Published on 12, July, 2020
The job centre have now referred me to the government RESTART scheme, run by a private company called Maximus.
Yesterday I had my induction, phone appointment. As part of this induction they asked about my health and disabilities and the women on the line often repeated what I said, to double check the accuracy. I mentioned autism, she repeated, ' you suffer from the mental illness autism.'
Update.
This week I only have two face to face appointments.
On Monday I visited Maximus and received some useful information. That is that it doesn't matter what experience or qualifications one has, or how well you answer interview questions. What really matters is how likable you are. The job will go to the person that the interviewer actually likes. Unfortunately I am very unpopular, unlikable and a social outcast.
Today I have my universal credit, job centre appointment. The reminders are driving me nuts. I have an online journal which I check every day and it clearly informs me of any appointments.
Yesterday I received.
I'm tempted not to go to my 10am appointment and say I forgot.
I went to my 10am appointment.
Next job centre appointment in 5 days time. The bus fares are starting to be a financial drain.
Robert124 said:Next job centre appointment in 5 days time. The bus fares are starting to be a financial drain.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/restart-provider-guidance/chapter-6-expenses
These people don't follow the government rules regarding refunding travel expenses. They are private companies trying to maximise profits.
At the start Maximus refunded bus fares, just like Reed in partnership did in 2018. Now just like Reed they are making excuses. They don't have the change, they will refund the money after my next appointment, they don't have the time because their appointments are running late.
i have heard of people signing on virtually or by phone but i havent experienced that for real
always keep some back for the next appointment
Robert124 said:That's the restart scheme. They do refund travel expenses. I am talking about the normal signing on at the job centre. Appointments only 5 days apart!
That's the restart scheme. They do refund travel expenses.
I am talking about the normal signing on at the job centre. Appointments only 5 days apart!
This is provided to those unemployed claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit for 3-9 months (18-24 year olds) or 3-12 months (over 25s). Other benefit recipients may receive a Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card from 3 months of their claim and if they are actively engaged with a Jobcentre Plus adviser. Cardholders are entitled to a 50% discount on selected rail tickets.
May be used at the discretion of Jobcentre Plus staff to help with the cost of travelling to an interview, training or for the first months of travelling to work.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport/support-to-help-with-the-cost-of-transport
At today's appointment the staff outnumbered the clients by about 3 to 1.
Nearby there was an elderly gentleman on crutches explaining what he was doing to find work in order to get paid his benefits.
I showed proof of eight job applications in the last two weeks.