"Back to work" session - anyone know anything about them?

Max_Headroom_3

As part of my fortnightly humiliation ritual for the pittance of benefits I'm entitled to after a mere quarter of a century of continuous employment, I've now been advised that I must attend a Back To Work Session, which sounds like a barrel of laughs.

I've a couple of questions, has anyone been on one/know what they're about? Just wondering what to expect.

And does everyone on benefits who doesn't have a full time job have to go on these or is it just a "jobseekers" thing?

I'm expecting an hour of being patronised interspersed with plenty of stating the bleeding obvious.

NASA_2

They are supposed to be an expansion of the fortnightly humiliation. More intensive jobsearch etc. but in all likelyhood it will be very limited in what they go through as there are far too many people signing on to be able to do what is meant to be done.

Not all benefit claimants have to go through this but it is hopefully moving that way as it will discourage benefit switchers.

Go in with that expectation and smart !!!! attitude and you will likely get what you expect.

Max_Headroom_3

Thank you, just what I thought.

Well there are 18 of us booked in for this session apparently.

I shall try to hold my tongue, but I'm not promising anything... :mad:

jla1051

I'm not sure what session Scrooge attended but it certainly wasn't a Back to Work Session. I am the lead within my office for these sessions, and can assure you that there is no one-to-one jobsearching involved.

To answer the OP:

Every jobseeker has to attend the session, normally between weeks 6-9 of your claim.
The purpose of the session is to reiterate the requirements of continuing to claim JSA and to offer additional advice on jobseeking. While for you it may be "stating the bleeding obvious" some people may not have had to look for work for a long time and will find the session beneficial.

HTH

Max_Headroom_3

I've not had to look for work for a long time, but it's hardly rocket science.

busy_mom_2

ESA wrote: »

They are supposed to be an expansion of the fortnightly humiliation. More intensive jobsearch etc. but in all likelyhood it will be very limited in what they go through as there are far too many people signing on to be able to do what is meant to be done.

Not all benefit claimants have to go through this but it is hopefully moving that way as it will discourage benefit switchers.

Go in with that expectation and smart !!!! attitude and you will likely get what you expect.

These are new sessions and yes everyone claiming jsa is required to attend them. They are as jla1051 said and not there to humiliate or be-little anyone. Go with what expectation you like and as always some will find it usefull others a waste of space. If you really want a job wouldn't you be prepared to accept any help available???

You never know you might leave something you didn't know about;)

mvengemvenge

Max_Headroom wrote: »

I've not had to look for work for a long time, but it's hardly rocket science.

You have to understand, for some people jobcentres deal with, getting out of bed is rocket science.

Rich44_2

I've just had mine they usually hold them 20 miles from my "normal" job centre so they're now holding them locally 1 to 1 instead (I told them just as well considering you haven't paid me anything yet so no way i'm doing ANOTHER 40 mile round trip, they were very understanding)

As expected same as a normal sign on but ask you about your CV and that you're actually doing your bit (although didnt ask for any proof or for my record book) and then they hand out an A4 booklet and a very badly photocopied piece of paper for you to fill in and bring to your 13 week "review" which is presumably more of the same except for weekly sign ons, getting you to apply for any job within your area etc etc etc

Rich44_2

busy_mom wrote: »

These are new sessions and yes everyone claiming jsa is required to attend them. They are as jla1051 said and not there to humiliate or be-little anyone. Go with what expectation you like and as always some will find it usefull others a waste of space. If you really want a job wouldn't you be prepared to accept any help available???

You never know you might leave something you didn't know about;)

TBH from what I had it would have been more helpful to have been left alone to keep looking at home instead of wasting 2 hours travelling and seeing someone at the job centre, she couldnt even manage to tell me what amount of JSA I would be entitled to, well she did but she got the single person allowance wrong

I am sure that some people may find it more useful than others.

Oh I did get a print out of EVERY job registered at that job centre, so plenty of min wage seasonal work serving teas and coffee and ice creams

pothole50

I was also handed a letter today at the local job centre for my appointed Back To Work Session apparently this is what it is from the gov site

(a) ““Back to Work Session” means a seminar or appointment referred to as “a Back to Work Session” arranged by or on behalf of the Secretary of State, the purpose of which is to provide a person who attends with information, support and advice with a view to assisting him to find employment or to improve his chances of finding employment;”;


pothole

dookar

Max_Headroom wrote: »

I've not had to look for work for a long time, but it's hardly rocket science.

Excellent stuff. So simple you've found employment and no longer need to attend. everyone's a winner.

Or have I misunderstood something...