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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

  • Thanks Manja,

    That's really helpful. My son has  had a bad experience with the job centre, whilst on JSA and they knew he was being tested for aspergers/ASD. We were waiting for the results, which we now have. He knew he had to apply for whatever jobs his advisor gave him (he had no problem with this) but his anxieties kicked in big time when they said he had to go on this networking day at the local college. When he got the leaflet he came straight home and laid in bed all day. He said " I can't go on this mum, I feel sick." He hates anything to do with rooms full of strange people. He hardly goes out anyway and just going to the job centre to sign makes him panic. Anyway he never went, then he was so scared to go back to the JC (to be treated like poo with everybody listening) that he refused to go back there. Needless to say he has been signed off and receives no benefits at all now. We got the diagnosis after and I'm considering re  applying. I was hoping there was something other than JSA for him so he didn't have to go on days like this. I know I can claim DLA. I'm in the process of filling in the form. I didn't know he could apply on line tho. Do you think I should phone DWP first? May be then they will make allowences.

Reply

  • Thanks Manja,

    That's really helpful. My son has  had a bad experience with the job centre, whilst on JSA and they knew he was being tested for aspergers/ASD. We were waiting for the results, which we now have. He knew he had to apply for whatever jobs his advisor gave him (he had no problem with this) but his anxieties kicked in big time when they said he had to go on this networking day at the local college. When he got the leaflet he came straight home and laid in bed all day. He said " I can't go on this mum, I feel sick." He hates anything to do with rooms full of strange people. He hardly goes out anyway and just going to the job centre to sign makes him panic. Anyway he never went, then he was so scared to go back to the JC (to be treated like poo with everybody listening) that he refused to go back there. Needless to say he has been signed off and receives no benefits at all now. We got the diagnosis after and I'm considering re  applying. I was hoping there was something other than JSA for him so he didn't have to go on days like this. I know I can claim DLA. I'm in the process of filling in the form. I didn't know he could apply on line tho. Do you think I should phone DWP first? May be then they will make allowences.

Children
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