Asked to attend work focused interview but I get LCWRA

TimeLord1

If the appointment is booked, you have to give a good reason to cancel it. But you could phone UC to query it and put a journal message stating you're in the LCWRA group. Why has this appointment been requested without any requests from you that you required it? Remember they can't change anything you don't agree with. The same as your LCWRA status it is basically the jobcentre ticking boxes to cover their requirements.

apricotgirl

Thanks Timelord, yes I think I will leave a message querying it. I understand it may be a box ticking exercise but I’m concerned that if I answer that I can’t work due to health problems, they will ask me what they are. It’s one thing explaining it all to a doctor or health assessor for my WCA but I don’t want to go into detail with ‘Rob, an agent from the job center’!

TimeLord1

All you have to state, if asked about your health, Please see or check my previous work capability assessment. It cannot be superseded without a new assessment. 

apricotgirl

TimeLord1 said:

All you have to state, if asked about your health, Please see or check my previous work capability assessment. It cannot be superseded without a new assessment. 

Yes, I will say that, but hope it doesn’t come across as rude. I just don’t feel comfortable discussing it with non medically trained people. 

TimeLord1

It's your right under the Equalities Act https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance to be treated fairly. You don't have to discuss any personal or confidential information if you choose not to with a Jobcentre employee.

HillStreetBlues

TimeLord1 said:

If the appointment is booked, you have to give a good reason to cancel it. But you could phone UC to query it and put a journal message stating you're in the LCWRA group. Why has this appointment been requested without any requests from you that you required it? Remember they can't change anything you don't agree with. The same as your LCWRA status it is basically the jobcentre ticking boxes to cover their requirements.

If on LCWRA  I'm not sure you need a good  reason (open to other opinions)  as I can't see any punishment as it's not part of the claimant commitment.

NedS

HillStreetBlues said:

TimeLord1 said:

If the appointment is booked, you have to give a good reason to cancel it. But you could phone UC to query it and put a journal message stating you're in the LCWRA group. Why has this appointment been requested without any requests from you that you required it? Remember they can't change anything you don't agree with. The same as your LCWRA status it is basically the jobcentre ticking boxes to cover their requirements.

If on LCWRA  I'm not sure you need a good  reason (open to other opinions)  as I can't see any punishment as it's not part of the claimant commitment.

Correct, a person in the No Work Related Requirements regime (with LCWRA) cannot be mandated to attend a work related or work focused appointment, hence they can never be sanctioned for failure to attend.
Where DWP may be encouraging disabled people to engage with support, it is conceivable that they may book this type of appointment due to lack of a more appropriate appointment type, but there can be no requirement to attend.

TimeLord1

HillStreetBlues said:

TimeLord1 said:

If the appointment is booked, you have to give a good reason to cancel it. But you could phone UC to query it and put a journal message stating you're in the LCWRA group. Why has this appointment been requested without any requests from you that you required it? Remember, they can't change anything you don't agree with. The same as your LCWRA status, it is basically the jobcentre ticking boxes to cover their requirements.

If on LCWRA  I'm not sure you need a good  reason (open to other opinions)  as I can't see any punishment as it's not part of the claimant commitment.

I must admit I was curious how they could punish someone on LCWRA for refusing to attend an appointment but I'm sure they'll come up with something to threaten people with who aren't complying.  But at the start you make a commitment to do all you can to find work or look for work. Which in most people migrating over from ESA is nothing or light touch.

badmemory

Look at this another way.  See how much you can embarass the person asking you.  Some graphic detail would be good.  They depend on people not wanting to say how bad things are or being embarassed to say how bad they are.  If they feel the need to ask, then they have actually asked for it.  Good luck

apricotgirl

NedS said:

HillStreetBlues said:

TimeLord1 said:

If the appointment is booked, you have to give a good reason to cancel it. But you could phone UC to query it and put a journal message stating you're in the LCWRA group. Why has this appointment been requested without any requests from you that you required it? Remember they can't change anything you don't agree with. The same as your LCWRA status it is basically the jobcentre ticking boxes to cover their requirements.

If on LCWRA  I'm not sure you need a good  reason (open to other opinions)  as I can't see any punishment as it's not part of the claimant commitment.

Correct, a person in the No Work Related Requirements regime (with LCWRA) cannot be mandated to attend a work related or work focused appointment, hence they can never be sanctioned for failure to attend.
Where DWP may be encouraging disabled people to engage with support, it is conceivable that they may book this type of appointment due to lack of a more appropriate appointment type, but there can be no requirement to attend.

I tempted to reply ‘no thank you, I’m in the LCWRA group following a wca. I will let you know if anything changes’