ESA sanctions (work programme) - Which appointments are mandatory?

93123 · 23 January 2013 at 11:19PM

I'm in the work-related group.

My advisor wants to see me once a week (for a less than 5 minute chat he could do over e-mail) but once a month or so I'd rather skip one appointment to perform a skin procedure which would involve me taking a week off. My skin as it is is affecting my confidence severely and it's either do it now while I'm doing voluntary work or wait until I get a paid job and get fired... I don't know how to go about this?

miduck · 23 January 2013 at 11:22PM

You can be excused from your WP appt in order to attend a medical appt, however unless you are hospitalised they will expect you to attend at another time that week.

speedfreek1000 · 24 January 2013 at 3:25AM

miduck wrote: »

You can be excused from your WP appt in order to attend a medical appt, however unless you are hospitalised they will expect you to attend at another time that week.

There is no such regulation or rule so stop talking bollox!

The guidance says the WP provider should encourage medical appointments outside core working hours e.g. evening/weekend/late sessions which are more in tune with working.

If you have a medical need which requires a week off then you will have to request this in writing from your WP provider and have this backed up by medical evidence from a GP or specialist.

If the WP provider does not like this or refutes this then you have to ask them to reconsider it.

If they still will not budge then you have to complain and state your case using the Equality Act 2010.

Simple eh?

Things have changed and a while ago a few FOI to the DWP came back with when you are on the work program you are treated as an employee. You therefore have to approach the WP provider as if you are an employee of the provider and request adjustments etc under the legislation and rules that govern employees.

Whilst I do not like nor agree with this change; thems the apples!

93123 · 29 January 2013 at 3:21AM

It's not a hospital appointment, it's an at home procedure (often carried out in professional settings if you're a beginner). It's a chemical peel basically, acne and the scarring I've been left with plays a major role in the depression and the body issues I've developed over the past few years, I just would feel better if I could do it without worrying about being sanctioned once every 2 months or so, it takes a week. I won't ever feel comfortable in my skin unless I improve it and if I don't do it now how can I possibly do it when I have a full-time job?

Ah I dunno.

seven-day-weekend · 29 January 2013 at 9:52AM

This has been asked (and answered) before, I will see if I can find the link.

As I said before, maybe the OP could book a week's holiday, as they would have to do if they were at work.

FBaby · 29 January 2013 at 10:17AM

But this isn't a medical need. You could do the peel in the evening and although I understand that you would feel highly self-conscious afterwards, it would stop you actually attending the appointment. You could plan the peel so that your appt is 6 days later.

93123 · 29 January 2013 at 3:10PM

Thanks for the advice

I know it's not a medical need by definition but in this context it kind of is: I'm on ESA for depression , mostly due to no confidence which stems from skin issues I've had since I was 11

Fortunately he said he wants to see me every fortnight after the next appointment, so fingers crossed!!

ESA sanctions (work programme) - Which appointments are mandatory?

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