ESA work focused interviews

Richie-from-the-Boro

- per #19
- the Prime Providers have now been accredited with the Merlin Standard
- each individual Company Merlin Assessment Report can be viewed

speedfreek1000

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

It used to be 'work-related activity component' now its activities, such as training or condition management programme's which is the new name for YTS / ETC of the Thatcher era,

You sure that CMP is YTS as this seams to suggest it was managed therapy/self help guidance. I'd be happy to do that once my condition is stablised tbf.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/cmp-lessons-learned.pdf

NHS PCTs seam to still be running the same program as support for the employed. But the black box provider can do what they want (i.e. on the cheep) which means I think it's been pulled :mad:

Oh and this little gem from that report is telling in more ways than one.

Locally, PtW Team maintained tracking of customers completing the programme which enabled vital MI about movement into work following CMP to be established. In Merseyside 18% of customers that completed CMP, left IB/ESA and went into work (up to 40% before economic downturn). This was a success factor that should have been monitored nationally.

geriann

darkstaruk wrote: »

When I went for the work focused interviews they said to me, there is no pressure, it was more about writing CV's and thinking about the type of job you wanted than attending interviews.

it's good to hear a positive WRAG experience.
although writing Cv's and talking about what job you would like to do seems a waste of time if you're not being pushed into work.

rogerblack wrote: »

While you cannot actually be required to work, you can now be put in the work program, (if in the WRAG), and compelled to do any 'work related activity' - that may now include actual work placements (not technically work) for an unlimited period.
In addition, this could for example include making up dummy applications for jobs, writing CVs, ... as long as you don't actually have to submit them.
In principle, this is only if 'reasonable' - but the appeals process is at best unclear.

work placements [aka work experience] is work...that's why it's got the word work in the name! how is it not work?!? especially if it's for an unlimited period!
if you can be made to "work" what is he point of WRAG?
i remember [many yrs ago] learning how to do your CV, fill in job applications and doing work experience when i was on JSA!

grummps wrote: »

there are ESA claimants that are currently having to undergo 'training' and many are being 'pushed' into voluntary work placements for anything up to 40 hours a week.
Under UC, it will get a lot worse.
Unless you are so seriously ill that working would be completely out of the question, you will be expected to comply with the conditions that JSA claimants suffer.
No longer will it be accepted that those who are 'sick' be allowed to remain on long term benefit with no effort being put into getting back into the work place.

40 hrs a week...omg my body and mnd can't handle that!
voluntary work...doesn't sound like the claimants have a choice!
damn i bet we're all gagging to get on UC...not! that sounds like it's a choice between ESA support group [which not many will get in] or JSA.

have the goverment actually worked out where they're going to find all these jobs that ill people are being pushed into?

dark_lady

voluntary work...doesn't sound like the claimants have a choice

I wonder if they are going to rewrite the whole of the Oxford dictionary or just the parts that suit their needs.

grummps

geriann wrote: »

it's good to hear a positive WRAG experience.
although writing Cv's and talking about what job you would like to do seems a waste of time if you're not being pushed into work.



work placements [aka work experience] is work...that's why it's got the word work in the name! how is it not work?!? especially if it's for an unlimited period!
if you can be made to "work" what is he point of WRAG?
i remember [many yrs ago] learning how to do your CV, fill in job applications and doing work experience when i was on JSA!



40 hrs a week...omg my body and mnd can't handle that!
voluntary work...doesn't sound like the claimants have a choice!
damn i bet we're all gagging to get on UC...not! that sounds like it's a choice between ESA support group [which not many will get in] or JSA.

have the goverment actually worked out where they're going to find all these jobs that ill people are being pushed into?

Work is when you are paid a wage for carrying it out. Work Experience/Work Training/Voluntary Work are classed as 'getting ready for work for which you receive your benefits.

Yes some 'Work Group - ESA claimants' are actually being 'forced into all manner of voluntary placements. These include working in charity shops, carrying out activities for the general good of the envoirnment (litter picking, cleaning graffity, etc etc)

Yes they have re-defined 'work related activity'.

grummps

dark_lady wrote: »

voluntary work...doesn't sound like the claimants have a choice

I wonder if they are going to rewrite the whole of the Oxford dictionary or just the parts that suit their needs.

You don't - you can be sanctioned for failing to take an active part.

The excuse of being too ill to do so, will not be accepted - otherwise the claimant would have been placed in the Support Group!

In addition those in the Support Group can 'volunteer' if they wish to also get involved in the 'Work Related Activities'.

Do so and see how long you remain in the Support Group!

Richie-from-the-Boro

Further to the #19 /21 / 22 posts above, an update, as predicted sanctions against an individual were brought in 2 weeks ago where JSA could / would be stopped for up to 3 years. That even the Governments own candy coloured research has to agree it does nothing to help the unemployed in [ Yosser Hughes] the giz~a~job stakes. and now the Government are blocking publication of names of 'workfare' employers.

Horseunderwater

Has anyone on here been in the IR ESA support group with a partner who has had to go to these WFI's? I'd like to know what happens.
Need to be prepared for the 26 week point.

Brassedoff

I am of the age group that left School as the YTS were at their height. I know many people who got into the career of choice via the YTS and remained in their jobs at the end of their scheme period. The time during the YTS gave them the chance to show what an asset they were.

The YTS gave youngsters the chance that they no longer get. Bring it bak, bring it back tomorrow I say!

mightyroyals

Horseunderwater wrote: »

Has anyone on here been in the IR ESA support group with a partner who has had to go to these WFI's? I'd like to know what happens.
Need to be prepared for the 26 week point.

My other half had to goto one the other day and they just gave her information on the help they could provide her finding work and to update information held.
So i should think it would be the same though i am on IR ESA WRAG but i think for partners it would be the same info given.
Which is your local jobcentre out of interest as i am in the same area as you?
Hope this helps