Missed UC appointment due to train delay

Dreamscometrue

I left home around 11am today for a 1245 appointment. Unfortunately leg 1 of my train journey was delayed and I missed my 2nd train. I sent a message via my account explaining. Eventually got to the jobcentre over 2 hours after setting off. I was told I couldn't be seen as the person had already left for lunch and it would have to be re-booked. I was told that there would be no repercussions. I understand that I need to attend appointments but feel so frustrated that the office is so far away. It was suggested that perhaps I should leave at 1030 for a 1245 appointment! I find that ridiculous. I have been told that I have to attend there as it goes by postcode. The funny thing is that in the past I was able to attend the nearer jobcentre in the next county (pass it on leg 1 of the journey to this further away one) wasting less time and money. It costs between £10.80 and £15.80 to get to the one in my county. 

Has anyone else experienced something similar where appointments were hard to get to and so expensive?
Has anyone managed to get their appointments moved to somewhere closer? 
Failing that, any tips on reducing my blood pressure!

TELLIT01

Have you asked if it's possible for you to attend a different JC?  If so, what was the response?

Dreamscometrue

TELLIT01 said:

Have you asked if it's possible for you to attend a different JC?  If so, what was the response?

Yes, I've asked and their answer is always, "No, you're in the postcode that we cover". I also get that same response when I telephone. They are not able to explain how I managed to attend the closer one in the next county in the past. Today they suggested that I call at the closer one to ask if it can be changed, didn't fancy it much in the 32 degree heat and not confident that security would even let me in the building. Also, although I'm unemployed now, I'm doing one of the government skills bootcamps so I'm pretty busy. 

NedS

How long does it take you to get to the jobcentre you are expected to attend from your house, total journey time door to door?

(I think) they cannot reasonably ask you to travel more than 90mins each way. If the journey time is more than 90mins, by public transport, then you would have reasonable grounds to request a move to a closer jobcentre which is within 90mis.

I would politely ask to speak with the manager after your appointment next time you are at the jobcentre, and explain the issues you are having and ask if they can reassign you to the closer jobcentre. If you ask online / by phone / a busy work coach, you will most likely receive the stock 'no' answer.

Dreamscometrue

NedS said:

How long does it take you to get to the jobcentre you are expected to attend from your house, total journey time door to door?

(I think) they cannot reasonably ask you to travel more than 90mins each way. If the journey time is more than 90mins, by public transport, then you would have reasonable grounds to request a move to a closer jobcentre which is within 90mis.

I would politely ask to speak with the manager after your appointment next time you are at the jobcentre, and explain the issues you are having and ask if they can reassign you to the closer jobcentre. If you ask online / by phone / a busy work coach, you will most likely receive the stock 'no' answer.

If the trains work to plan(2 legs) then it takes around 90 minutes. There is very little time between legs so bound to be times where the 2nd connection is missed(this is Blighty after all and not super-efficient Germany). I could try the manager. 

NedS

Dreamscometrue said:

NedS said:

How long does it take you to get to the jobcentre you are expected to attend from your house, total journey time door to door?

(I think) they cannot reasonably ask you to travel more than 90mins each way. If the journey time is more than 90mins, by public transport, then you would have reasonable grounds to request a move to a closer jobcentre which is within 90mis.

I would politely ask to speak with the manager after your appointment next time you are at the jobcentre, and explain the issues you are having and ask if they can reassign you to the closer jobcentre. If you ask online / by phone / a busy work coach, you will most likely receive the stock 'no' answer.

If the trains work to plan(2 legs) then it takes around 90 minutes. There is very little time between legs so bound to be times where the 2nd connection is missed(this is Blighty after all and not super-efficient Germany). I could try the manager. 

I would argue, based on the requirement to ensure you give yourself sufficient time to arrive at your appointment, that it takes you over 90mins using the earlier train. Work out the length of journey for the closer alternative jobcentre to demonstrate that it is a shorter journey time. I assume these are the quickest methods, no faster bus alternative available? The jobcentre would likely check the times / availability based on google maps travel.

prowla

90 minutes does seem a bit excessive to be expected to travel, especially as it typically takes significantly longer due to service unreliability.

With regards to that journey, the only option is to factor in the likelihood of there being issues by setting off earlier.

As far as reducing the blood pressure goes (and not trying to trivialise UC or anything!) you could rationalise it as you are going on a trip to get some money.

But back to the point, though; an hour and a half (or more) seems unreasonable to me.

Dreamscometrue

You are right, I remember them quoting Google maps before but of course that doesn't take the train timetable into account. I've just checked now and they've given me a phone appointment(due to rail strike) for next week. That's fine. It says "As this day is a train strike day this appointment has been booked by phone so that we can still have a weekly appointment with you. Further appointments will be booked face-to-face." I think what I'll do the next time I need to go in is just take the same train as per national rail. If I'm late due to the trains they can't sanction me. I've spent so much time arguing with them over this ridiculous arrangement of trekking to that office on an expensive ticket with 2/3 legs when there's a closer option. I have a job to go to but the start date keeps being put back. I have the confirmation letter from HR, have completed DBS and other background checks. When I finally start work I pray I'll never have to set foot in a jobcentre ever again. 

Dreamscometrue

Also got a response re message I would be late:

Hi,

Thank you for  your message i am sorry that you didn't get a reply when you sent it.  I understand that you were 
frustrated after coming all this way and being delayed due to train cancellations and then your work coach was unable 
to see you.  I have spoken to your work coaches' Team Leader and we have agreed to mark today's appointment as attended 
as you did come to the jobcentre so you won't get any messages about a "failed to attend appointment" or anything like 
that.  I appreciate that you came a long way and in very hot weather as well so I am sorry if we didn't provide you 
the level of customer service you deserved.  I hope that you get home  okay.

Kind Regards

Dreamscometrue

Dreamscometrue said:

If I'm late due to the trains they can't sanction me. 

Or perhaps they can but that would be extremely unfair.

Langerhan

I'm glad that you've now got official confirmation you won't be marked as failure to attend. Sounds like the train ticket is a heck of a lot of money - is that with the Jobcentre Plus Travel Discount Card, or have you not hit the three month mark yet?