Help. Universal Credit is Stopped, because I can't find reference

Victor_in_London

Hi. Everyone,

I've been on benefits for long time, due to out of work, currently being on Universal Credit.
First of all, I need to declare that I want to find a job but with no luck at all.

Recently, the Job Centre adviser has forced me to apply for a security job, which requires
2 references. However, as I've been out of work for many years, so it's difficult find.

I've told my adviser many times this problem, since I can only apply for jobs without asking for references.

As everyone can imagine, she used the term " you're unemployable " to stop my universal
credit.

What can I do?

Please help me, as I'm renting at the moment, being worried going homeless.

Thank you in advance.

marliepanda

Refusing to apply for jobs that require references is ridiculous.

Do some volunteering to get a reference. Get someone to give you a character reference. Explain at interview why you are unable to provide two. Your previous job should give you one reference, ask if there are two people in different departments who could provide different types of references.

calcotti

That is very bad. The work coach is supposed to support you to get back into work, faced with this problem they should be advising you how you can make up for the lack of references - which as you say must be a common problem for someone in your situation.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/473193/response/1139924/attach/html/4/Work%20Coach%20job%20description.pdf.html

I think you should ask for a mandatory reconsideration of the decision to stop your payments. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/sanctions/if-youve-been-sanctioned/
You need to do this as quickly as possible but set out clearly why you think the sanction is wrong. Is there anything the work coach has suggested to you that you have failed to do?

BAFE

References don't necessarily have to come from employers. As a PP said, why don't you do some voluntary work for a few months and get another reference that way.

TELLIT01

marliepanda wrote: »

Your previous job should give you one reference, ask if there are two people in different departments who could provide different types of references.

The OP said they have been out of work for years. The previous employer may not be in business or possibly not willing to give a reference for somebody who hasn't worked for them in years.
All the OP can do at the moment is put down 2 personal referees and explain the reason why. There is certainly no justification for refusing to apply for a job which requires references. I'm not surprised they are being sanctioned.
It's up to the potential employer to decide whether or not to accept the personal referees, but the OP would have fulfilled their obligation by applying for the job.

Victor_in_London

In fact, the Job centre adviser wants to stop my claim for long time, when she found out I’ve been out of work for years.

She tried me to talk to the Job centre officer in charge of finding work experience, but he can’t find my filed voluntary opportunities since I’m a graduate.

To cover up his inability, he invented the term “You’re unemployable”, so my adviser quickly jumped on it to stop my claim.

calcotti

To be clear. I read your post as your work coach has instructed you to apply for a job requiring two references but that you have not been able to complete the application process because you do not have two references. If you have simply refused to apply that could be cause for a sanction. Nonetheless your work coach should be supporting/advising you on what you need to do to improve your chances of finding work. As others have said references do not need to be from employers.

Victor_in_London

The security industry for reference is extremely strict, check out the requirements on the application form below

Personal References

Please give the name and contact details of two references from persons of standing that have personal knowledge of you, from whom a written character reference can be obtained. These references should not be current or previous employers, relatives (by blood or marriage) and/or reside at the same address as you. These references will be asked to confirm the nature of their relationship with you and that they have known you for at least the most recent two years immediately prior to this application.

calcotti

mudlsn wrote: »

The security industry for reference is extremely strict, check out the requirements on the application form below

Personal References

Please give the name and contact details of two references from persons of standing that have personal knowledge of you, from whom a written character reference can be obtained. These references should not be current or previous employers, relatives (by blood or marriage) and/or reside at the same address as you. These references will be asked to confirm the nature of their relationship with you and that they have known you for at least the most recent two years immediately prior to this application.

What I note most about this is that they specifically exclude references from employers past or present so long term unemployment is not actually the issue here. Obviously I know nothing about your personal circumstances so have no idea how difficult it is for you to get these personal references. Not sure I know any "persons of standing" who know me well enough to provide references in this context.

Request a mandatory reconsideration. If you have done everything else your work coach has asked of you and this is a one off where you simply cannot meet the requirements to apply for this particular job you need to spell that out.

parkrunner

mudlsn wrote: »

The security industry for reference is extremely strict, check out the requirements on the application form below

Personal References

Please give the name and contact details of two references from persons of standing that have personal knowledge of you, from whom a written character reference can be obtained. These references should not be current or previous employers, relatives (by blood or marriage) and/or reside at the same address as you. These references will be asked to confirm the nature of their relationship with you and that they have known you for at least the most recent two years immediately prior to this application.

I'd say that's the opposite of strict.

Alice_Holt

I'm rather puzzled by this, since UC is a benefit for both those seeking work, and those assessed as not fit for work.
The OP seems to be saying his UC has been stopped rather than sanctioned. And is worried about his rent.
By refusing to apply for jobs the OP's UC can be sanctioned, but the housing element should continue to be paid (subject to any ongoing deductions). UC should not, AFAIK, be stopped in those circumstances.

If the OP has mental or physical health difficulties that do render them "unemployable", then they should request a WCA, and supply a fit note in the interim.

Like others, I would suggest the OP needs to challenge the decision by way of a Mandatory Reconsideration request. I would suggest they get help from their local advice agency / Citizens Advice.

However, the OP may need to have a rethink on several issues -
a) If they have been sanctioned for not applying for a relevant job, then not being able to get 2 references is unlikely to qualify as a good reason against that sanction.
b) their suggestion that as a graduate they can't volunteer is very odd.
c) under UC the work coach has a lot of discretion, it would be in the interest of the OP to co-operate with his work coach, and work with his coach to understand how to get the references required for the next job application. Further sanctions will be for longer periods of time.

If the OP does have mental or physical health problems, then they should make their work coach aware of these and attempt to get their claimant commitments reduced to reflect these.
If not fit for work, then request a WCA; and get help with the UC50 form.