The Work Programme New Thread

looby75

donnajunkie wrote: »

firstly when discussing a course she is trying to make me do i said i have an option to do something similar in my voluntary work and i prefer that. her response was you will do whichever comes around first. the course she wants me to do is an nvq which means its fulltime

You are not allowed to do a full time course while on JSA. The maximum you are allowed to do is 15 hours 59 mins.

I would phone your JC and ask them for clarification of the rules. A friend was due to start a full time course in September to become a teaching assistant but she's recently become a lone parent and had to go on benefits, when she told her advisor of her plans she was told that any course she went on had to be under 16 hours or she couldn't claim JSA.

EndlessStruggle

I've done 2 courses through Vision2learn for free, did an ITQ It course and an admin course. About to start my 3rd course on Equality and Diversity.

I got the job I went to the interview for. Phoned my Work Programme person so I get out of going lol. Start in a few weeks.

dontone

I have my "interview" for this work programme gubbins tomorrow.

Can someone give me some advanced warning as to what to expect? Ta

Really not looking forward to this, I either get a complete snotty so and so, or someone who doesn't know their bum from their elbow when you ask them stuff. I'd like to be a bit prepared

TeaCake

No real advice but a good luck and i've been told to read everything before you sign it.

Could you post for us your experiences tomorrow evening?

donnajunkie

looby75 wrote: »

You are not allowed to do a full time course while on JSA. The maximum you are allowed to do is 15 hours 59 mins.

I would phone your JC and ask them for clarification of the rules. A friend was due to start a full time course in September to become a teaching assistant but she's recently become a lone parent and had to go on benefits, when she told her advisor of her plans she was told that any course she went on had to be under 16 hours or she couldn't claim JSA.

she would probably get around it by getting me transfered onto training allowance.

EndlessStruggle

My work programme adviser has also said that she won't contact the employer as long as I give her all the details and check in with her once a month.

kazzah60

EndlessStruggle wrote: »

My work programme adviser has also said that she won't contact the employer as long as I give her all the details and check in with her once a month.

I'm afraid this is not accurate- if the WP provider is to be paid for you gaining employment ( whether or not THEY sourced the job for you) they will HAVE to contact the employer to verify your start date etc- also in order to get more money after you have been employed for 6 months they will contact them employer AGAIN to verify you are still emplyed there

my advice would be NOT to inform your WP provider/advisor of your new employer details - once you are employed why should she NEED you to " check in once a month" -

why ANYONE would willingly keep in contact with their WP provider once they are employed is beyond me - what can they possibly do for you once you are working?

( actually given my hubby's experiences, I could say what can they ACTUALLY do for you when you are unemplyed - but perhaps that is a little harsh for ALL WP providers!)

TeaCake

Have you asked why you need to check in with her once a month? I start my job in five weeks, I really hope that whatever WP I am with cannot claim money or the credit for it. :think:

KevInChester

My JSA Agreement says I have to apply for 1 job a week and take 3 steps. My WP Action Plan doesn't even ask me to apply for any....

I go to sign on and despite listing 10 jobs applied for I get a lecture on how they could refer me to a Decision Maker as I have to put 1 thing for every day! I clarified and said you mean '1 step', and indeed that is what it is. What a stupid ruling, so I would be better putting 'checked direct.gov.uk x 10' and then just x 2 job applications. Totally ridiculous, and I doubt the Decision Maker would do anything, as I've over and above fulfilled my obligations.


Also recently witnessed at the WP somebody in tears over a sanction they had gotten for not attending an induction interview. She said no letter was sent, and well I believe her as that happened to me a while back!! I was lucky as I actually went in and asked if I was due an appointment, to which I was that week but never ever received the letter. To top it all off this particular office has recently gotten rid of their only capable member of staff who used to do all of the Admin work - it is now shared between 1 totally inept member, and one barely passable one.

wouldbeqaulitymoneysaver

Confidently, optimistly of course. I think she is after voluntary attendance I haven't been called for my WFI No 2.
I am totally skeptical that they can do anything to help me.