Benefits worries and predicaments

Ivosaur

I've been on the Universal Credit for 9 months on and off now and it's safe to say my experience has been pretty dreadful.
3 weeks ago I turned down an optional unpaid course as it wasn't beneficial, I already had the qualifications and there were 0 guaranteed jobs.
This is my second month back on after some brief work, the money went on general life maintenance, bills, ect.
Now that I'm somewhat financially stable I'm wondering what the whole point is me doing this rubbish when I get treat like I'm uncapable child by my coach who' seemingly holding a grudge for no reason
The day I turned down that position was shocking, I got spoken to like a child by several members of staff and sarcastically berated for no clear reason.
No word of a lie I was advised to move several times until I was in a corner surrounded by a few staff members as they hurled questions at me faster than I could answer them and kept implying I'd be making a mistake for not taking it, ridiculous right, blatant scare tactics.
I received a threat to cut my benefits that I had to appeal against despite my efforts to not cause a scene or argue with the staff, I was extremely calm and refrained from saying anything except yes and no for fear of being shouted at more, of course they said I was making a scene, even people who weren't there said it just to back each other up and make me look bad.

I have a job lined up in October which is excellent as I can get off it soon, however today I was "requested" to go on a course to a nearby job centre and "help out".
Later in the conversation it changed to "required" and "help dole applicants". A "course" I've done before and wasted a month of my life doing, I spent most of it on my phone.
On top of all that there's still the potential of the benefit being cut, which means I'd be doing 20, 8 hour shifts for £62. THAT'S 38p AN HOUR.
To top it all off, the previous "experience" didn't aid my career any either, if anything it hindered it as my last employer and myself laughed at it during the interview!
Later it sunk in that in an interview a potential employer just laughed at 160 hours of work a got "paid" £1.50 an hour for...

What should I do? has anyone else had this ultimatum or unnecessary treatment, any advice could help.

WantToBeSE

If you need to do these courses in order to get the money that you need, then do the courses.

When i was on JSA i was sent to do a course that i didnt need to do, but i accepted that in order to receive JSA, i had to do the course.

Alice_Walker

What should I do?

Learn to write in a coherent style. If your applications read like the above there's a good reason why you're having difficulty finding/ staying in work.

As for UC, if you're mandated to do something then you need to do it. If you don't wish to do so then you are free to sign off.

teddysmum

When I claimed just NI credits as I worked as a part time tutor, I had to go on a course, some of which aimed at showing you how to write a CV.


Even the staff said it was a waste of resources, as the person running the course was less qualified than I was, but procedures had to be followed.


Even funnier : I was asked to do maths (I have a maths degree) and English tests, which should I fail them , would result in having to attend my own basic skills classes, but I humoured them.

bigbill

You should write in and tell them that you intend to record any further meetings at the Jobcentre, not surprisingly this seems to stop any further hassle and intimidation?

Murphybear

teddysmum wrote: »

When I claimed just NI credits as I worked as a part time tutor, I had to go on a course, some of which aimed at showing you how to write a CV.


Even the staff said it was a waste of resources, as the person running the course was less qualified than I was, but procedures had to be followed.


Even funnier : I as asked to do maths (I have a maths degree) and English tests, which should I fail them , would result in having to attend my own basic skills classes, but I humoured them.

That sounds familiar.

I was on JSA briefly while waiting for an operation so I could go onto ESA. The usual questions, do I need any help with English or Maths? A brief look at my CV showed I had A levels in both plus some University Maths as part of my degree. How about computer skills? Used to teach it. CV help? Used to teach it. They decided that they couldn't help, I wouldn't get a job as I was too old (58:rotfl:) and let me get on with it. Fortunately my operation date came through so I claimed ESA, that was one off their list.;)

Mersey_2

Just be aware that there is a 'permitted period' where you are allowed to restrict your job search to your area of experience/qualifications/past experience.


There's also a rule in the Decision Makers' guide which states that a claimant has 'good reason' to refuse a course - without receiving a sanction - if it will not assist them, due to their experience and qualifications.


Needless to say, JCPs do not advertise these facts.

Mersey_2

Ivosaur wrote: »

The day I turned down that position was shocking, I got spoken to like a child by several members of staff and sarcastically berated for no clear reason.
No word of a lie I was advised to move several times until I was in a corner surrounded by a few staff members as they hurled questions at me faster than I could answer them and kept implying I'd be making a mistake for not taking it, ridiculous right, blatant scare tactics.
I received a threat to cut my benefits that I had to appeal against despite my efforts to not cause a scene or argue with the staff, I was extremely calm and refrained from saying anything except yes and no for fear of being shouted at more, of course they said I was making a scene, even people who weren't there said it just to back each other up and make me look bad.

What should I do? has anyone else had this ultimatum or unnecessary treatment, any advice could help.

The behaviour described certainly merits a complaint to the DWP. Region or HQ as it seemingly involves the whole culture of a JCP office. Email or post (with free proof of postage or recorded delivery if you can afford this method).


It could be construed as intimidation or bullying and certainly falls below the DWP Service Standards.


People may be surprised to learn that the same include duties:


* to be friendly and approachable;


* to treat you with respect;


* to behave professionally; and


* to respect your privacy.

TELLIT01

It's easy to be critical of the UC Work Coaches or the JSA staff, but if they try to apply common sense to a situation they are likely to be in trouble with their own team leader / office manager for not slavishly following the rules.
To many in DWP management the only thing that matters is being able to tick the box to show that required stats have been achieved.

Mersey_2

That's also true - but that doesn't, of course, absolve the end result ie potential maladministration by the DWP.


Not helped by the fact that the DWP repeatedly denied any such targets existed - until the long awaited FOI request info was eventually released following the Ch4 docu.