Do I have a right to be upset about this?

dark_lady

There are many people claiming Incapacity Benefit or ESA for conditions like advanced IBS,coeliac disease etc. When these medical tests kick them off these benefits and they are forced to sign on for JSA and attend the Jobcentre for back to work interviews and courses what happens then because there are NO toilets for claimants and they do NOT allow you to use their staff toilets.
Of course there is one other option and i reckon a claimant would only have to do it once!

freyanneke_2

Even though I totally agree with the posters that tell you to complain to your Jobcentre manager and your MP (in reverse order) I hope you are not too disheartened about your prospects. An old friend that was in a wheel chair and had speech problems got a receptionist job working for the council after she pointed out all the benefits, there was some financial gain, of employing her. In this age of trying to be politically correct every employer has to try to get a certain percentage of employees that fall into certain categories. My local council even has a tick box on forms that ensures that everyone with a disability gets to be interviewed after applying. Keep your head up, make a list of all your assets and contact your local Equality council. They will help you think outside the box, try to get you voluntary work or a work trial, they will sometimes even visit the Job Centre with you to ensure they are sticking to the rules. Not as a support worker, but more as an observer.
There is no excuse for being treated as you have, but I hope you will look back on it some day and think, at least I don't have to that anymore. Good luck!

DX2

tcr wrote: »

I'm struggling to believe this, tbh.

I have to say when I first read the OP, I was outraged but when you actually stop and think for a minute you do wonder. These days people can't lift a paper clip without doing so many H&S courses. Now we hear that staff are lifting disabled people upstairs, I have to say I agree with your pov.

tcr_3

DX2 wrote: »

I have to say when I first read the OP, I was outraged but when you actually stop and think for a minute you do wonder. These days people can't lift a paper clip without doing so many H&S courses. Now we hear that staff are lifting disabled people upstairs, I have to say I agree with your pov.

See, that's where I'm struggling. You'll know yourself that staff aren't trained to manhandle folk up stairs ... the Job Centre staff aren't, neither are the security guards (or CCO's). I'd be really quite shocked if anyone attempted such a thing, for fear they'd hurt the OP or themselves in the process. Of course, they're not insured for that either.

Now that's not to say you can't hold a door open for someone or offer an arm to help someone steady themselves. But lifting the OP & a chair up stairs is a whole different ballgame.

But it's so appalling an account that I don't think you could "make it up".

bunny999

Whilst I have every sympathy for the OP they could have refused the offer of a lift. Should the security guard have just ignored the OP ? The guard was only trying to help when it wasn't his job which is more than most people do these days.
OP I think it might be easier / less stressful for you to claim ESA.

cit_k

bunny999 wrote: »

Whilst I have every sympathy for the OP they could have refused the offer of a lift. Should the security guard have just ignored the OP ? The guard was only trying to help when it wasn't his job which is more than most people do these days.
OP I think it might be easier / less stressful for you to claim ESA.

And that would result in not attending the session.

That would then result in a benefit sanction.

That would then result in the o/p having to appeal.

That would then result in a long delay on no or reduced money before the facts get heard.

cit_k

WhiteHorse wrote: »

EltonJohnFan:

The way in which you were treated is disgusting. For your own sake and of others, this cannot be allowed to pass. They do this more and more, simply because people don't kick back.

Firstly, write down a very detailed account of eveything that happened. Then ...

(1) Formal written complaint (send it Recorded Delivery), to Jobcentre Manager. Do not deal with them over the phone. Ever. Make it clear that you will take it to the Area Manager (they may tell you that you cannot go higher or that the 'avenue does not exist'. This is a lie).

(2) Contact MP.

(3) Contact Daily Mail. People may laugh, but the DWP won't be laughing if they print your story. Be quick though, News gets old very quickly.

(4) Contact your Local paper. They often like local interest horror stories.

With the lift unavailable you should have been told that the interview would be rearranged, or that someone would come down to you. You should not have been dragged up the stairs (possible breach of Health & Safety legislation and definately of internal procedures).

I have also been lectured by these morons about literacy. Amazing really, when you look at the spelling mistakes and dreadful grammer that often appears in their own offerings.

I would be wary of contacting the Daily mail.. they are more to invent a story, portraying the o/p as a faking scrounger, thats more their style (daily mail I am talking about) I fear.

ankspon

It is disgusting,you should not have been carried due to health and safety rules(the guard could claim for back injury),sad i know but it's a sign of the times.I would agree with the majority here and take it further,good luck.

bunny999

cit_k wrote: »

And that would result in not attending the session.

That would then result in a benefit sanction.

That would then result in the o/p having to appeal.

That would then result in a long delay on no or reduced money before the facts get heard.

Exactly, so the security guard went beyond the remit of his job to help the OP. The lift was broken so he did the only thing that could be done under the circumstances.

paulrn_2

The way this reads it could be broken down into 2 parts
1. Access. It is unfortunate that the lift was broken, but they did help when pushed, they were probably not deliberatly off but just not thinking about disability as they should.
2. Course suitability. As I undstand it we cannot afford as tax payers to tailor these sessions to individuals, if I was job seeking I would attend each and every one until I found work, even taking a job far below my abilities as it is easier to find work if you are in work.

So in answer to your original question my view is yes of course you have the right to be upset but it is unfounded and suggestions of letters to the world are unhelpful and would generate pointless time and expense for all concernered.

I sit back and wait for more caring to lambast me.