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Pay firms to give ex-addicts jobs, review says

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Published Date: 17 December 2008
THE UK Drug Policy Commission called today for the Government to pay employers to take on recovering addicts in the workplace.
A review published by the UKDPC concluded that Government efforts to get drug users into jobs through welfare reform proposals will not work unless more radical steps are taken. The study found two-thirds of employers surveyed would refuse to employ a former heroin or crack cocaine user, even if they were otherwise suitable.

And up to 80 per cent of those in drug treatment are out of work, yet employment can increase the chances of successful treatment, UKDPC research revealed.

The commission concluded that employers needed support and "modest" financial incentives to bridge the gap between recovering drug users and the labour market. The forthcoming Equality Bill could be an opportunity to tackle discrimination against former drug users, it said.

The UKDPC estimated that there are 400,000 heroin and crack users in the UK.

John Varley, UKDPC president and group chief executive of Barclays, said: "

Employment is a key source of rehabilitation and reintegration into society."





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  • Last Updated: 17 December 2008 10:43 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

observer9,

17/12/2008 12:56:16
Why not give the jobs to people who have never been in trouble nor cost us the taxpayers a fortune to rehabilitate them.

Let the good guys profit for a change, if they can find a job that is.
2

Mrs Numpty,

Rye 17/12/2008 14:03:14
Well said observer9,
3

Number 6,

Germany 17/12/2008 14:12:36
1# Here Here. Sadly, Liebour will probably embrace this ludicrous suggestion with both grubby hands.
4

Just So,

Scotland 17/12/2008 15:30:02
Having had a close relationship with a 'rehabilitated' drug user, much to my cost, I am completely sympathetic to the employers in this case. It takes very little for the individual to go from 'rehabilitated' to 'relapsed'. If I was an employer I'd be looking for a lot more than a 'modest' financial incentive. Wouldnt touch them with a barge pole.
5

The Former Mr. Angry,

Perth 17/12/2008 18:15:43
I wonder how many former cocaine and heroin addicts Barclays has employed?

Maybe a few in the boardroom given the antics of banks recently. The also appear to be addicted to bonuses.
6

sicasapig,

17/12/2008 18:30:10
THE UK Drug Policy Commission called today for the Government to pay employers to take on recovering addicts in the workplace.
When will these stupid people realise it is not goverment money
it is taxpayers money.
7

Cynicaltalk,

17/12/2008 19:35:59
Just shoot them.

Cheaper and more effective.
8

moaning auld git,

auld reekie 18/12/2008 02:49:12
why should junkies get more.they get DLA,hangabout chemists in the morning for their fix,and yet when a real disabled person applies for DLA they get turned down
a wee trick i overheard one of these spongers tell a cronie at the bus stop,was to go to gp,tell gp you have a drink prob,when sent to toilet for urine sample,pour half a minature of vodka into tube ,then fill it up with sample,when tested ,it shows you are a alcoholic,then you get DLA instantly
makes you sick eh
flame thrower the swines

 

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