JSA A4E Work programme - need help

ChrisA95

Hello,

Just finished my 1st week on the Work Programme run by PeoplePlus (aka A4E), and I already hate it. You are made to feel like a scrounger even if you have struggled to get work due to medical conditions, as if I am not already depressed with years of serious neglect at home, being taken by the local council into foster care and seriously struggling with college (dropped out 3 times due to severe anxiety). The problem is I have given them evidence of my medical conditions, yet they have placed me on a temporary 1 week work placement doing something unsuitable (Again because of medical conditions) without even consulting me. Can I refuse to do this on the basis of my medical conditions? It's really stressful because of my situation I just can't afford to lose my JSA.

paragon909

The only way you can get out of the work program is if you can get a sick note from your doctor, This will allow you to claim ESA for a while until you get better, But once you are referred to the work program its a 2 year referral, So even if you do go to ESA for a while as you go back to JSA or universal credit you would be sent back automatically.

ChrisA95

Thanks for the reply.

I don't want to get out of the work programme exactly, I just don't want to do this particular work placement (for medical reasons). They (A4E advisor) asked me what kind of work I was looking for, I replied with Care/Support work or Admin. I can't see why they can't offer training for these specific roles, or at least offer voluntary vacancies to gain experience. It looks like I am going to have to find a voluntry placement to keep them off my back with jobs that are completely unrelated to what I am looking for - which I am more then happy to do.

paragon909

ChrisA95 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply.

I don't want to get out of the work programme exactly, I just don't want to do this particular work placement (for medical reasons). They (A4E advisor) asked me what kind of work I was looking for, I replied with Care/Support work or Admin. I can't see why they can't offer training for these specific roles, or at least offer voluntary vacancies to gain experience. It looks like I am going to have to find a voluntry placement to keep them off my back with jobs that are completely unrelated to what I am looking for - which I am more then happy to do.

What placement have they put you on that effects your health?

If it effects you badly, Then you would need a letter from a GP or specialist supporting your claim.

Otherwise you have to follow their rules and requirements.

ChrisA95

Well A4E want to some kind of heavy lifting hotel clearance job. My health problems are:

Hypertension is the main problem, at rest it is about 130-150 while just walking for 5 minutes is enough to cause my BP to significantly rise to 160 even as high as 180 and that's despite taking medication. As a result I get extremely hot, sweaty, red-faced, tired, shortness of breath and get both mild and severe headaches. I use to see a pediatrician who would alway tell me to be careful because I liked running around and playing, he would tell me to make sure I had regular 30-40 minute breaks. My Hypertension is due to kidney scarring and I have bladder problems meaning I have to have a toilet nearby, especially as I take water tablets(diuretic). I also have Aspergers and Hypothyroidism, one of them, or both seem to affect my memory and concentration. I also don't like working in a team that much (again, mainly due to anxiety), I am not ashamed to call myself a bit of a loner.

missbiggles1

ChrisA95 wrote: »

Well A4E want to some kind of heavy lifting hotel clearance job. My health problems are:

Hypertension is the main problem, at rest it is about 130-150 while just walking for 5 minutes is enough to cause my BP to significantly rise to 160 even as high as 180 and that's despite taking medication. As a result I get extremely hot, sweaty, red-faced, tired, shortness of breath and get both mild and severe headaches. I use to see a pediatrician who would alway tell me to be careful because I liked running around and playing, he would tell me to make sure I had regular 30-40 minute breaks. My Hypertension is due to kidney scarring and I have bladder problems meaning I have to have a toilet nearby, especially as I take water tablets(diuretic). I also have Aspergers and Hypothyroidism, one of them, or both seem to affect my memory and concentration. I also don't like working in a team that much (again, mainly due to anxiety), I am not ashamed to call myself a bit of a loner.

I have to say that you sound totally unsuited (if not downright dangerous) to a care or support role.

Do you have any experience or qualifications in admin?

ChrisA95

Do you have any experience or qualifications in admin?

Not really, my best bet is to look for apprenticeships, or at least some voluntary admin roles to get some experience - I was looking at volunteering with the CAB.

tomtontom

Volunteering at CAB is great experience, but the problem is they need longer term commitment and you need paid employment. What experience/ skills do you have to date?

TigersEye

Sorry you are in this position, A4e are not a good organisation, speak to your doctor, as I can't see that this is doing you any good:(

missbiggles1

TigersEye wrote: »

Sorry you are in this position, A4e are not a good organisation, speak to your doctor, as I can't see that this is doing you any good:(

Presumably, if the OP was eligible for ESA s/he would already be on it. Otherwise, I don't know what a doctor could do to help, particularly as the OP seems to have unrealistic career aims.

ChrisA95

"particularly as the OP seems to have unrealistic career aims"

Then please enlighten me as to what would be a realistic career aim.

I haven't attempted a claim for ESA due to failing a PIP claim. This is mainly due to the DWP ignoring further evidence provided in favour of agreeing to the info in the assessment report made by an assesor from ATOS. I could try making a claim, but I have little confidence of success and I am worried it could affect my HB.