ACC Enslaves Claimants

ACC are requiring claimants to participate in what it calls a “Work Ready Programme” known as the WRP. However, to date no one from ACC can provide information as to what a WRP is, other than describing it as a work trial. What we have found to be happening is ACC are forcing claimants to work for employers for no pay. If a claimant refuses, ACC make it a compliance issue and can stop their weekly compensation.

While Access Support Services can see the benefits of a willing employer offering a work trial to a willing claimant, this is a far cry from forcing claimants to work for no pay in a job they do not wish to do. This appears to be nothing short of slavery, something that became illegal in the British colonies in 1833.

ACC need to rethink the WRP so it becomes a positive step in claimants’ rehabilitation.

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