How does Work Programme get it's money?

Elvisia

I have an ongoing saga, I signed off JSA last February, having been on the Work Programme for 2 weeks. Since then SEETEC my WP provider have written and phoned me, asking me where I am and demanding I turn up for meetings. I have written, called, emailed, they say they will adjust their list to say I am not signing on but it makes no difference. My advisor who I have told several times I have signed off still emailed me asking why I wasn't attending her appointments. My MP is involved who spoke to the JCP, and I have written to them and my MP. I got some excellent advice on here and I have followed it up.

My last correspondence was another appointment letter from them which apparently was for me to tell them details of my work. They then called me when I didn't turn up (I didn't answer as I was working). Then the Job Centre left a message, saying I had to tell the Work Programme whether I was working and my details. When I signed off I just sent back the green JSA form thingy and didn't say I was in work.

I don't want SEETEC to know I am working: firstly I have clients as I am freelance and there is no way I am letting them ring them up to check I am working as I will lose them as clients if they find they're being hassled; and secondly I do not wish SEETEC to earn any money for doing nothing. My query is, do they get money if I say I am in employment? I was advised to tell them I was in work to shut them up. Nearly a year later I am now being hassled by the Work Programme and the Job Centre and I don't want them to benefit financially.

I can't believe a government scheme can cause so much hassle. I now can't answer my phone in case it's SEETEC or the JCP again and even though neither of them can actually do anything it's hugely irritating.

ohreally

Elvisia wrote: »

firstly I have clients as I am freelance and there is no way I am letting them ring them up to check I am working as I will lose them as clients if they find they're being hassled

Why would you believe you will lose clients over a phone call which is nothing to do with them? Thats a precarious position to be sitting in.

Elvisia

Because I do private teaching, and if the parents start getting as many phone calls from SEETEC as I have been getting, then I would be jolly fed up. I have heard that other companies have been infuriated at the WP ringing them up regularly to make sure their client is still in work.

AP007

Yes they get money if they can confirm you are in work and where you work.

This is how they get £ and why they want everyone to sign the consent forms.

dandelionclock30

I belive they get paid by results and get a good few thousand pounds for each person they get into employment.Someone on here said it was £14,000 or so.
What I would do is clearly state that you do not wish to share any information with them or correspond any further with them full stop. You dont have to tell them you've got a job, theres nothing they can do. They cant stop your benefits can they if your not claiming them.
I would say that any further contact from them you would consider to be harrassment and that you would be going to get advise in respect of this.
You could always change your number or get their number barred etc.

Elvisia

Thank you for that - I will slightly reword it and maybe ask my MP to send it on my behalf, he said he'd happily send correspondence on for me. I just wondered whether they got £££ without confirming my employment with an employer and just if they think I am in employment.

I guess I could also talk to the CAB if they continue to hassle, it's just such a waste of time + effort continually writing letters and last time I was at the CAB it took a full afternoon. My MP interestingly said he was keeping an eye on the JCP and WP as there were so many issues.

AP007

Elvisia wrote: »

Thank you for that - I will slightly reword it and maybe ask my MP to send it on my behalf, he said he'd happily send correspondence on for me. I just wondered whether they got £££ without confirming my employment with an employer and just if they think I am in employment.

I guess I could also talk to the CAB if they continue to hassle, it's just such a waste of time + effort continually writing letters and last time I was at the CAB it took a full afternoon. My MP interestingly said he was keeping an eye on the JCP and WP as there were so many issues.

Just get in touch with their head office and tell them any more hasseling will result in you going to CH4 news as they love stories like this

Elvisia

CH4 news already contacted me! Hilarious. The story didn't run though as it was bumped for some other bigger breaking story. I was quite pleased not to end up splashed all over the place though.

AP007

Elvisia wrote: »

CH4 news already contacted me! Hilarious. The story didn't run though as it was bumped for some other bigger breaking story. I was quite pleased not to end up splashed all over the place though.

Just tell them that then I am sure that will scare them off enough!

Elvisia

I am quite tempted now. I thought the MP thing would do it, but they don't seem to be that bothered. Perhaps I should send them a letter and attach the CH4 correspondence!

paddedjohn

Call them up and tell them you have come into some money so wont be working again for the forseeable future.