Bishop’s jobless ‘treadmill’ comments spark unite anger
13th February 2009
Remarks by the bishop of London implying that ‘opportunity
knocks on the dole’ have been called ‘insensitive and unworldly’ by
Unite, the country’s largest trade union.
The Rt. Rev. Richard Chartres said that redundancy could come as
a relief for those wishing to get off ‘the treadmill’ and escape
the ‘Crackberry culture’. It would give the newly-jobless a chance
to revaluate what they ‘really want out of life’.
Rachael Maskell, Unite national officer, community and non
profit sector, criticised the bishop’s remarks as suggesting that
‘opportunity knocks on the dole’. Unite represents about 2,500
faith workers.
Rachael Maskell said: "If people decide voluntarily to leave
their jobs, are financially secure and have a plan for the future,
that’s fine.
"But if someone suddenly loses their job, then their home is
repossessed and their marriage or relationship cracks under the
strain, that’s not revaluation, that’s desperation. At a time when
the resources of the church should be mobilised to help the victims
of the recession, his views are insensitive and unworldly.’
"The Church of England’s doctrines since the Reformation have
espoused the protestant work ethic and in that context the bishop’s
comments appear inconsistent."
ENDS
Rachael Maskell, national officer020 7420 8979 or 07768 693933;
Doug Nicholls, national secretary, community and youth workers
industrial sector 07970 345 381; Shaun Noble, communications
officer (third sector) 020 7420 8951
Unite represents over 60,000 members in the third sector.
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