Universal Job Match at http://jobseekers.direct.gov.uk

SaveMeDo

csmw

It was you who started being nasty.

I don't have a problem with the vast majority of the people I see at the jobcentre or the work program, I understand that they are "just following orders" BUT, there is a small minority who have "traffic warden syndrome" and love to hurt people if they get the chance, when there really is no need.

I get on well with the assistant advisers I sign on with and my adviser (case worker) (they dislike the system as much as I do!) and at the work program place too, although I see a different one every time nowadays.

I honestly could not sign someone off for some abstract misdemeanour's that should never have been dreamed up in a free democracy, if I worked for the DWP.

UsetheFORCE

SaveMeDo wrote: »

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/151933/response/371913/attach/html/4/Universal%20Jobmatch%20Toolkit.pdf.html

The "rules" are constantly changing, and different jobcenters have different interpretations of what is mandatory and what isn't.

If you read the guidance obtained in the link above, you can be mandated to sign up IF IT IS REASONABLE for you to be so.

If you don't have a IAD (internet Access Device) or access to one, or the skills to work one, then you could argue that a direction would be unreasonable, because you would be expected to check the damn site EVERY DAY, and clearly, you could not.

If you object to having cookies track you, it is your right not to use UJM outside of the jobcentre, so again, you could argue that a direction would be unreasonable, because you would be expected to check the damn site EVERY DAY, (unless they make you go to the jobcentre everyday)

Or, you could register on UJM, and NOT ALLOW the DWP access to the account. there is nothing they can do to force you to allow access. (AT PRESENT).

If you do any of the above, and you do your jobsearch on paper, make sure it is bulletproof because you will come under "special scrutiny"!

I do the latter, I refuse to give permission for the DWP to access my account and provide my jobsearch on paper.

I get asked almost pressurised about why I won't use and allow the DWP access on EVERY occasion I visit the jobcentre!!!

SaveMeDo

They are supposed to put a note on your file in "comments" to say you haven't given permission, so that they DON'T keep asking.

Tell them to do that.

Cutzee

UsetheFORCE wrote: »

I do the latter, I refuse to give permission for the DWP to access my account and provide my jobsearch on paper.

I get asked almost pressurised about why I won't use and allow the DWP access on EVERY occasion I visit the jobcentre!!!

And what answer do you give? I have all this to look forward to!

UsetheFORCE

Cutzee wrote: »

And what answer do you give? I have all this to look forward to!

Be careful what goes into your Jobseekers Agreement.


I actually explain that the CSA interfered in my life causing the loss of my job and almost the roof over my head and I cannot see a benefit to ME of allowing them to have access. I can only see negatives, bottom line is they can't force me so it doesn't really matter, just be as polite as you can.

Rubbing up some of these jobsworths will make you more of a target, I believe allowing them access to UJM makes their job much easier and gives them more scope for 'SANCTIONS!'

Whilst I am more than willing than take them to task if they overstep the mark, I want to avoid it, I have more imortant things to be doing than fighting them.

Cutzee

Ok, thank you for sharing. Do I actually have a say as to what goes into my Jobseekers Agreement?

SaveMeDo

Be careful what goes into your Jobseekers Agreement.

Yeah, The Job Seeker Agreement is supposed to be arrived at after a discussion between you and you Adviser, but in fact what happens is they put what they want and tell you to sign it!

Not have a JSAg means a sanction so the whole thing really is a farce!

Cutzee

Kill me now! How long does it take before I am made to apply for ANY job regardless of pay/skills/hours/suitability/location? And what happens if I am forced to take a job that does not pay enough to cover my basic rent, council tax, utilities and minimum groceries?

AP007

Cutzee wrote: »

Kill me now! How long does it take before I am made to apply for ANY job regardless of pay/skills/hours/suitability/location? And what happens if I am forced to take a job that does not pay enough to cover my basic rent, council tax, utilities and minimum groceries?

It think it was 13 weeks to restrict the salary your look for but still you have to get the job first at the lower salary

Also if you get more than JSA they will do a better off calculation to see if working in that job leaves you better off or not

Cutzee

Thanks everyone - much appreciated. I have today made my Jobseekers application online so await to be summoned. I really don't want to sign up to Universal Jobmatch having read a lot of comments on this thread but there doesn't seem to be an easy way out of it.