest to chance do disabled workers Every day at the Centre’s advice stand? surgeries we see disabled people the private sector. They argue and those with health conditions that disabled people should be When Remploy factories came struggling with the Work integrated into the wider labour into existence after the Second Capability Assessment and the market and there is no need for World War the country was in a Appeals Tribunal process. ‘sheltered’ working. far worse situation than today. It was not acceptable, however, for the Government to have disabled ex-servicemen coming home to a world without work. It wasn’t acceptable to condemn disabled workers to the dole then and it should not be so today! The Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres will continue to highlight the plight of disabled workers and those with health conditions. We will not be deterred from giving a voice to those struggling to find work, defend jobs or to be treated with Outside the Remploy factory gates Whittington Moor. dignity and respect.

6 Fundraising

If it were not for our last minute grant from the Advice Service Fund, DUWC would have had to make significant cuts to our services in 2012.

We must also acknowledge the Others can huge help given by those statutory make a bodies and their wonderful contribution councillors, trustees and members through who have been determined that bankers Derbyshire residents should standing continue to benefit from DUWC order. Just advice and support. £3 per month over We also need to thank all of those the course Sergio Aires (EAPN President), Henri Lourdelle (ETUC), Mik Wooley (EU hundreds of individuals that have Employment Committee), Colin Hampton, Fintan Farrell (EAPN), Lieve of a year is made donations to help us be Frances (Europe 2020). enough to able to lobby and campaign. help us guide someone through a Many have given us one-off Other ways Disability Living Allowance claim. donations of cash, old mobile There will be many more people phones, ink cartridges and raffle to help: needing help with DLA in 2013, prizes. These are much • To find out if your employer as the welfare reforms take hold. appreciated and a fantastic is signed up to check-off If you, or a relative or friend has source of support. and to obtain a check-off ever benefited from DUWC form please contact Sarah The most valuable method of advice; please consider on supporting our work is through a completing the standing 01623 748161 or regular monthly donation. Local order form below. You never Colin on 01246 231441. authority workers can do this know when you or a loved through the check-off scheme. one might need us. • We need mobile phones, ink cartridges, books and raffle prizes. Please drop them Complete the Bankers Standing Order form below and return it to: into your nearest office. DUWCs, 44 Patchwork Row, Shirebrook, NG20 8AL

To (Name of your bank) ...... Branch ...... Sort Code ...... Address of your bank ...... Account name ...... Account number ...... Please pay: Unity Trust Bank, Nine Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HB • Sort Code: 08 60 01 • Acc Name: Derbyshire OFFA • Acc No: 50511183 Amount monthly (please circle): £1 £2 £5 £10 £20 Other Commencing ...... (Until altered by me in writing)

Signature………………………………………………………. Date ...... Address………………………………………………………… ......

7 Fundraising

Our Funders 2012

l Chesterfield Borough Council

l North East Derbyshire District Council

l Council

l Advice Services Fund

Parish and Town Councils: l Alfreton Town Council

l Parish Council

l Old Bolsover Town Council

l Brimington Parish Council The ‘One Fund For All’ banner is carried through the town in support of the l Parish Council Remploy workers. (With kind permission from the Derbyshire Times) l Parish Council l Pinxton Parish Council l Anne Western l Town Council (Barlborough & Clowne) l Parish Council l Eckington Parish Council l Shirebrook Town Council Small Grants & l and Loscoe Town l Somercotes Parish Council Donations Council l Anonymous Charitable Trusts l Staveley Town Council l Parish Council l Step Forward Charity l Unstone Parish Council l Salcare Heanor l Parish Council l Midlands TUC l Working Neighbourhoods Fund (Chesterfield and l UCATT Midlands Bolsover) l High Peak NUT l Derbyshire County Councillors l Amber Valley CLP under the Community Leadership Programme: l Chesterfield Borough Labour Group l Sharon Blank (Spire) l Derbyshire County Council l Walter Burrows (Brimington) Labour Group l Alan Charles () l Thompsons Solicitors l Joan Dixon (Bolsover SW l Graysons Solicitors & Scarcliffe)

l Kevin Gillott (North Cllr Brian Wright presents Justine Bark Wingfield & ) with a Volunteering Award.

Together We Make A Di fference

8 Statistics

ENQUIRY TOTALS 2011/2012

1012 356 621 292 4450 431 2634 794 55

65 JSA Jobseekers Allowance 563 IIDB Industrial Injuries Disablement 126 Benefit Scheme 33 DLA Disability Living Allowance AA Attendance Allowance 566 WTC Working Tax Credit 2767 395

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 ORIGIN OF ENQUIRIES

3996 3271

1200 998 334 VENUE CALLER TOTALS 2011/2012

154 8

177 8

209 1 1771 169 61 270 1 Callers 8,151 866 98 Telephone enquiries/email 1,077 1 1034 Home Visits 82 170 4 These figures do not include appeal cases 184 6

85 2 HO URS PER WEEK OPEN 71 1 9 Chesterfield 17 /2 Clay Cross, Brimington 3 1 36 Alfreton, 15 Clowne, Pinxton, Bolsover, Creswell, 11 1 Shirebrook 10 Somercotes, North Wingfield 2 /2 66 6 Staveley 9 Grassmoor, Eckington 2 125 12 Heanor 4 1 48 19 1 2682 512 12 61 10

150 24

161