This might be a little unusual... but can you help?

EltonJohnFan

Hi all,

I'd like to have my local DWP/Jobcentre office commended for the absolutely fantastic level of service they've continually given me, and after attending today, I'm thoroughly convinced that these people don't deserve a lot of the negative press they're given because they couldn't do enough to help me and there was even a man who'd follow me around, a security guard maybe? and he'd open doors at make conversation with me, laughing and smiling as he went. The lady I was speaking with offered me a drink etc and was just so friendly that I wasn't afraid to speak openly to her and felt really at ease. I've had a lot of things sorted out today and I feel so much better about things because I recently found out I was over the £6,000 limit for savings and I've now declared this to them and was told I'd done the right thing. I'm an honest person and wouldn't want to lie, especially not now that I'm aware of this limit. Would you think I was mad if I wanted to write a written letter of thanks regarding my local office? where would I post this to? I definitely want them to know that I'm pleased with how they've dealt with me. Thank you.

debtfreenewbie

A little thanks go a long way.Do you know who you were dealing with?Perhaps a personal letter to them or the boss.Glad you are getting the help.I have had some good experiences in the past.

tcr_3

Only 3 months ago you rubbished your local Job Centre here quite thoroughly. "A nightmare to deal with". Yet now they're the greatest thing since sliced bread.

What's made you change your mind about the Job Centre & it's benefit fraud officers ?

EltonJohnFan

debtfreenewbie wrote: »

A little thanks go a long way.Do you know who you were dealing with?Perhaps a personal letter to them or the boss.Glad you are getting the help.I have had some good experiences in the past.

As a matter of fact I do, yes. She's a really lovely lady and has went out of her way to help me since we've started to meet. She refers to herself as a Disability Employment Advisor but to me she's more than that because she's very friendly and doesn't just think of you as a number or demand that you apply for work when anyone with common sense would know that people with disabilities like mine can't possibly work in busy factories etc. I actually have had lots of help from the people in my local Jobcentre and though one or two advisors haven't been very nice to me at all the vast majority have went out of their way to offer assistance and give me a thoroughly fantastic level of service. I know these people don't often get the recognition that they truly deserve and I'd just like to let someone in a position of authority know of my situation and how certain people within their offices have done what they have for me for they've went above and beyond the call of duty and I'm grateful for that.

EltonJohnFan

tcr wrote: »

Only 3 months ago you rubbished your local Job Centre here quite thoroughly. "A nightmare to deal with". Yet now they're the greatest thing since sliced bread.

What's made you change your mind about the Job Centre & it's benefit fraud officers ?

An apology goes a long way you know. Since then I've had a fantastic level of service and I can't commend them enough for what they've done for me. I received a written apology for how I was treated on that day in particular and since then everything's been fine and I haven't had any further problems. I no longer have to somehow get to the top floor as all of my appointments are dealt with on the ground floor in either a private room or at least where I won't have problems getting to in my wheelchair. I think that staff are maybe aware of me now because whenever I go in there's always a man who opens doors for me and helps me around and he always makes jokes and conversation too and so it isn't akward when you have to wait to see the advisors dealing with you. I know some people say that visiting the Jobcentre can be a daunting experience but for me personally? I've enjoyed my visits there for a little while now and it's just a pity the job situation is so bleak here because jobs are as rare as a genie in a tin can. I'm hopeful I'll find something though, most definitely.

mrshappy

I think a letter is a great idea-Jobcentre staff have it tough and I have never had a bad experience with them-I use several Jobcentres for work purposes (supporting vulnerable young people) and have always found them to be pleasant, sometimes I don't always get completely accurate information, however they do seem to do their best.

EltonJohnFan

mrshappy wrote: »

I think a letter is a great idea-Jobcentre staff have it tough and I have never had a bad experience with them-I use several Jobcentres for work purposes (supporting vulnerable young people) and have always found them to be pleasant, sometimes I don't always get completely accurate information, however they do seem to do their best.

Thanks,

I too had that situation regarding savings because I was left money in a relatives will and this took me just over the £6,000 limit I'm now aware of and yet was told (twice) by Jobcentre staff that it wouldn't affect anything because you're allowed to have £16,000 before they take anything into consideration. I admit I should have looked into this in more detail but you do trust what you're told by these people and it's just unfortunate that they do (on occasion) make mistakes. We're only human though, and that means we all make mistakes from time to time and so, I'm just glad they understand how it was for me when I explained it today and they're going to start deducting a few pounds a week from my benefits. I'm now up to date on savings limits, due to meet with my DEA on Friday actually as I told the lady dealing with me today that I have to claim ESA meanwhile until my GP says I'm fit to look for work again. I do feel fit to work now and looking for work seems to help me as I don't like to just sit and do nothing with my time and prefer to keep busy. The lady completely understood what I was saying and she said just to see my GP in a months time and tell her that I don't want anymore medical certificates and hopefully the doctor will be alright with that.

FleurDuLys

I think this is an ace idea, EJF. Working in a Jobcentre is probably a thankless task and you'd make the staff's day!

AnxiousMum

EJF - maybe write a card of thanks to the person who you dealt with, and enclose a letter for his/her manager commending the service and respect you are receiving from them. Who knows, it could be a deciding factor when it comes time for management to decide who to let go and who to keep.

Tehya

I'm pretty sure anyone who work with members of the public would love the idea of a customer/client telling them how well they are doing.

It's good to see that you got your earlier issues dealt with too.

Incyder

NO EJF don't do it.
This job centre may be nice to you but never let them know that.
Head office will hear about it and make the staffs life hell till they toughen up and make customers angry and cry as they were trained to.
Say nothing, keep it as your little secret.