Work Programme

WPN

DebiT wrote: »

If you have a decent CV you dont need the Work Programme, because that is all they are capable of learning you. If you think you will get a decent job out of going there you can forget it. My friend was on FND for a year begging even for a free placement, and they couldnt help. They have no clout with local employers and no time for you. Her adviser told her he was supposed to contact employers one day a week to place clients, but he was so busy seeing customers he couldnt get round to it. Its the same as going to the jobcentre but with more form filling and time wasting. By the time they have finished with you you will be totally demoralised. Oh, and if you make one small mistake, or turn up late you will be sanctioned and lose benefit.

Some people had to wait 6 months to be contacted by their "provider". FND was a joke. Work Programme is going to be the same stuff but there will be a workfare element somewhere. I read something claiming its Labour's Flexible New Deal and Labour's Work for Your Benefit (proposed pilot scheme) placed together in one scheme... so its fulltime work in around 6-12 months time.

Richardsct

I've been on the work programme 2 months, I start full time work on monday, they have been very pro-active in contacting employers and even arranged my interview I have nothing but praise for it. as for jobcentre plus - waste of space

donnajunkie

WPN wrote: »

Ouch!! That means Jobcentre Plus don't think you are worth the initial £400 (£600 for ESA).

This is apparently all it costs per person (the rest is via outcome after 6 months, and then a sustainable payment if still in the job longer term) - and thats for the 2 year scheme.

It really is a kick in the teeth. It is merely guidelines regarding when you can join - in theory all they have to do is give you a letter saying you must attend - although the "work programme" isn't an employment programme so you can't lawfully be sanctioned!!

they told me the only money they get is if you get a job otherwise they dont get paid.
the jobcentre told me under 18's are refered after 6 months, under 25's 9 months, 25+ 12 months and long term unemployed after 3 months. so basically if you dont get a job once you are on it you will get a 3 month break every 2 years and be on it the rest of the time until you get a job, if ever.
if it is true that they only get paid for getting people a job then i think we will be hearing about how the work programme is in crisis within the next 2 years.

donnajunkie

WPN wrote: »

Some people had to wait 6 months to be contacted by their "provider". FND was a joke. Work Programme is going to be the same stuff but there will be a workfare element somewhere. I read something claiming its Labour's Flexible New Deal and Labour's Work for Your Benefit (proposed pilot scheme) placed together in one scheme... so its fulltime work in around 6-12 months time.

my impression is people have to do a work placement as and when their adviser thinks they should. personally i would rather do community work than get sent to tesco or poundland.

donnajunkie

Richardsct wrote: »

I've been on the work programme 2 months, I start full time work on monday, they have been very pro-active in contacting employers and even arranged my interview I have nothing but praise for it. as for jobcentre plus - waste of space

i would reserve judgement until you know what the job is like.

Richardsct

Its for a large engineering firm, has been advertised, and fairly well paid!

palna

well done richard, whats the name of the provider?, whats you background?

These sort of things make me want to go on the programe.

2here must be someway round it so i can go on ther programe

Last week i started a abussiness adminstrtion course at college cost about a grand i think, jobcenter put me on it when i asked, seems a good course.

Richardsct

I'm with A4e, have been lucky in that the staff have been great there

The govt on the other hand have made a complete mess of promoting it to employers, also there are a lot knives out for these providers from certain sections of the press

My background is in logistics

JCPlus are hopeless - only interested in themselves, think they will not be around for long

feeling a bit nervous about tomorrow!!

john539

Richardsct wrote: »

I'm with A4e, have been lucky in that the staff have been great there

The govt on the other hand have made a complete mess of promoting it to employers, also there are a lot knives out for these providers from certain sections of the press

My background is in logistics

JCPlus are hopeless - only interested in themselves, think they will not be around for long

feeling a bit nervous about tomorrow!!

Good luck ! :T

donnajunkie

Richardsct wrote: »

Its for a large engineering firm, has been advertised, and fairly well paid!

sounds good. i hope it works out for you.