Work Placement Programme

CoolGirl101

Ok, I was always turned off doing these, but I have reached desperation these days so I decided to throw my CV in anyway...
I actually got an interview (I was excited, first interview in months) to start a WPP2 for a receptionist job, it sounded perfect.
Only for me to find out I cannot do it because I am still waiting for my JSA claim to come through (I have been waiting two months and you have to be receiving a payment for 3 mths.)
I am so disappointed as I thought my luck had changed, but no, just because I am still waiting for SW to cop on, I cannot do a programme that may have got me a job...

Is it just me, or is this country so bloody backwards in how it 'tries' to help people...I am sick of them. Has anyone else had experience like this?

HoggyRS

That WPP2 scheme is doing more harm than good. Employers now have the ability to hire someone for 9 months and pay them nothing. Then in 9 months time they take on a new person for another 9 months. I'd say some companies can't believe their luck.

If theres a job to be done then hire someone. This WPP2 scheme does the economy no good.

Oh_Noes

HoggyRS wrote: »

Employers now have the ability to hire someone for 9 months and pay them nothing. Then in 9 months time they take on a new person for another 9 months. I'd say some companies can't believe their luck.

Don't forget about the poor fúcker that was doing the job and depended on it to pay his bills before the whole WPP thing started. I'm sure a fair few people were shown the door because the employer doesn't have to pay someone anymore. The whole thing is a disgrace.

Don't get too frustrated at not being able to do it OP, you might have saved someone else's job.

CoolGirl101

yeah, both replies are so true....and it is sad, but things are so bad these days, that I am sick of staying home everyday doing nothing it is really driving me so mad, that I'm willing to do it for free......I get your point about saving someones job though, I never even thoughht of that! It really is sad..

faw1tytowers

Your luck has changed it stopped you from getting that WWP2 job and hopefully will fee you up to find another soon. Good luck!

mac_iomhair

i see an advertisement for waiting staff as a work placement scheme. what the ****?? why would someone need to do a placement as waiting staff.

notsobusy

It really is ridiculous. I applied to do a FAS course and was told I couldn't do it until my JSA came through which took 18months in the end. It was going to be slave labour, work for basically nothing and learn nothing in the process!!!!

Nothingbetter2d

write to enda kenny and happy gilmore

call for an end to the wpp1 & wpp2 programs as its tax payers paying for what is basically "free labour" for companies that in all fairness these companies should be paying the salaries themselves.

it does more harm than good taking real jobs away from people and costing tax payers money we don't have to spend.

mac_iomhair

i think it is a good idea for highly trained graduates to get experience rather than wasting away at the house.

But how are FAS allowing these companies (eg. cafe's and supermarkets) get involved with the work placement is absolutey scandalous. No point contacting politicians the only people that get any response from them is journalists, Pat Kenny needs to bring it to politicians on the frontline, or get it looked into on prime time investigates!

FAS are coming to an end in the near future (or so Fine Gael promised in the election) so hopefully its looked into sooner rather than later.

Sheensie

Hi All,

I'm currently researching an article on unemployment, internships and work placements. I'm really interested in speaking to anyone who has had experience of the FAS WPP system (or interning in any capacity).

I have seen the WPP job section advertising for placements as waiting staff, etc... I'd be very interested to hear whether people think this is a scam to get people to work for free or if there's anyone out there who thinks that unemployed people should have to work for their dole....

Please PM me if you'd like to chat with me about your experiences and I'll give you my contact details and further information. Look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks.

Oh_Noes

Sheensie wrote: »

I'd be very interested to hear whether people think this is a scam to get people to work for free or if there's anyone out there who thinks that unemployed people should have to work for their dole....

There's no "no working for dole". Under the WPP system you work for free for a private company while recieving unemployment benefits from the state. The two aren't connected in that way. So "working for dole" in that sense would just be public sector employment.

Sheensie

Respectfully, I think you misinterpreted my point. I'm asking about people's attitudes. What I'm interested in finding out is whether or not some people hold the opinion that unemployed persons are better off working for free than not working at all. Whether that is for public or private sector is just semantics in this instance.

Shelga

Hey OP, no you're not the only one to experience the ridiculous workings of SW in relation to WPP jobs. I saw one advertised at Christmas that would have been perfect for me- got all excited, went to apply and realised I couldn't, as I had to have been in receipt of payments for 3 months. I had only been unemployed for about a week at the time.

Same job came up a few weeks ago- I applied again, got it, and am starting tomorrow. What have I been doing for the last 3 months? Absolutely nothing. Good call, SW! :rolleyes:

CoolGirl101

Shelga wrote: »

Hey OP, no you're not the only one to experience the ridiculous workings of SW in relation to WPP jobs. I saw one advertised at Christmas that would have been perfect for me- got all excited, went to apply and realised I couldn't, as I had to have been in receipt of payments for 3 months. I had only been unemployed for about a week at the time.

Same job came up a few weeks ago- I applied again, got it, and am starting tomorrow. What have I been doing for the last 3 months? Absolutely nothing. Good call, SW! :rolleyes:

I know, it's so stupid.....The idea that you work for nothing is unappealing, and then if there are people like us who actually want to do it, we can't!
It is the most stupid strategy to get people jobs I've ever heard of.
Congrats on getting the job though, good luck!

Liquidus

I heard from FAS that they are introducing a new programme soon similar to the WPP but FAS pays you. I'm not sure if its a separate payment or a top up with the dole.

DesLyons

Was thinking of doing one of the work placement prorgammes. Done 3 years in LIT but because i've no experience i cant get a job.
Came across a placement program recently was thinking of applying but was wondering does any know if I can actually work a part time job on top of that ( like in a shop) and still get the dole while on the programm ?

I know that kind of defeats the purpose of it but i need the experience bad