Access 2 Work

GlasweJen

This is a bit of a rant but someone might have some input/advice so I posted it here instead of the vents board.

I've got a new job; it's better pay, more benefits and my old job position was shaky anyway due to restructuring and a management re-shuffle. I called access 2 work 4 times before I left and left messages for my advisor - no one replied.

Called again yesterday and finally caught her, she said to call a different number and make a new application. Called the application line 8 times and finally got an answer. The person who answered the phone said my last claim wasn't cancelled and he had to cancel it and went through the new claim with me.

My original advisor then called me, she's been re-allocated to my case and needed to go through the application, was it ok to talk. I said yes but I'm on a bus. OK so she asks all the usual questions that I've already answered twice. She then asks "why do you need support getting to work if you're on a bus now", so I told her I'm on the bus with my sister, "so do you regularly travel with your sister?" how is that relevant to me working? She then asked why I changed jobs, I mean how is that relevant to anything? Do the TCO ever grill claimants on why they changed jobs? I mean I know the new job is further away but surely that shouldn't matter? The journey is longer but avoids horrendous roadworks so will be a lot quicker and like I say the pay is better with much better prospects.

I just don't like some of the questions she asked (the above ones in particular) and she also insinuated that I didn't really have problems because I happened to be on a bus when I called and now I'll suddenly need a doctor to sign a form which I didn't need to do before and wasn't mentioned before. Of course my Dr will have no problem signing it but it's inconvenient and a waste of Drs time, I get low mobility so surely that's sufficient medical evidence?

nannytone_2

its like when i phone the doctors for an appointment.
the receptionists ask why you want to see the doctor!
i just say ' it's ok, i'll let the doctor know when i see them'
receptionist then says she needs to know!

i suppose its about saving time but i refuse to talk about why i need to see a doctor with a person who's medical qualifications stop at answering the phone and using a computer!

GlasweJen

I'm more annoyed at her asking why I have a new job, why is that any of her business? Is it relevant to the claim?

The problem with access 2 work is that it's all phone calls and they can ask what they like, I'll bet my left hand that there will be no mention of why I have a new job on the form they send me out to sign so it was just some JCP person being nosey and over stepping the mark.

I'm seriously considering complaining about her, like I say no one grills able-bodied people on why they've applied for, and been sucessful in securing, a new job.

nannytone_2

i think some people like to feel 'important', and the more inadequate they are, the more 'imortant' they like to feel.
they know they have the 'power' and so make full use of it!

Mupette

GlawweJen don't take this the wrong way...

You don't come across to me as someone who will take that from her (or anyone), when it is convenient to you, either ring her or email her and ask her how relevant this all is etc... come on i know you can do it. If you have her managers email, cc him/her in.


I don't recall mine ever being so rude to me.. What would pee me off they are there for you to aid you to work etc.

Don't stand for it.. go on kick up a fuss, i have a feeling you are capable of telling someone to bog off...


nannytone has said it all in one, all i will add is she sounds like a little hitler...

GlasweJen

Lol Mupette, if I hadn't been on a bus with sister and kids I would have given her what for over the phone. The form arrived today and there was no space to mention why I'd had the audacity to move job so it definitely wasn't part of the process.