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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

  • So sorry you have had such a tough time.  My son has been referred to the Shaw Trust by his DEA - a 6 month programme, who are giving him considerable one to one support in his job hunt, and are not trying to force him into anything - he has very specific skills like many high-functioning Austistics, and doesn't want to/can't do anything else.  So far they all seem to be respecting this (we are early days, so lets see how we go further down the line!). Have you been offered any such support from partner agencies? Is there no-one who can help you, a parent, a mentor, friend who understands your needs and can help fight your corner? Have you seen a doctor/GP practice nurse recently for annual check up, as you can ask them to refer you for specialist assistance, as this is all obviously affecting your health and mental well-being. Please try to get someone on side to help you as it is too much of a fight to take on on your own! Wishing you every luck.

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  • So sorry you have had such a tough time.  My son has been referred to the Shaw Trust by his DEA - a 6 month programme, who are giving him considerable one to one support in his job hunt, and are not trying to force him into anything - he has very specific skills like many high-functioning Austistics, and doesn't want to/can't do anything else.  So far they all seem to be respecting this (we are early days, so lets see how we go further down the line!). Have you been offered any such support from partner agencies? Is there no-one who can help you, a parent, a mentor, friend who understands your needs and can help fight your corner? Have you seen a doctor/GP practice nurse recently for annual check up, as you can ask them to refer you for specialist assistance, as this is all obviously affecting your health and mental well-being. Please try to get someone on side to help you as it is too much of a fight to take on on your own! Wishing you every luck.

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