Work coach

Redhouse11

Hi, I am currently claiming universal credit as I am self-employed, today I have had a message from UC making a telephone appointment with a work coach tomorrow,No doubt they will be asking me If I am looking for jobs, as I am self-employed and hopefully looking to return to my day job soon I have no intention of looking for a new job, however I am a taxi driver who has an estate car but can’t have the 2m social distancing required to safely transport customers.I have bought gloves for my protection but I can’t get any face masks or hand sanitizer, My question albeit a bit long winded is will I be penalised by uc for not working, I’ve spoken to many of my customers who some are elderly and they have no intention of using taxis any time soon.
 Thank you

poppy12345

Job search requirements have been swtiched off for at least 3 months.

Crazydennie

Do you think this will be extended Poppy?

NedS

Crazydennie said:

Do you think this will be extended Poppy?

Too early to say, but certainly it is a possibility. There is absolutely no point lifting the suspension until it is safe to return to work, employers are recruiting again and conducting job interviews etc. DWP will also need to focus their resources where it will be most effective in helping people. So lots to consider when making such a decision.

donnajunkie

It may well be just a courtesy call to see how you are doing and if you need any help. They have been doing this due to not having had contact with people for so long.

Redhouse11

Thank you all for your help, this is all new to me & sometimes it’s quite confusing!!

Redhouse11

Hi, So I’ve had my appointment with a work coach, I’ve explained I am self-employed and I am looking at going back to work as soon as possible,although it may not be possible immediately they’ve signed me up onto the Digi light scheme to find me a new job.
I explained I’ve got a job but I’ve still got to apply for jobs, if the job search requirements have been turned off for a minimum three months how come I have to apply for jobs?

[Deleted User]

I still think they are expecting people to look and apply for what they can. I know a few people that received emails from their job coaches saying even though job search requirements are switched off and they won’t be having face to face appointments they are still expected to keep up their job search as much as they can and they still receive emails about all the locally temporary jobs going at the moment too. 

tomtom256

Digilite is optional, you can take it or leave it and it won't affect your UC. Obviously the expectation is you are still looking and applying for work, but currently sanctions are not being issued.

In respect of self-employment, is this declared on your claim or did you put you are no longer working, as the question is poorly worded? I have sent no ned of journal messages out last few days where people have declared they have received the SEISS, but haven't declared self-employment on the claim. If it's declared, we are currently leaving these cusotmers to it, as we know the expectation is that they will be returning to work once this is all over.

Redhouse11

Just looked into my universal claim details in the journal and I’ve put “no longer working” but I am self employed and Have received several messages in the journal mentioning my self-employment., Do I need to change this?

NedS

Redhouse11 said:

Just looked into my universal claim details in the journal and I’ve put “no longer working” but I am self employed and Have received several messages in the journal mentioning my self-employment., Do I need to change this?

You can declare a change under Work and Earnings to report that you are self employed, and that will fix it - will leave the system in no doubt. And even if you had already declared it, it won't do any harm to declare it again