Interview regarding Work Programme (help)

donnajunkie

GerbilCisse wrote: »

I'm approaching 6 months claiming JSA and have had a letter notifying me that I must attend an interview about the Work Programme. I can't find any up-to-date information through google and would appreciate it if anyone who does could possibly enlighten me? Thank you.

it maybe different were you are but around here it doesnt seem to be as harsh as they claimed it was going to be. it is basically a watered down version of flexible new deal.

donnajunkie

GerbilCisse wrote: »

From what I gather, the government has funded various organisations to work in partnership with the Department of Work & Pensions in order to get unemployment figures down. However, people who are referred to the Work Programme are not paid during their work placements and are still required to visit the jobcentre to sign on.

people will get a training allowance while on placement which is the same as jsa. they dont sign on while on placement. well how can they if they are at work all day monday to friday?

donnajunkie

treasureirealnds wrote: »

All that is given to the WP providers is a copy of your action plan, name add and tel. At your WP int you will be asked to sign a new JS agreement plus another stating the wp is mandatory and that your details (as above) will be provided.

If you refuse to attend your JSA and conts will be stopped plus any HB u may ne receiving.

At no time will the WP have any info regarding your benefit/personal details. You will see everything before it goes over ie. JS agreement and Action plan. HTH

they dont ask people to sign a new jsa agreement here. they draw up a list of aims that people have to sign to say they agree.

DebiT

saintjammyswine wrote: »

I do have more than a basic understanding of the problems and I am involved in many of the projects to help people back into work. The people these projects are aimed at are those that are struggling because of various problems, not those who are 'ready' to work or have the necessary skillsets to do the work. Some of these projects are also aimed at getting employers involved apart from the Work Programme to create vacancies or to collaborate with Providers and Agencies such as JCP & others to ensure that all efforts are guided in the right way and to the right people. There are many many people for whom these projects will benefit greatly and the changes I have seen in the last year have all been positive. Of course a work placement in a warehouse will not be of benefit to and wil not find long term employment for say, a project manager at senior level but they are not aimed at them. I will defend the work many people are doing on this issue but can only give evidence based on what I see happening and what I am involved in.

My own experience and knowledge of those sent on this WP belies everything you have stated in your comment above. Ex Company Directors and graduates with many years of experience are being sent on these schemes, and the best these providers can come up with are whether or not someone has a decent CV. It doesnt matter what level you are at, you are all treated like seventeen year old kids who have just left school unable to read and write properly. There is no distinction. My friend is a scientist who would have been only too happy to work for free in a lab, he's been nagging them solid for such a placement and they have been no help whatsoever, I think they might send him to Tesco soon to stack shelves.
The only people who will benefit from the WP are those Employers who want to save on wages, they will get rid of those they are paying in favour of those they wont have to. The providers won't be able to find anyone worthwhile jobs because either there arent any around, and if there are the providers don't have the clout to get you in there. Added to this, if you dont do everything the providers tell you to, you will be sanctioned and lose your benefits (not necessarily your housing benefit/council tax).

They might be able to help you write up a CV though.

donnajunkie

saintjammyswine wrote: »

The people these projects are aimed at are those that are struggling because of various problems, not those who are 'ready' to work or have the necessary skillsets to do the work.

the criteria affecting whether someone gets refered has nothing to do with what they are like or their ability. it is based purely on length of time out of work. long term refered after 3 months, under 18's after 6 months, under 25's after 9 months and over 25's after 12 months.

donnajunkie

saintjammyswine wrote: »

Yes, why not? The providers (main contractors) will have a programme tailored as far as possible for each client and their needs.

they form often stupid conclusions about people and tell them they have to do this or have to do that because they think so. i have been forced to go to counselling to build my confidence even though i dont need it. i just need a job. the person i see doesnt listen either. 2 or 3 times he said i dont have to go there if i dont want to and everytime i repeated the same thing. i told him its down as mandatory so unless they change that i have to come here.

donnajunkie

saintjammyswine wrote: »

Of course the projects do not singlehandedly reverse the recession we are in but the work we are doing will and indeed IS helping people who have not been able to get the help previously that they need. The ways in which these projects are run compared to a year ago have changed dramatically. Pilot projects that have shown success are being rolled out from local to regional and national levels. I will not claim that I am finding everyone on JSA jobs but I am proud of the work I and people I work with do to help the people we can. Surely helping some is better than simply allowing all to fester on JSA without any intervention?

what is needed is the economy doing so well that employers are crying out for people. then some sort of subsidised employment were people are trained on the job would help solve the issue. that is what is needed but that would cost more and they dont want to spend what is needed to solve the issue. so ultimately they are not serious about solving the issue. the schemes that exist are there purely to keep right wing voters happy and to provide employers with free labour.

donnajunkie

saintjammyswine wrote: »

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they are not still on jsa when on work placement though. so they arent counted in the dole figures.

donnajunkie

saintjammyswine wrote: »

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those who do get a job from it are just getting a job ahead of someone else who will stay unemployed instead.

saintjammyswine

donnajunkie wrote: »

they are not still on jsa when on work placement though. so they arent counted in the dole figures.

Yes they are, they still get their JSA.