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Work Program.

Bloodheart

Does anyone know what our rights are while within the Work Program (and larger benefits system such as Job Seekers Allowence)? 

I've had multiple problems with the Job Centre and New Deal - general prejudice and ignorance from advisors, being told I have to phone to appy for benefits (I can't use a telephone) and refused any help unless I 'get over it', being told I'm mentally incapable, verbally abused, forced off JSA and onto ESA, and being forced into work placements I was either unable to fulfill or that put me at serious risk. All that is on top of the other problems unemployed people have with the job centre. Now I've just started on the Work Program and I'm terrified of what's going to happen. 

For example what do I do if they try to make me apply for jobs I'm unable to do due to autism? They mentioned classes involving role play or social speaking which I simply cannot do, what happens if they claim this is my being unwilling to participate in mandatory classes? They seem to make no allowences for disabled clients, so I'm worried they'll threaten to stop benefits if I'm unable to do something. 

No one has ever been able to tell me what the job centre can or cannot make me do, what to do if they threaten to remove my benefits, or whether I can refuse to deal with staff who are openly prejudice towards me. What are my rights? 

Parents

  • No one has been able to adequatly explain ESA - I always thought it was for people who can't work, I most definately can work and have no problems within work.

    I applied for ESA over a year ago (after the job centre forced me off JSA) and was refused with a score of 0 - not surprising, least of all given they have no criteria for autsm on assessments. Now I'm even more uncertain about ESA. I went to CAB after I was refused ESA first time, they said I have to be on JAS or ESA but were no clearer with which benefit I should actually be claiming. 

Reply

  • No one has been able to adequatly explain ESA - I always thought it was for people who can't work, I most definately can work and have no problems within work.

    I applied for ESA over a year ago (after the job centre forced me off JSA) and was refused with a score of 0 - not surprising, least of all given they have no criteria for autsm on assessments. Now I'm even more uncertain about ESA. I went to CAB after I was refused ESA first time, they said I have to be on JAS or ESA but were no clearer with which benefit I should actually be claiming. 

Children
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