Arrogant Job Centre Adviser

Plantation7

After being out of work and in receipt of JSA for 4 months i was given a so called "Work Coach" to see on a regular basis.
The work coach has told me to attend a full time 4 week academy run by a local college the idea being that after the 4 weeks i get a guaranteed interview for a Customer Service Role, unfortunately though i have 2 other Job Interviews scheduled during the 4 week period and she told me to ignore them and still attend the scheme, i told her i am more interested in the Interviews and think i stand more chance with that but she still wants me to have to attend this 4 week scheme which has does not guarantee a job; just an Interview.
I am concerned about the possibility of a sanction if i don't attend the scheme but i did attend one of these schemes a few weeks ago which failed to lead anywhere.
I have received no Information stating the scheme is mandatory and with other Interviews it is clear i'm actively seeking work so should i stand my ground and do it my way or do whatever they tell me to avoid breaking any rules.
Unfortunately being in this position is a very lonely place and these advisers don't really advise but rather inform you of what is happening, She told me as a joke that as she is working full time her clients are also going to be working hard for her but she forgets that unemployed people don't get a full time wage.:mad:

JReacher1

Can you not attend the four week scheme and still attend two job interviews?

Surely they will only take at most a couple of hours each.

Comms69

Plantation7 wrote: »

After being out of work and in receipt of JSA for 4 months i was given a so called "Work Coach" to see on a regular basis.
The work coach has told me to attend a full time 4 week academy run by a local college the idea being that after the 4 weeks i get a guaranteed interview for a Customer Service Role - sounds like a great and proactive opportunity. , unfortunately though i have 2 other Job Interviews scheduled during the 4 week period and she told me to ignore them and still attend the scheme, i told her i am more interested in the Interviews and think i stand more chance with that but she still wants me to have to attend this 4 week scheme which has does not guarantee a job; just an Interview. - Well then do that.
I am concerned about the possibility of a sanction if i don't attend the scheme but i did attend one of these schemes a few weeks ago which failed to lead anywhere.
I have received no Information stating the scheme is mandatory and with other Interviews it is clear i'm actively seeking work so should i stand my ground and do it my way or do whatever they tell me to avoid breaking any rules. - that's a personal decision. If you're confident of getting the jobs, then a sanction wont make any difference
Unfortunately being in this position is a very lonely place and these advisers don't really advise but rather inform you of what is happening, She told me as a joke that as she is working full time her clients are also going to be working hard for her but she forgets that unemployed people don't get a full time wage.:mad:

Well that's somewhat debateable. Many people get a housing allowance, JSA, Tax credits etc. Which may even be more than a full time wage

[Deleted User]

I’m sure once you explain to the college you have a few interviews they will release you to attend.

Plantation7

Comms69 wrote: »

Well that's somewhat debateable. Many people get a housing allowance, JSA, Tax credits etc. Which may even be more than a full time wage

Not in my case though, only living expense!

Plantation7

I did suggest this but they told her to ask me to re-schedule my 2 Interviews, but only one has replied saying i would have to cancel it.

Plantation7

MarkN88 wrote: »

I’m sure once you explain to the college you have a few interviews they will release you to attend.

The college have told me to ask if i can attend the Interviews after i start the scheme but if they say no then i would be stuck or have to walk out.

Spender£

Plantation7 wrote: »

After being out of work and in receipt of JSA for 4 months i was given a so called "Work Coach" to see on a regular basis.
The work coach has told me to attend a full time 4 week academy run by a local college the idea being that after the 4 weeks i get a guaranteed interview for a Customer Service Role, unfortunately though i have 2 other Job Interviews scheduled during the 4 week period and she told me to ignore them and still attend the scheme, i told her i am more interested in the Interviews and think i stand more chance with that but she still wants me to have to attend this 4 week scheme which has does not guarantee a job; just an Interview.
I am concerned about the possibility of a sanction if i don't attend the scheme but i did attend one of these schemes a few weeks ago which failed to lead anywhere.
I have received no Information stating the scheme is mandatory and with other Interviews it is clear i'm actively seeking work so should i stand my ground and do it my way or do whatever they tell me to avoid breaking any rules.
Unfortunately being in this position is a very lonely place and these advisers don't really advise but rather inform you of what is happening, She told me as a joke that as she is working full time her clients are also going to be working hard for her but she forgets that unemployed people don't get a full time wage.:mad:

She can't sanction you! as you are attending Interviews so what excuse could she use, an appeals process exists so even if you were sanctioned as long as you keep your proof of the interviews you won't lose anything.
The idea of attending a Full Time scheme for an Interview is trumped by the fact you have 2 Interviews set-up so what's the point in going through that, if i was in your position i would only agree to attend a Full Time scheme if they guaranteed me a job at the end of it, attending this for an Interview seemed stupid unless it's a great high paid job.:beer:

JonVarnas

Plantation7 wrote: »

The college have told me to ask if i can attend the Interviews after i start the scheme but if they say no then i would be stuck or have to walk out.

Your interviews supersede any old jobcentre course. Do you have proof of the interviews (email, letter)? If so, I would just let the college know that you will be attending them and that's that. Whether or not it's inconvienient for the college then they will have to rearrange with the jobcentre. So long as you have the proof they can't really do anything. If you get grief off your work coach then make a formal complaint.

Marvel1

Plantation7 wrote: »

I did suggest this but they told her to ask me to re-schedule my 2 Interviews, but only one has replied saying i would have to cancel it.

Are they !!!!ing stupid? A potential employer is not going to wait if they have other interviewees lined up ready to go.

TELLIT01

It looks very much like a box ticking exercise by the Work Coach. I would suggest putting in writing to him/her that you have interviews with xyz on (date) at (time) and you will have to leave the course in order to attend the interviews. State that you have contacted xyz and they are not able to change the date and time of the interview. Take 2 copies of the letter and ask them to sign and date your copy to confirm they are aware of the situation. If they refuse to do so, and they probably will, request to speak to a supervisor while you are at the Job Centre. If they say nobody is available, smile and say you are happy to wait until somebody is available.