Just had my jobseekers sanctioned

FairyKitty

I received a letter today after the jobcentre had previously written to me saying that I had failed to attend a session with Avanta, some company they pay to do a two year 'work scheme' with jobseekers. They were initially in contact with me, I have been on their books since August 2012, but I then obtained a part time job and they stopped contacting me. Even the jobcentre were questioning why this happened, but they didn't actively do anything about it. Anyway the jobcentre said I had been called in to attend a session, but I didn't receive anything about that. After the sanction I got a letter from Avanta calling me in on 3rd March (Monday), but their letter even states the last time they contacted me was 10/01/2013, more than a year ago. How is this my fault and why am I being sanctioned for it? They say I won't get any JSA for a month.

I will call them up, but I'm also currently dealing with bullying at my workplace. My colleague and my managers all bully me, and this is the last thing I need on top of that. (I am also currently in grievance proceedings with the company I work for).

For those of you wondering, I work less than 16 hours a week and the jobcentre know about my job. I fill in B7's and take in payslips to be photocopied. So there's nothing they don't know about me.

samsmoot

When sanctioned you can and should appeal it. GL24 is the form to complete. I think the rules have changed a bit recently but usually the Decision will be looked at again before going to Appeal. Sometimes the DM will change their minds but it is rare. If you have evidence to support your side, and against the sanction you can try sending it in with a firm letter. The letter stating contact a year ago may be strong enough to get the Decision changed immediately - if not then you may win on appeal.


One sanction was avoided and another reversed due to the proof that Royal Mail 2nd Class delivery would not have gotten letters to the recipient in time for the appointment - a simple matter of them (scheme providers) trying to get people into trouble easily rebutted with factual and undeniable third party evidence.

FairyKitty

Thank you so much for all the information. I will attend my Avanta appointment tomorrow, but I'm not happy that they are responsible for the sanction. I did think it was strange they stopped contacting me, but I assumed it was because I obtained work so didn't really need to be in a work scheme.

xsunnysuex

Make sure you send a photocopy of the letter stating last contact was a year ago. Or keep a photocopy yourself. Don't send them the only copy. You need to keep a copy for proof.

FairyKitty

I will do that. At Avanta I also showed them the letter and said I hadn't received anything from them. All they said was it had been sent out. I got the so called 2nd appointment letter, but not the 1st one they claim to have sent. I hate situations like this because you know Avanta will be believed over you. It's like my bullying situation at work, its been allowed to continue because nobody believes a word I say. It's beyond frustrating.

Also Avanta seem pretty useless. I was told I have to go in every two weeks and show my looking for work booklet. Well that's what I do at the jobcentre every two weeks, not really understanding why I have to go to Avanta on a different day for the same thing? Also the advisor at Avanta kept saying he wanted to get me into work, get me a job etc, but I already have a part time job? At least say you want to get me extra work, stop treating me like I don't do anything!

rogerblack

I would point you at https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4909340

In short - over five in six appeals against sanctions recommended by a work program provider are successful.