Jobcentre training scheme.3 hours travelling time

miggs37

I've been on universal credit for 6 months now the jobcentre says i must attend a training scheme for two weeks,its around 20 miles away and according to the bus routes will take 3 hours a day and 4 buses there and back home.
Ive had a slipped disc since 2000 and i'm currently on painkillers under my GP as i get increased pain the longer i'm sat or stood still.
Because of my back problem the jobcentre had me attending a college for disabled/partially disabled last year.
Can they sanction me if i don't attend due to the sitting time on buses.
Does anyone know how long travelling time is requested to attend training.
i'm seeing my GP in a few days can he help?

jojorose

Do you have a disability Officer at your DWP office. I would suggest you go and see him because this would appear to be a valid reason why you cant attend. Dont forget you can also request fares.

Detroit

If the buses are the only means of transport, this seems excessive, more so with your health issue.
Is the bus the only option? No train?
Twenty miles in itself is not unreasonable, but the accessibility issues may make it so.
As jojorose suggests, talk to them. Get a GP note to evidence your health condition.

Please don't just not show up. You will definitely be sanctioned; and while you may well get it overturned given the circumstances, it's still a stressful nuisance if it happens.

Just re read your post and noticed it's 3 hours a day, not each way as I initially thought. This may well be considered reasonable, so evidence of your health condition will be important.

pebbles88

Detroit wrote: »

Just re read your post and noticed it's 3 hours a day, not each way as I initially thought. This may well be considered reasonable, so evidence of your health condition will be important.

90 mins travelling each way is the norm for jsa now

miggs37

Thankyou for the advice folks.
They are giving me bus tickets for the journey,yes i was seeing a disability advisor last year who got me the college placement.
The jouney could be as long as 3 hours 30 minutes depending on which bus i catch.
Also the scheme means sitting at a desk most of the day not sure if that would help my case.
I'm worried i may end up being evicted as i fell behind on my rent while waiting for my first Universal credit payment,i paid most of it and the judge adjourned the case as long as i kept up my monthly rent payments or face further eviction action.
Maybe they can postpone the scheme as it starts the morning i see my GP so we can wait to see what he says.
I'm visiting with the Citizens advice today so maybe they can help;)

NYM

Enduring a bumpy bus ride won't help your backproblem at all..
Would they pay for a taxi there and back?

Bananas123

if you can't do it OR it is going to cause you illness > don't do it.

> i would enquire about claiming back money for a taxi

OR state you can't do it as back > can ask them to re-schedule ?.

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if they are not reasonable enough to cater for your back by either method > then i would go see the GP and get evidence, and then make a complaint about them.

> if they are trying to send you places when ill, then you will (pretty sure) almost definately get a sanction (if so) over-turned ESPECIALLY considering if you requested to re-schedule / asked for help to get to the commitment ?.

but i would also go about giving back the bus tickets, as your back is not well enough.

/\ you have to make sure you have outlined your problems to them though.

that's what i would do.

regards

miggs37

I've received an email today,they have cancelled it for me to a different one 30 mins away job done.
Thankyou for the input folks;)

micky2phones

pebbles88 wrote: »

90 mins travelling each way is the norm for jsa now

Hi, i was going to say that, yes you are right 90 mins each way