UC Video Appointment

TheRedPhone

Hello, I have a UC Work Search Review video appointment for 4pm today . Am I able to request that this be converted to solely a phone interview ( no video ) without being sanctioned?  I suffer from recurring severe facial eczema. Thanks for any help you can provide .

On a side note , I am currently caring for my elderly mother who ( as of February 24) is in receipt of Attendance Allowance. As her main carer , I am currently waiting for a decision on my claim for carers allowance .( Claim made on 19th Feb ) .

Newcad

Whilst you may find it distressing for others to see your eczema, if you can then I would go ahead with the video appointment and let the Work Coach see for themselves the issues that it may cause at job interviews and the like.

Other than that, if you really don't want to be seen then webcams and phone cameras do fail to work at times so you can hear people but not see them.
It isn't always a software problem.
Sometimes the camera problem is as simple as something covering the lens by mistake. (Hint).
Sometimes a lens will get smeared with grease, vaseline, face cream, etc. making the image very blurred. (Hint).

HillStreetBlues

Newcad said:

Whilst you may find it distressing for others to see your eczema, if you can then I would go ahead with the video appointment and let the Work Coach see for themselves the issues that it may cause at job interviews and the like.

Other than that, if you really don't want to be seen then webcams and phone cameras do fail to work at times so you can hear people but not see them.
Sometimes the camera problem is as simple as something covering the lens by mistake. (Hint).

I seem to remember they wanted me to do a video call (not a chance)  I use a PC and have a dumb phone (well for that purpose).

_Jem_

Why isn't a phone call enough, I Definitely feel you have the worst phone ever 😉

I definitely wouldn't want a video call and definitely would have the worst phone ever.

peteuk

Newcad said:

Whilst you may find it distressing for others to see your eczema, if you can then I would go ahead with the video appointment and let the Work Coach see for themselves the issues that it may cause at job interviews and the like.

Other than that, if you really don't want to be seen then webcams and phone cameras do fail to work at times so you can hear people but not see them.
It isn't always a software problem.
Sometimes the camera problem is as simple as something covering the lens by mistake. (Hint).
Sometimes a lens will get smeared with grease, vaseline, face cream, etc. making the image very blurred. (Hint).

My work laptop has a build in camera and theres a slide which when you push it, it slides a black plastic cover over the lens.  Many a time on a Monday morning I’ve not realised that the slide is either full closed or half way closed and start teams meeting.  Obviously this doesnt effect the sound quality….

Robbie64

What would happen if the person said they don't have a webcam? Not every computer has one - my desktop computer doesn't.

KxMx

Robbie64 said:

What would happen if the person said they don't have a webcam? Not every computer has one - my desktop computer doesn't.

Most people have a smart phone they all come with cameras. Desktop computers aren't the only devices used for video calls.

NedS

Robbie64 said:

What would happen if the person said they don't have a webcam? Not every computer has one - my desktop computer doesn't.

Before booking video appointments, the Work Coach is required to establish that the claimant has the necessary equipment and internet connectivity in place and is happy to conduct appointments by video. If not, then the Work Coach should arrange appointments face to face at the jobcentre or by phone where appropriate.

TheShape

NedS said:

Robbie64 said:

What would happen if the person said they don't have a webcam? Not every computer has one - my desktop computer doesn't.

Before booking video appointments, the Work Coach is required to establish that the claimant has the necessary equipment and internet connectivity in place and is happy to conduct appointments by video. If not, then the Work Coach should arrange appointments face to face at the jobcentre or by phone where appropriate.

Just to add to this.

Even if a claimant has the necessary equipment to facilitate a video appointment, they should not be booked without a claimant consenting to have video appointments.  A claimant can also withdraw consent to video appointments at any time.