Work Programme... Need advice 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.

LadyMissA

ok the form is so they can find out who you are working with and or to put you forward for jobs which you DO NOT have to sign

Yes if you become unemployed in the next 104 weeks & claim jsa you will have to go back on the Work Programme

LadyMissA

This is what it says about the form - This form should clearly state that your consent to giving them your personal information is voluntary - and you may withdraw that consent at any time. And, more importantly, refusal to fill in the form will NOT affect any benefits you are receiving.

LadyMissA

Found an example of one of the forms here

http://edinburghagainstpoverty.org.uk/node/50

It's only to give permission for the Job Centre and the Work Programme to share info on you

Chrisw123

Hi, many thanks for your replies.

I don't understand why I will have to go onto the work programme, for example, if I lost my job in 6 months, when I never started it in the first place (I signed off JSA the day before). Or is it that when the job centre referred me that counted as starting the course, even though I hadn't attended yet?

Also, I expect to get 4weeks housing and tax benefit run-on after signing off, and hopefully £100 back to work grant. Will I lose this if I refuse to sign the disclosure/ data protection form or whatever its called?

If I lose my job I am more than happy to get help from them to find work, but I cannot afford to have sanctions placed on me, for example, if I refused to take a job as a littler picker or toilet cleaner at macdonalds. Sanctions would mean I could not afford rent and living costs, without JSA I would lose my flat and ultimately my life.

Thanks in advance
Chris

LadyMissA

Chrisw123 wrote: »

Hi, many thanks for your replies.

I don't understand why I will have to go onto the work programme, for example, if I lost my job in 6 months, when I never started it in the first place (I signed off JSA the day before). Or is it that when the job centre referred me that counted as starting the course, even though I hadn't attended yet?

Also, I expect to get 4weeks housing and tax benefit run-on after signing off, and hopefully £100 back to work grant. Will I lose this if I refuse to sign the disclosure/ data protection form or whatever its called?

If I lose my job I am more than happy to get help from them to find work, but I cannot afford to have sanctions placed on me, for example, if I refused to take a job as a littler picker or toilet cleaner at macdonalds. Sanctions would mean I could not afford rent and living costs, without JSA I would lose my flat and ultimately my life.

Thanks in advance
Chris

you must have been refered to the WP as you have been on JSA for a year or more, yes?

So if you get a job, any job and it doesn't last at least 2 years then you make a claim again for JSA you go right onto the WP again even if you never actually started it.

Is this only a temp job then?

Chrisw123

Yes, I have been on JSA for a year.

It is temporary for over the Christmas period.

Will they contact my employer? As Id rather they didnt know I have been unemployed for a year.

Thanks.

LadyMissA

Chrisw123 wrote: »

Yes, I have been on JSA for a year.

It is temporary for over the Christmas period.

Will they contact my employer? As Id rather they didnt know I have been unemployed for a year.

Thanks.

The Work Programme is for everyone on JSA for a year of more and you have to do it!

When your temp job ends and if you make a claim for JSA you will be put back on to the Work Programme regardless of now not even starting it.

IF you sign the form they can call the employer to check you are there. They have no rights to really call anyone without your consent.

LadyMissA

Oh PS - you say you do not want this job to know you have been out of work a year, so have you lied?

Chrisw123

No, I have not lied but it certainly isn't something to be proud of.

For the record I will not be giving my consent of any kind, not by a long shot. The jobcentre have done nothing for me, a training agency did more for me in a month than the jobcentre did in a year.

Thanks for you help, it is much appreciated.
Mat.

LadyMissA

Chrisw123 wrote: »

No, I have not lied but it certainly isn't something to be proud of.

For the record I will not be giving my consent of any kind, not by a long shot. The jobcentre have done nothing for me, a training agency did more for me in a month than the jobcentre did in a year.

Thanks for you help, it is much appreciated.
Mat.

Mat Or Chris?

then they will know you have been out of work a year

But remember as soon as you make a new claim you go back on the Work Programme

good luck & lets hope you dont have to do it