Can anyone help, where to complain about a Job Centre staff member?

starlite_2

I unfortunately had to go in to apply for a crisis loan on monday and the way I as treated left me in tears. The only address I have is for appeals, which doesn't seem appropriate.

Thanks.

shikoku

Get a complaint form from the job centre, print out and attach your complaint.

Keep it calm, concerned and factual, rather than angry.

Copy in your local and national political representatives (Check the link below for who they are)

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

The latter will make them much more attentive to your concerns.

It is quite unacceptable to be reduced to tears in these circumstances. Part of their charter is to treat everyone with *respect*

starlite_2

Thanks, that's really helpful. This is why I left it a few days before even thinking about my complaint, i didn't want it to be heat of the moment. I really think the staff members behaviour should be a disciplinary matter.

shikoku

Oh and give this a listen!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0XAI-PFQcA

cyclonebri1

From an outsiders point of view, and from someone not having fallen on the wrong side of this issue, surely the correct time and place to complain is there and then???. Why wait and subconsiousley accept what ever has offended you.

Again sorry if it's too late, but if it offends then it offends, dig in straight away.:mad:

dmg24

If you had an interview that would imply you were a repeat claimant. Therefore it is possible that uncomfortable questions will need to be asked. Can you clarify exactly why you feel the need to complain?

starlite_2

Yes it was my third application in a year, the first being when I left my violent ex husband, the second being whilst waiting on my new tax credit claim, and this, now I have moved from income support to ESA and have had no money for almost 4 weeks now.

The advisor read a court order attached to my solicitors letter which I provided as proof of address without my permission. The contents of the court order were entirely irrelevant to my claim for a crisis loan as a single person. She went on to make very cutting personal remarks, and was quite happy to force me, as a person suffering from severe depression and panic attacks, to leave the offices in tears and spend two hours, penniless, in the rain in the town centre awaiting the decision.

dmg24

starlite wrote: »

Yes it was my third application in a year, the first being when I left my violent ex husband, the second being whilst waiting on my new tax credit claim, and this, now I have moved from income support to ESA and have had no money for almost 4 weeks now.

The advisor read a court order attached to my solicitors letter which I provided as proof of address without my permission. The contents of the court order were entirely irrelevant to my claim for a crisis loan as a single person. She went on to make very cutting personal remarks, and was quite happy to force me, as a person suffering from severe depression and panic attacks, to leave the offices in tears and spend two hours, penniless, in the rain in the town centre awaiting the decision.

She should not have made the personal remarks. However, I don't see a problem with the other elements of your complaint. It is not her responsibility to provide care for you whilst you wait for the decision.

shikoku

Good luck with this OP

shikoku

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

From an outsiders point of view, and from someone not having fallen on the wrong side of this issue, surely the correct time and place to complain is there and then???. Why wait and subconsiousley accept what ever has offended you.

Again sorry if it's too late, but if it offends then it offends, dig in straight away.:mad:

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

Especially in the context of the job centre where any reaction other than compliance or tears may be interpreted as aggression.

The urge is to just get away, calm down, and then set about dealing with it. (Yes I have been there myself)

Anyone who has had dealings with them will be able to relate to the situation the OP found herself in.

Loopy_Girl

starlite wrote: »

spend two hours, penniless, in the rain in the town centre awaiting the decision.

Having got a crisis loan many years ago, this is generally the norm.

A decision is not made there and then and you do have to hang around for ages waiting on a decision and then wait for the giro to be processed.

Not pleasant granted but at least you know you are getting money that day.

So I don't think that should form any part of your complaint but if you feel she spoke inappropriately then of course that should.