Work focused interview

Beckz1205

Hello, I recently migrated from ESA to UC on 26th March and have today received a message to say I have a work focused interview tomorrow. Can anyone shed any light on what this will entail? What kind of questions I’ll be asked etc

Beckz1205

It says This is to check what you've done to increase your chances of getting work or earning more which is making me worried as I haven’t been actively looking for work being on esa? 

KxMx

This is because in all likelihood your ESA status hasn't been confirmed yet so there is no UC equivalent (LCWRA) on the system for you. 

I had the same when I claimed, I explained to the Work Coach I was moving from ESA Support Group, she started talking about Fit Notes etc but listened to my explanation, consulted a more experienced colleague who endorsed all I had said. 

She turned off all the work commitments on the system that she could but had to book another appointment.

The next appointment was subsequently cancelled as my ESA status came through. 

Beckz1205

I was in the wrag group on esa but was studying for a degree with the open university and my esa work coach said I didn’t need to do anything else as I was doing that. I just hate having to re explain all my medical issues/mental health etc and recently had a death in my family which has had a huge impact on me/my mental health and I’m grieving. 

KxMx

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

As you have LCW under UC (the ESA equivalent of WRAG), you are expected to engage with a work coach.
You can't be forced to apply for jobs, but have to agree work preparation activities in conjunction with your work coach. 

Beckz1205

Yeah I had a work coach before and as I said as I was studying that was classed as a work activity and wasn’t harassed too much with regards to work etc. when I spoke to them is was mainly to check in and update them. I’m just feeling anxious about having to go into everything with someone else. 

NedS

A work focused interview is to check you have been doing the things you agreed to do on your commitments to help you prepare for work. It sounds like you'd previously agreed with your work coach you would continue your studies, and that would meet your commitment to help you prepare for work in the future.

You should be having regular work focused meetings with your work coach, maybe every month.

Good luck with your studies