Government

And I want us to be a country where it doesn’t matter where you were born, who your parents are, where you went to school, what your accent sounds like, what god you worship, whether you’re a man or a woman, gay or straight, or black or white.

– Theresa May, 5 October 2016, Conservative Party Conference

This arresting essay presents an in depth account of the so-called 'system-upgrade' of welfare reform in the UKplc: Universal Credit

Reposted from: http://de-arrest.me/

For the sword outwears its sheath,

And the soul wears out the breast,

And the heart must pause to breathe,

The Jobcentre has not always existed. A glib statement, yes, but one that is always worth reasserting when discussing such a ubiquitous institution (see 'the state', 'the nation', borders and numerous other seemingly transcendental and timeless, yet decidedly modern, institutions). In fact the Jobcentre, taking into account its predecessors, is little more than one hundred years old. During this time, it has taken multiple forms, performed various functions, been branded, re-branded, hidden, celebrated and vilified.