The Work Programme New Thread

Jerry_Mander

Nuisance91 wrote: »

Anyway, anybody know if its mandatory to take a CV to my first work programme meeting? Really don't want them to store my CV on their database.

You're under no obligation to give them a copy to keep (electronic or paper) - it's personal information so falls under the data protection act (hopefully you didn't sign the data protection waiver!). All you need to do is show them a printed copy of your CV as proof that you have a suitable one and you can redact any personal information on it such as places worked at, telephone number, email etc.

However, expect them to give you a lot of grief if you refuse to give them a copy. They may even threaten a sanction but it wouldn't stick.

Jerry_Mander

grai wrote: »

am I understanding it - the Work Programme counts as a Mandatory Work Assignment so we can't be put on another?

No, the Work Programme counts as an "employment measure" according to the DWP's own regulations. And if you've recently finished an employment measure you can't be mandated to MWA.

thelivingend

Hi

So I was put back on the work programme after a year and a half or so. I got a text last Mondayat 5.30pm telling me I had an appointment on Tuesday at 8.30am. Went to the 'appointment', and they told me they weren't even open yet.

When they finally did open, I was sat around for half an hour waiting for instruction. They told me to use the computers to search for jobs-I thought this was just while I was waiting. After searching for more than an hour, i asked them what was happening. They then told me I could sign out as I had done the required hour. What a pointless journey.

I don't seem to even have an advisor at the moment.

But my question is, how much notice do they have to give for appointments? Surely it must be at least 24 hours?

AP007

Jerry_Mander wrote: »

No, the Work Programme counts as an "employment measure" according to the DWP's own regulations. And if you've recently finished an employment measure you can't be mandated to MWA.

Where is the official letter that says that from the DWP?

Jerry_Mander

AP007 wrote: »

Where is the official letter that says that from the DWP?

It's all in the FOI referred to a few posts back.

AP007

Jerry_Mander wrote: »

It's all in the FOI referred to a few posts back.

That was official? On DWP letter head?

Was it not addressed to a person? I am confused

Whats FOI got to do with the DWP and the law here?

Jerry_Mander

It's about as official as it gets as it's a direct response from the DWP. Perhaps you don't understand what an FOI is? I'll tell you just in case. An FOI is a Freedom of Information request which can be made to any public body. The link provided earlier points to an FOI made to the DWP through a website known as "whatdotheyknow". It's all official and the FOI (if you read it in full) makes it clear that because the Work Programme is an "employment measure" you cannot be mandated to MWA if you've just come off it (as stated in point 18 of the MWA guidelines).

donnajunkie

Jerry_Mander wrote: »

What they think doesn't enter into it. They have to abide by their own regulations, and their regulations state that WP returners cannot be mandated to MWA. The FOI makes it quite clear if you read the whole thing.

they do alot of things they shouldnt do. why do you think so many people win appeals.

donnajunkie

loony2012 wrote: »

Also when they needed new cleaners/receptionist they don't use there books. They get outside staff lol which seems wrong

its probably against the rules. otherwise they could fiddle the figures. if for example they get 4k if you get a job what they could do is say to you we will give you a short term job until you've earnt 2k and then we will let you go. basically saying if you let us say we have employed you we will give you half for doing s** all. they would still make money and it would improve their figures.

red_devil

can anyone answer this?

My advisor was on holiday so i didnt get to make an appt as normal before i left the last appt.

I havent been for a few weeks and she hasnt been in touch.

Cant say im worried but will it elongate my time on the programme if that makes sense?