Jobcentre forcing me on Work Program

midnight_express

My friend is signing on once a fortnight, they then go to the A4E office and see their advisor and show their job search. I know they have different advisors for different categories of people eg disabled, not fully prepared for work. My friend has been on the programme for a few months, is educated to post graduate level and doesn't really need any help. Her only problems is the lack jobs to even apply for.
Given the rising numbers on the work programme I don't see how they'd have room to have all of them in the office all day.

just_trying

I don't think they would have them in the office all day but hours yes. They leave them to do what they want whether it's on computers phoning employers to see what jobs there is available, writing cv's etc. They eventually try to get you to think about different types of employement if you are having no luck in what your currently looking for. My partner was lucky and found a suitable job in the area he is qualified in. Room isn't really an issue either they will put you to desks and have you sitting where everyone can hear everything your saying, they are making money after all.

bubblebath77_2

I've currently been on the Work Programme (after signing on for 9 months they put me through for it) for 6 months, however I've FINALLY found a job and start Monday (:j).

The Work Programme lasts up to two years. I've found it great, I have a very nice advisor who is a great help and actually wants me to get back in to work (I hate the people at the job centre who don't give a crap until they get the chance to sanction you, fortunately this never happened to me as I was very compliant). She is very nice to me and although is strict in her conditions, is very fair and is willing to negotiate if there's a problem. I have to spend 2 days a week there on the computers, applying for jobs, sending spec letters out, going on courses etc etc.

There are great benefits from the Work Programme. You get support from people who's job it is to, rather than your advisor at the job centre who just decides whether you've worked hard enough the last two weeks to give you money, you meet other people who are in the same boat as you trying to get back in to work (the VAST majority seem to judge unemployed people, for the sad fact that there's the few bad apples who do take advantage of the system, however this is a SMALL MINORITY of JSA claimers), and there's also a Government insentive to try to get younger people aged 18-25 back in to work, where they employer could earn up to £2,500 for their company or business if they employ you and keep you for 26 weeks.

If you really don't like it that much then I'd ask to move to a different place. The Work Programme is compulsory so you HAVE to attend. I would ask if there's another Work Programme you can go to instead. Money shouldn't be an issue as you're reimbursed for travel.

Best of luck trying to get back to work. I know how hard it is. I'm more than capable of working and are very employable. It's SO gutting when you can't seem to even get an interview from all the effort you put in to trying to get a job. People do not realise how tactless comments like "get a job then" or "are you REALLY trying to get a job, though?" can effort people who genuinely are trying.

Again, good luck.

Vincent_Buenisedes

bubblebath77 wrote: »

I've currently been on the Work Programme (after signing on for 9 months they put me through for it) for 6 months, however I've FINALLY found a job and start Monday (:j).

The Work Programme lasts up to two years. I've found it great, I have a very nice advisor who is a great help and actually wants me to get back in to work (I hate the people at the job centre who don't give a crap until they get the chance to sanction you, fortunately this never happened to me as I was very compliant). She is very nice to me and although is strict in her conditions, is very fair and is willing to negotiate if there's a problem. I have to spend 2 days a week there on the computers, applying for jobs, sending spec letters out, going on courses etc etc.

There are great benefits from the Work Programme. You get support from people who's job it is to, rather than your advisor at the job centre who just decides whether you've worked hard enough the last two weeks to give you money, you meet other people who are in the same boat as you trying to get back in to work (the VAST majority seem to judge unemployed people, for the sad fact that there's the few bad apples who do take advantage of the system, however this is a SMALL MINORITY of JSA claimers), and there's also a Government insentive to try to get younger people aged 18-25 back in to work, where they employer could earn up to £2,500 for their company or business if they employ you and keep you for 26 weeks.

If you really don't like it that much then I'd ask to move to a different place. The Work Programme is compulsory so you HAVE to attend. I would ask if there's another Work Programme you can go to instead. Money shouldn't be an issue as you're reimbursed for travel.

Best of luck trying to get back to work. I know how hard it is. I'm more than capable of working and are very employable. It's SO gutting when you can't seem to even get an interview from all the effort you put in to trying to get a job. People do not realise how tactless comments like "get a job then" or "are you REALLY trying to get a job, though?" can effort people who genuinely are trying.

Again, good luck.

Come on, own up - who are you working for? A4E or Ingeus?;)

garynuman

Because hotmail is even blocked

Sorry to rain on your parade but it is quite normal for companies to have "acceptable use" policies of computer equipment. This commonly includes HotMail, gMail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Kiss goodbye to your social networking when you get a "real job".

sniggings

garynuman wrote: »

Sorry to rain on your parade but it is quite normal for companies to have "acceptable use" policies of computer equipment. This commonly includes HotMail, gMail, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Kiss goodbye to your social networking when you get a "real job".

if he is there and meant to look for work, send CVs etc, having access to his email account is hardly the same as Twitter.

garynuman

sniggings wrote: »

if he is there and meant to look for work, send CVs etc, having access to his email account is hardly the same as Twitter.

Maybe so, but there seems to be a mindset that these types of social networking sites will still be available in the workplace. I know this is true where I work and we also have company email - all types of personal mail are blocked.

sniggings

garynuman wrote: »

Maybe so, but there seems to be a mindset that these types of social networking sites will still be available in the workplace. I know this is true where I work and we also have company email - all types of personal mail are blocked.

your missing the point again, it is not a work place he is going to but a room full of PCs to use to look for work, hence the need for his email account.

garynuman

sniggings wrote: »

your missing the point again, it is not a work place he is going to but a room full of PCs to use to look for work, hence the need for his email account.

Not at all. I was referring to the fact that many employers (including the OPs future company) may well restrict use of sites he has become accustomed to using.

Sarah69

I think the government should spend money on re-training or training people for jobs. Not expect them to apply for jobs they have no hope of getting! I am in a similar position I'm on ESA but now I've had a hip replacement I'm looking for work I was a carer and before that worked in retail, I don't want these kinds of jobs because I don't want to wear my new hip out, by being in a standing job. There is no chance of me re-training for another job. There are also certain jobs I wouldn't do cleaning, catering work, office work. If I went back to retail I wouldn't work late nights or Sundays but that would deem me not very flexible. So I think re-training is the key.