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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

  • Still having problems. They want me to go on courses - despite saying that they're not going to send me on any more. They did once tell me to go on to ESA - if I do that, I will lose over £100 a month. I simply can't afford to do that.

    I told them that I feel as though the sessions are pointless and that I actually got more support from the job centre. They told me that if I don't attend, I will get sanctioned. I've asked to be referred to someone else. I am not going on courses for which I have no interest in. They don't care at all - all they care about is getting me back to work and them getting their payment.

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  • Still having problems. They want me to go on courses - despite saying that they're not going to send me on any more. They did once tell me to go on to ESA - if I do that, I will lose over £100 a month. I simply can't afford to do that.

    I told them that I feel as though the sessions are pointless and that I actually got more support from the job centre. They told me that if I don't attend, I will get sanctioned. I've asked to be referred to someone else. I am not going on courses for which I have no interest in. They don't care at all - all they care about is getting me back to work and them getting their payment.

Children
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