Advice on Work Programme Please...

Chrisw123

Hi, I am starting a new job on monday (14th), which I found and applied for myself. So I signed off jobseekers yesterday (9th). I was due to start the work programme today (10th) but obviously I didnt go in because I am no longer on jobseekers allowance.

I have been called by somebody from the work programme saying they want me to sign some disclosure/data protection forms even though I never actually started the work programme!! They also said if I leave/or am laid off my new job in the future I will be back on the work programme (which I never actually started!) for 2 years.

Can anybody advise me on whether I have to sign the disclosure/ data protection forms, as I don't want anything to do with the work programme. Also, when I finish working at my new job will I have to go back on the Work Programme?

Any help much appreciated.
Thanks in advance, C.

busy_mom_2

You have been referred so technically you are already on the work programme, up to you really about the forms, they only get paid if you get into work so they want them signing so they can claim an outcome. They will track you for 2 years though and if you do reclaim you will still be on the scheme.

dseventy

As you have a new job, you can't do the work programme so I would just ring and explain. Say you are not going on the programme and hence will not be doing paperwork.

If you sign back onto JSA in the next 2 years, you will have to do it as if you were still on it now (if that makes sense).

D70

eskimo26

Don't sign anything if at a future date in the next two years you are back on JSA as mentioned you will be back on the work programme. THEN you can sign their papers and they can get the necessary compensation from the Government when THEY find you a job.

If they are looking to get paid for work not done I wouldn't hesitate to contact my MP, that's a disgrace though i'd not be surprised to see these companies being so desperate and grasping given how the whole thing works.

ponymad_3

Just seen this link and not wanting to jump on your topic, can I ask for a bit more explanation. When I signed on this week , the girl asked if I was on a work programme, then withdrew the Q as apparently this will be discussed at my next meeting on Dec 7th... I will have been on benefit (cont based JSA only) since mid July. Do I have a choice in this and what exactly is it?

eskimo26

ponymad wrote: »

Just seen this link and not wanting to jump on your topic, can I ask for a bit more explanation. When I signed on this week , the girl asked if I was on a work programme, then withdrew the Q as apparently this will be discussed at my next meeting on Dec 7th... I will have been on benefit (cont based JSA only) since mid July. Do I have a choice in this and what exactly is it?

Its compulsory after x amount of months depending on your group. See here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/work-prog-prospectus-v2.pdf
and here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/supplying-dwp/what-we-buy/welfare-to-work-services/work-programme/

The Government is committed to fighting poverty; supporting the most vulnerable and helping people break the cycle of benefit dependency. As a result we have made significant reforms to the welfare-to-work programmes currently available to Jobcentre Plus customers.

Apparently the old schemes run by the JC+ weren't flexible or good enough. So the Government has decided to outsource this area to companies that get paid nothing until they find you sustained work.

In other words to 'break the cycle of poverty and help the most vulnerable' the Government has decided you are no longer their problem after 6 months. They will !!!!! you out to companies that will try to make money out of you by desperately finding you a job. To do this they may engage you in work related activity[cv writing, interview technique etc.], force you into unpaid 'work experience', and arrange for meetings with an adviser as and when they please. How hard they ride you depends on the company and individial adviser and is pretty much all down to potluck.

Luckily they cannot force the sick to work only those on JSA. Enjoy and best of luck.