I was diagnosed with ASD a year or so before Covid hit. My mental health was spiraling at this time and experiences with the job center did not help matters as they came down hard on me. During Covid they would phone me every two weeks, and now they want me to "come in". I really don't want to. I've had such a traumatic time with them over the years and the experiences I received from the work programs years ago including being sanctioned for "not doing enough to find work" are still fresh in my mind . Not attending the JCP, and doing the bare minimum job searching, during Covid my mental health improved and this improvement was strengthened when I finally received PIP and I am eternally grateful for that.
But they want to see me face-to-face. They are now asking me to "think about it". It would be better if they were upfront with me and tell me that they want me to "come in" so that at some point they can threaten and sanction me if I don't comply. And yes I have read of the new regime being introduced in January to get claimants back into work. Although I am on the legacy benefits (JSA), the new regime probably includes me even though on their records there are notes indicating that I am on the ASD. They are currently "encouraging me" to take steps to get back into work, but I am just not ready for all that hassle again because I don't think they are helping me and have never really helped me in the past. I don't want to start that downward spiral again as well.
If I return to the JCP, they will want me to present evidence of my job searches ensuring I'm doing what they ask, which if I fail they will sanction me. They know I struggle with keeping a job, and I have these barriers: struggle to "fit in" with people, social anxiety, at risk of bullying, struggle with focus and attention, sensitive to noise and busy environments, they also know how my diabetes effects my mood and so on. They know I am articulate and intelligent, but I struggle with verbal communication. They are trying to be sympathetic, but I cannot help thinking this softly-softly approach is a trap to get my to comply. If I am mandated to return there, then I will return and will have to put up with it, but they've given me a choice. It's not that. It's the consequences of non-compliance that I am worried about.
What happens if I refuse? Is that non-compliance and grounds for sanctioning?