The Work Programme New Thread

scooby088

Just had my first appointment with eos works and it was very professional better than when i was with steps to work, just hope that it doesn't go downhill from here, but my guessing it may well do.

donnajunkie

scooby088 wrote: »

Can't believe i was also asked if i was drug and alcohol dependent.

i remember when i was on new deal that during the induction they said they have a policy to accept everyone even drug addicts and alcoholics. later on they said if you are ever found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you are here it is instant dismissal.
spot the problem?

donnajunkie

Toffer123 wrote: »

Hi

Can anyone confirm to me that a "Work Trial" under the work program is voluntary and not mandatory.

I was offered a job but it was a "Work Trial basis"

I’m looking for work and I don't mind working if I’m being paid a wage of national minimum and upwards, but I’m not going to work on a trial to supply a company with free labour, only for them to let me go, once they have disposed of me.

I found the following information "Below" but would like to be 100% sure before putting my case across.


Work Trials

Work trials can be used by employers and claimants as a ‘trial period’ before a job offer is taken up. They can last up to six weeks but are typically around two weeks in length. Work trials are voluntary, and those who take part continue to receive benefits and are paid expenses, for example for travel.


Many thanks

there is nothing in the rules saying that every client has to work for free during their time on the course. however if your adviser feels like it would benefit you then they can compel you to do it. although this is a tricky one because i am sure work trials are supposed to be voluntary and also you are supposed to be able to leave one at anytime without having to give a reason. if your adiviser is pressuring you to do a work trial it maybe worth enquiring about this issue at the jobcentre. with a work trial there is a requirement for there to be an actual job there. while with work placements there does not have to be a job there.

donnajunkie

leasky30 wrote: »

ive changed benefits which start on the 26, but im going to sign off on Friday do i have to still go to my work programme appointment

if you are still claiming a benefit then you may have to. i would ask at the job centre.

donnajunkie

looby75 wrote: »

Hadn't thought of it that way. I don't really have any contact with an advisor at these visits though, it's literally plonk yourself in front of a computer and search for an hour. No help no support, the only discussion is when they hand you the letter with your next appointment time and date.

would you rather they were looking over your shoulder saying do this dont do that all the time?

jayne30

donnajunkie wrote: »

i remember when i was on new deal that during the induction they said they have a policy to accept everyone even drug addicts and alcoholics. later on they said if you are ever found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while you are here it is instant dismissal.
spot the problem?

On this 6 day course I am doing on Monday we had a guest from the NHS to talk about alcohol and Tuesday we had a NHS guest talking about healthy eating. Both days thats all that happened and we went home between 12-1 pm instead of 4:30.

Actually started the course today on customer service mainly filling in a booklet. Get a certificate eventually.

Next weeks 3 days are just employability stuff like CVs etc. It started off as 23 were supposed to turn up only 13 did and by today thats gone down to 9. People were fed up we were told the course is mandatory we have to arrange our appointments around the course and then we have to sit there listening to a guest talking about dangers of drink and the wrong types of food.

Thought WP was about helping you find work.

looby75

donnajunkie wrote: »

would you rather they were looking over your shoulder saying do this dont do that all the time?

no what I would rather do is carry on doing my job search at home as I do every day rather than having to go and do for an hour on their unreliable slow computers.

What I would rather is that they were actually doing something to help me get a job. I've asked about training and volunteering and each time I've been given the same answer, there isn't anything available I haven't been on the WP long enough.

LadyMissA

jayne30 wrote: »

On this 6 day course I am doing on Monday we had a guest from the NHS to talk about alcohol and Tuesday we had a NHS guest talking about healthy eating. Both days thats all that happened and we went home between 12-1 pm instead of 4:30.

Actually started the course today on customer service mainly filling in a booklet. Get a certificate eventually.

Next weeks 3 days are just employability stuff like CVs etc. It started off as 23 were supposed to turn up only 13 did and by today thats gone down to 9. People were fed up we were told the course is mandatory we have to arrange our appointments around the course and then we have to sit there listening to a guest talking about dangers of drink and the wrong types of food.

Thought WP was about helping you find work.

what is the course for? Is this on the WP?

Toffer123

LadyMissA wrote: »

A work trial is not a job offer so it is just that, a trial and nothing else and as you have stated it's voluntary.

Yeah it's the way they dress it up to be one LadyMissA , they say you can get a job if you really want one, yet all they can find are work trials, go figure.

I have found they’re pimping multiple bulk clients out to companies to provide them with free labor work trials, in the hope that the company may take one on in exchange, so they can collect there 14k, once the two years are up.

Like I said I attend all my interviews with my provider because as they keep stating in the big black capital letters they’re “MANDATED ACTIVITY” what the letter fails to mention, that the meeting is to discuss a job offer "work trial" which is voluntary.


I’m not a slave all I want is the possibility to work for a wage, is that too much to ask?

LadyMissA

Toffer123 wrote: »

Yeah it's the way they dress it up to be one LadyMissA , they say you can get a job if you really want one, yet all they can find are work trials, go figure.

I have found they’re pimping multiple bulk clients out to companies to provide them with free labor work trials, in the hope that the company may take one on in exchange, so they can collect there 14k, once the two years are up.

Like I said I attend all my interviews with my provider because as they keep stating in the big black capital letters they’re “MANDATED ACTIVITY” what the letter fails to mention, that the meeting is to discuss a job offer "work trial" which is voluntary.


I’m not a slave all I want is the possibility to work for a wage, is that too much to ask?

Get a job where?? The WP are not getting people job interviews as they can't!!

A work trial is not a job and there doesn't even have to be a job there at the company you take a trial with.