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Help with JCP demand: "We would like you to come in..."

Martyn

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?

Parents

  • This is a tricky one. I can only offer my own personal experience.

    From my understanding it seems to be the government or a higher power's decision to run things strictly face-to-face where possible from this point on. Apparently it's easier, more cost effective? I have no idea, and I don't particularly buy it. But that does make it possible that the JCP itself is just doing as its told by asking you to come in person, and so there may be no ulterior motive beyond that. If you've been offered the option to continue with receiving phone call updates then I doubt they would sanction you by taking them up on that. If you were pleading with them to make an exception then things would of course be different.

    Although bear in mind JCP departments are not always the most communicative between themselves, so you may encounter individual employees who put more pressure on you than others, whether face-to-face or otherwise. From experience this is likely to be the main issue - to put it bluntly, you need a little luck to be on your side that you get to talk to somebody sympathetic to your plight. There are people at the jobcentre who actually understand that we're struggling and not just being lazy, but equally there are people who will simply refuse to hear it. Possibly because they've been given the runaround in the past. I've had my fair share of both extremes, and the consequences of encountering them in the field. I won't pretend it's remotely fair, but these issues can be navigated. Have you had a full and honest discussion with your advisor recently expressing these concerns?

    I'm sorry if this isn't very helpful or encouraging. Wishing you luck.

Reply

  • This is a tricky one. I can only offer my own personal experience.

    From my understanding it seems to be the government or a higher power's decision to run things strictly face-to-face where possible from this point on. Apparently it's easier, more cost effective? I have no idea, and I don't particularly buy it. But that does make it possible that the JCP itself is just doing as its told by asking you to come in person, and so there may be no ulterior motive beyond that. If you've been offered the option to continue with receiving phone call updates then I doubt they would sanction you by taking them up on that. If you were pleading with them to make an exception then things would of course be different.

    Although bear in mind JCP departments are not always the most communicative between themselves, so you may encounter individual employees who put more pressure on you than others, whether face-to-face or otherwise. From experience this is likely to be the main issue - to put it bluntly, you need a little luck to be on your side that you get to talk to somebody sympathetic to your plight. There are people at the jobcentre who actually understand that we're struggling and not just being lazy, but equally there are people who will simply refuse to hear it. Possibly because they've been given the runaround in the past. I've had my fair share of both extremes, and the consequences of encountering them in the field. I won't pretend it's remotely fair, but these issues can be navigated. Have you had a full and honest discussion with your advisor recently expressing these concerns?

    I'm sorry if this isn't very helpful or encouraging. Wishing you luck.

Children