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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

  • Yes, good luck. I hope things go well for you. People with Aspergers are often very conscientious. Speaking for myself, I love routine, order and structure. I volunteer most days and am very rarely off, unless my anxiety levels are too high, which can and does happen. But I am never off for any other reason. I love having things to do. I am very curious. But I also need to be in control, and I get very defensive and angry if I am forced to do something that is not right. The problem is that ESA is very black and white: you either can work or you cannot. But life is not as simple as this. I want to work, but need specialist support which the JobCentre cannot provide. Currently I receive support from a specialist employment charity for people with mental health needs and Aspergers. We go one step at a time and I am under no compulsion, and yet I am making progress because I AM IN CONTROL.

Reply

  • Yes, good luck. I hope things go well for you. People with Aspergers are often very conscientious. Speaking for myself, I love routine, order and structure. I volunteer most days and am very rarely off, unless my anxiety levels are too high, which can and does happen. But I am never off for any other reason. I love having things to do. I am very curious. But I also need to be in control, and I get very defensive and angry if I am forced to do something that is not right. The problem is that ESA is very black and white: you either can work or you cannot. But life is not as simple as this. I want to work, but need specialist support which the JobCentre cannot provide. Currently I receive support from a specialist employment charity for people with mental health needs and Aspergers. We go one step at a time and I am under no compulsion, and yet I am making progress because I AM IN CONTROL.

Children
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