TUC: Unions key to getting unemployed back to work

29/08/2008

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has claimed unions have a key role in getting the long-term unemployed into work.

Its new guidance explains that union representatives, employers and job centre schemes can help hard-to-reach groups.

Its publication, Work Trials - a briefing for union reps, says work placements can help the jobless.

However, the TUC warned against unscrupulous employers who could use the initiatives to hire cheaper labour and undercut their competitors.

Its general secretary Brendan Barber said this practice can "threaten people's jobs and serves no benefit to those who desperately need help to get back into work".

"Unions are on hand to prevent dodgy employers exploiting the system and will work with good employers, job centre plus and the Government to ensure that work trials are successful at helping people out of long term unemployment."

Announcing August's unemployment figures Work and Pensions Minister, James Plaskitt said: "Despite this months rise in unemployment, there are still 380,000 more people in work than a year ago."

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