Published on 12, July, 2020
I wondered if anyone has had experience of Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Advisers.
I've seen a text by the Minister of State for Disabled People extolling the virtues of these advisers, and given what I've heard myself indirectly, wondered if the reality was as optimistic as he claims.
According to the Minister of State these Disability Employment Advisers can provide support and advice for disabled people who need help finding and retaining employment.
Disability Employment Advisersat Jobcentre Plus can refer individuals to specialist programmes, including Work Choice, and can use the professional expertise of Work Psychologists, who specialise in working with disabled people.
Jobcentre Plus's Disability Employment Advisers can advocate with employers on the individual's behalf and help employers to explore job solutions such as the restructuring of job's tasks/environment, or the provision/change of equipment.
Work Choice provides tailored support to help disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment, where it is appropriate for the individual.
Laudable as these Disability Employment Advisers seem to be, has anyone actually met one? Are they helpful? Or do they still know very little especially about autism?
I would write a formal letter addressed to the Job Centre explaining your disability and bring it with you to your next appointment. Ensure it states how many times you have been fobbed off and on what dates. Question whether they are behaving in a disciminatory fashion, quote the Equality Act 2010 and tell them you will be seeking advice. Hand it over and say you will sit there until they get a disability advisor to see you.