Work related group

Sarah69

I have been placed in the work related activity group. I understand that I have to attend meetings, apparently these are held at the same place the assessment was. I had a taxi paid by atos to get to this assesssment as I was unable to walk the distance from the bus stop to this place, will I be able to get a taxi again if not how am I supposed to attend this meeting? Also I have a job which atm i'm unable to do but have every intenton of returning to once my problem has been sorted so I dont see the point of this group? Thanx in adance

dmg24

Have you asked the JCP the question about a taxi allowance?

The point of the group is it is for those who have some scope to return to work in the future. By your own admission you meet this criteria.

bezzza

I thought these meetings were held at the job centre? Although since I was placed in the WRAG almost 6 months ago I am yet to have any contact - maybe my next assessment is due ............

dmg24

bezzza wrote: »

I thought these meetings were held at the job centre? Although since I was placed in the WRAG almost 6 months ago I am yet to have any contact - maybe my next assessment is due ............

Some medicals take place at JCP offices.

Chorlie

When I attended my first meeting I was asked if I wanted to claim my travel expenses back, I drove 8 miles so could claim 25p per mile, so I could get £4 for each meetIng (16 mile round trip).

I didn't claim this back, I'm getting the allowance and DLA after all; so to me it's like expecting your employer to pay for you to travel to work and back.

Sarah69

I just dont see the point in 'work' related meetings when I have a job to return to. I dont need to look for a job!

AsknAnswer2

ESA doesn't only take account of your ability to do your current or usual job. It takes account of your ability to do any job, and remove barriers to employment to support you back into work.

The point of the WFI is outlined in the factsheet, quoted below for you:

The purpose of a work focused interview is to discuss the
customer’s views on returning to work and the package of support that may be
required. Personal Advisers will discuss the type of work that might be most suitable
with the customer and can refer them for employment, training or condition
management support, to help them manage and cope with their illness or disability in
a work context. During these discussions the customer and personal adviser might
explore the customer’s:
● Job goals.
● Skills, strengths and abilities.
● Factors preventing them from finding work or limiting the work they can do, then
helping them to overcome these barriers.
● Ideas, problems and issues

MrsManda

The idea of the WRAG is that you cannot work at the moment but with extra support/training you will be able to work in some capacity.

The point of this group to you is that on the basis of your assessment you are not totally incapable of work, it is just that in your current situation you are not able to work in your current role.

Therefore you shouldn't be exempt from some work activity.

I think alot of people worry unnecessarily about being in the WRAG.

If you get a letter inviting you to an appointment with an advisor and you are unable to make it due to your health you can call them and discuss it - they may come to you, do the interview over the phone, arrange transport or rearrange the interview...

and as Bezzza said, it may be months until you're contacted at all and may in fact be better and off ESA and back at work before you are contacted depending on what is wrong with you.

Sarah69

Ok thanx but the only barrier i have is the medical reason stopping me from working and until its sorted in a medical way i dont think i can do any job. But will have to go i guess see wat they say!