A PROTEST has been held in the city centre against a charity involvement in the Government's mandatory work schemes for the unemployed.
Campaigners from Nottingham Against Workfare protested outside record shop Music Exchange, in Stoney Street, on Saturday.
They were unhappy that homelessness charity Framework are involved in Welfare to Work, a scheme run by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The Music Exchange is a social enterprise founded by Framework. It is now operated by Eve Trades, a social enterprise established by the charity in 2012.
Nottingham Against Workfare campaigner Mikhail Goldman said: "Workfare is not simply exploitative – if allowed to continue, it will exacerbate housing problems for the poorest and most vulnerable in society.
"Shamefully, Framework claims that the Work Programme benefits the unemployed and will reduce homelessness. We intend to show them that they are wrong."
However, Andrew Redfern, chief executive of the charity, said: "Framework is one of a large number of charities and voluntary organisations involved in the delivery of welfare to work schemes.
"We do this because we know from experience that, when used appropriately, these and similar initiatives can have a transformative impact on people's lives. They are simply one of a number of tools we use to help people build independent lives."
