Restart scheme – questions about job search and signing agreements

Cefalu24

I’m about to start the Restart scheme and I’m feeling quite anxious about it. I’ve recently completed my studies with strong results and I have a solid range of skills and practical experience. I’m currently pursuing a specific target role that matches my background, and I’m already actively working on applications and interviews so I can move into work as soon as possible and end my claim.

I’m concerned, though, because I’ve heard Restart can sometimes focus on placing people into any available job quickly. I also have a long-term health condition and an ongoing MR.

My questions are:

1. What’s the best way to ensure my adviser supports my targeted job search rather than pushing unsuitable roles?
2. At the first meeting, what (if anything) should I avoid signing to prevent future issues, especially if I find work independently?

Thank you very much.

huckster

If you are going onto Restart, this indicates you have received benefit for 6 months or more.

Beyond the first 4 weeks of a UC claim, Work Coaches and Restart should not be allowing a claimant to be too specific in only searching for a particular type of work.

However, if a claimant can show evidence of their desired job being realistic and achieveable they may allow more time, but this is down to individual Work Coach and person from Restart being more flexible. They don't have to be flexible and can require claimant to search and apply for any suitable job they could reasonably do.

You would be best to provide as much information as possible about your work search and about your health etc. What you can cope with, why you would struggle with certain types of work environment etc. They are not going to try to force anyone into unsuitable work that would be detrimental to health and wellbeing.

Best not to refuse anything, but you can ask for any barriers to work types to be noted if they are genuinely types of work you cannot perform due to diagnosed health conditions for example.

Bemmy2525

Unless you are LCW or LCWRA you will be expected to find work on Restart. You will be required to look for any job regardless of preference especially if you have been classed as a job seeker for more than 6 months.

If you seek work independently you can choose to not disclose to Restart where you are working(they usually ring you after you start work)but they can usually find out through UC(they get info from HMRC)so only option would be to immediately close UC claim without telling them where you are employed. I don't see the point personally in non disclosure as Restart getting a payout for me being employed doesn't impact me in anyway. You will see plenty of posts on forums from people saying to refuse to sign anything at Restart but you would just be risking potential sanctions(even if overturned later it's not worth the hassle) as has happened to people I know, better to just engage with it as I did.

Cefalu24

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81859167#Comment_81859167

Thank you. Yes, I’ve been receiving UC for more than 6 months and have an ongoing MR against my WCA, as well as a long-term health condition. When you refer to this - “Beyond the first 4 weeks of a UC claim, Work Coaches and Restart” - do you mean after starting to work with Restart? Also, is it a good idea to document my work search activity, and as you say 'You would be best to provide as much information as possible about your work search' in my journal to show that I’ve been proactive in applying for the type of work I’m trying to secure?

Cefalu24

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861018#Comment_81861018

Thank you. I’ve read that they make people sign a lot of paperwork in the first meeting, and that one form asks for permission to contact your employer. I’m worried that if I found employment, they might keep contacting my employer and potentially disclose things I wouldn’t want them to know (e.g. I'm on Restart contract). What do you think?

Also, when you say “they usually ring you after you start work”, do you mean only if it’s a job Restart found for me?

huckster

First 4 weeks from start date of a UC claim is when you can search for specific work type. From week 5, it is a general work search. Yes you would be wise to share details of work search, so they can see the effort you are making.

peteuk

I might be wrong, but after 5 weeks you are to search for any type of employment, if you get an interview and the an offer of employment but turn it down you can have you UC sanctioned.

Im guessing that should you be vegan and they set up an interview at KFC, you have grounds to refuse or throw the interview. But otherwise any role, any job, any wage….

Even without restart I was under the impression you needed to report applications, interviews on your portal.

Cefalu24

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81870940#Comment_81870940

Many thanks. What happens if I’m away (out of the country) for a few weeks during this 4-week period, as I’m planning to travel? Would the 4 weeks still count, or would it be extended because of my absence?

huckster

Under UC, you cannot be outside UK for more than a month or your claim will be closed.

If for a couple of weeks only, you will be expected to search for work while you are away, attend any interviews arranged ( employers may conduct them by video call) and make yourself available to start work. So if you were offered paid work in the UK while you were away and the job was only available from x date or another candidate would be choosen, you would have to fly back earlier.

To be honest it sounds like you are not 100% focused on finding any type of work and are not wanting to comply with the claimant commitments you agreed. This may be a bit harsh, but if you are not really motivated enough to find work or have health issues you are concerned about, then you need to think about best way forward. Lack of motivation will be picked up by employers whatever job you applied for. And if you are struggling with health conditions, you should speak to your GP.