Universal Credit and The Work Programme

Marshalll

Hello am just trying to find some information on what I might be expecting after this Tuesday coming when I get referred onto this work programme.

I have used the government website but it only links the programme with other benefits and not Universal Credit so am confused.

Do I have to be placed on the work programme? Don't fancy a company making a load of money off me doing 'free' work being honest.

tomtontom

The WP continues to operate as before, if you're due to be referred you still will be. Have you not been able to find any work yourself?

Mersey_2

Many who are referred to the Work Programme notice very little difference.


Usually, the first meeting is just a 30 minute chat to a group of new referrals. Most JSA Claimants see their WP advisor every 5 weeks or so.


In terms of which provider: it depends where you live, eg in Liverpool they were sent to A4e or another provider in the same building (simply chosen at random by computer).


I think you might be thinking of the Mandatory Work Scheme? I think only 20% of claimants are referred for this and these are usually claimants with no work experience on their CV, or suspecting of working whilst claiming so it's unlikely you will be as 80% are not. There are simply not enough placements to place every long term JSA claimant on.


The WP provider will usually offer help such as a chat with a Money advisory rep, CV tailoring etc, but it will depend on your work history etc.


Whether you're in receipt of JSA or UC makes no difference, as this is largely dependant on post code at the moment.


After your referral next week, you should receive a letter detailing the first appointment. Again, this can take 5 weeks, so yours will probably be in mid September.

konark

If you're above 25 you've got to be unemployed a year before you have to go on the work programme.

gayleygoo

Most people I know who've done the program would agree that it is businesses looking for free labour. Our local Poundland only has about 3 normal staff, not including the managers, as the other dozen people are "free".

One success story from it though, is my friend who was very good at the job she did, got a permanent contract and is now floor manager for a larger branch of the shop If you show interest and work hard, there's a small chance you might be considered for further employment there.

Marshalll

I am yet to find anything suitable. My UC claim is a fresh one as I had to cancel my previous one due to going abroad for a week. So this claim has only been up for about 2 weeks and am already being referred to a programme, is that right?

Will I be getting forced to work wherever they want me once am placed on it? Or will it just be extra meetings to give me advice?

konark

Just gouing abroad for a week won't reset the clock ,so to speak, on your claim. There are more people than there are placements so you won't be slaving every week.

Mersey_2

Marshalll wrote: »

Will I be getting forced to work wherever they want me once am placed on it? Or will it just be extra meetings to give me advice?

Again I think you're confusing the Work Programme with the Mandatory Work Scheme.


Most on the WP are not sent on work schemes.

mattcanary

Mersey wrote: »

Many who are referred to the Work Programme notice very little difference.


Usually, the first meeting is just a 30 minute chat to a group of new referrals. Most JSA Claimants see their WP advisor every 5 weeks or so.


In terms of which provider: it depends where you live, eg in Liverpool they were sent to A4e or another provider in the same building (simply chosen at random by computer).


I think you might be thinking of the Mandatory Work Scheme? I think only 20% of claimants are referred for this and these are usually claimants with no work experience on their CV, or suspecting of working whilst claiming so it's unlikely you will be as 80% are not. There are simply not enough placements to place every long term JSA claimant on.


The WP provider will usually offer help such as a chat with a Money advisory rep, CV tailoring etc, but it will depend on your work history etc.


Whether you're in receipt of JSA or UC makes no difference, as this is largely dependant on post code at the moment.


After your referral next week, you should receive a letter detailing the first appointment. Again, this can take 5 weeks, so yours will probably be in mid September.

I'm assuming that if you live in an area of relatively high unemployment (eg: Liverpool) you stand less chance of being given a work placement than if you live in an area of low unemployment.

rogerblack

mattcanary wrote: »

I'm assuming that if you live in an area of relatively high unemployment (eg: Liverpool) you stand less chance of being given a work placement than if you live in an area of low unemployment.

This seems unlikely.
Provision would presumably be concentrated on high demand areas. It might even be the other way round.

Marshalll

Guess I will find out what's going on on Tuesday, was just trying to prepare for what I could be forced into.

If I am forced into something I can't possibly be expected to continue with 35 hours of work search can I? And writing every little detail in that online diary haha