Triage has "Forced" me to take a job

[Deleted User]

Been having problems with Triage ever since I was referred to them. I am in the WRAG ESA group and get DLA mobility and daily living

When I was first sent there, they were wanting me to apply for jobs every week. However, when I mentioned that, I was told by the job center that I do not have to apply for jobs or have a medical for another year (plus I have a letter from the job center) my adviser at Triage went all quiet and contradicted herself by saying "well erm yes, we will not be making you apply for jobs while you come here"

I was then told by her that, she will be putting me together with another adviser and that adviser will have me attend a group session every week with other people, and we will look at making up a cv, discuss how job interviews go etc Every thing that gets you ready to get back into work but NOT actually applying for work

So, I have been going to that every week and everything seems fine. However, I got a phone call yesterday from my new adviser.

She said that, they have a vacancy just came in and its working at the fish factory and starts immediately on Friday. She quickly said that "We have already told the fish factory about you, and they just need to see your cv" I said but, I've been told that I don't have to apply for jobs. She then wouldn't stop saying stuff like "oh but you really should do this" "i think this is the best thing for you" "you really should just give this a go" she then said that, I know that you have did this kind of work before. I said yes, I worked in a milk factory on my own in the back of the building. She just wouldn't come off the phone till I said "YES" ok.

She ok thanks, I will phone you straight back after they have read your CV. Later, she tried to call me several times and I was too nervous to answer the phone

It looks like I have been forced to take this job which starts tomorrow and I will probably lost my whole benefits now if I dont turn up. I don't know what to do

P.S Please don't answer and say stuff like "should have just said no and hanged up the phone" or say I was a coward by not answering the call back

seven-day-weekend

Can you do the job and get there reasonably?

[Deleted User]

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Can you do the job and get there reasonably?

First of all, thanks for your question.

In all honesty, no, I can not get there. The fish factory is situated at the other side of the city and where I am located, the bus service does not start till later in the morning. There did used to be an early start for the buses here but, I have no idea why it was stopped a few years back

As for doing the work which is entailed in this job, I would not be able to.

I am away to phone the DWP and tell them everything that has happened. From being told by them and having a letter from them which I have here, saying that I will not be made to apply for jobs or have a medical for a year, from Triage pressuring me on the phone to take this job, and also my own medical problems.

Thanks

seven-day-weekend

If you can't do the job and can't get there, then I'm sure that will be acceptable, especially as you are not expected to by DWP.

tomtontom

Have got explained the reasons why you cannot do the job? With regard to transport they may be able to provide assistance, but only if they are aware of the problem.

nannytone_2

the OP shouldnt have to explain why they cant do the job and the issues around transpo.
the OP receives ESA and is under no compulsion to seek or take employment.
all they need to do is say NO!
efq posters that are asking the OP why they cant take the job are totally missing the point .... the OP has been deemed UNFIT for work!

rogerblack

The work program is exactly intended to do this - encourage people into work.
It seems that this has in this instance crossed the line into at least unprofessionalism, at worst bullying.

You cannot be required to apply for work.
You can be encouraged.
Complain to the work program provider about the staff members attitude. If this is difficult in a call, put it in a letter.
Make an actual complaint.

robotrobo

and get DLA mobility and daily living

surely you can get to work !, thats why you get mobility, if you have not got a car on mobility thats what the money is for to get you around & to work on the bus or taxis.

tomtontom

nannytone wrote: »

the OP shouldnt have to explain why they cant do the job and the issues around transpo.
the OP receives ESA and is under no compulsion to seek or take employment.
all they need to do is say NO!
efq posters that are asking the OP why they cant take the job are totally missing the point .... the OP has been deemed UNFIT for work!

So everyone that is on ESA should resign themselves to the scrapheap? Or should they look for opportunities to improve their lot and, if possible, to get back into work? What a very sad attitude to have.

bll78

robotrobo wrote: »

and get DLA mobility and daily living

surely you can get to work !, thats why you get mobility, if you have not got a car on mobility tha's what the money is for to get you around & to work on the bus or taxis.

If he's on low rate DLA mobility he won't be entitled to a car. There are other schemes around that could help get him taxi's to work but that isn't the point.
The issue is a fish factory does not seem like a suitable employment for someone with mobility and care issues accepting that we don't know exactly what the job is.
Someone in WRAG ESA has been as Nannytone says, declared unfit for any type of work after a medical assessment. It is not handed out willy nilly.

I do agree that just because you're disabled doesn't mean you should be consigned to the scrap heap. I'm on DLA but work. However I have had to find suitable employment that fits my needs. I could not do a job involving any type of walking. I had to give up a previous job and work somewhere else because it was on a hill and I couldn't always get parked outside. It may seem ridiculous to those that are fit but it was a massive hurdle that I couldn't overcome, even after writing begging letters to the council for help.

I cannot understand what Triage are up to the employer is going to be pee'd off if the OP arrives and is clearly unsuitable putting them off working with that organisation again. Forcing the OP into an unsuitable job isn't going to help their confidence, they need support. You say you did a similar job before is returning to that now not possible?

OP if you are looking for work the first step is to find out what the job is and assess it's suitablity. Travel doesn't have to be an issue you could use Access to work. Although a fish factory job makes you think of manual labour it could be a job sat at reception, but you have to be strong and do whats right for you.

borkid

tomtontom wrote: »

So everyone that is on ESA should resign themselves to the scrapheap? Or should they look for opportunities to improve their lot and, if possible, to get back into work? What a very sad attitude to have.

I don't think that is what nannytone meant more like 'at this particular point in time you are unable to work and shouldn't be coherced into work when already ruled unfit for work'.