Work Programme what to expect

[biggeorge]

Just signed on today and given letter saying I am now in the work programme and someone will call

me.

 

Had a quick Google search and getting slightly worried after what I have been reading.

 

Anyone actually been on one of these and have experience of what actually happens.

 

Do they try and make you work 30 hours a week for your benefits as I know for a fact I will be walking out if they try that on.

 

George

[flumps1976]

The Mandatory Work Related Activity is a 4 week part of the 2 year programme where you will be placed in a working environment for the 4 weeks for 30 hours per week. The actual work prgramme is a mandatory part now for claiming your JSA, you will be assigned to an adviser at the provider and will work out an agreeable programme involving job searching and how often you need to attend their premises along with finding out if you have any training/basic skills needed. Your adviser will need to establish what type of work you are predominitely looking for, what you are capable of doing and then look at the MWRA at a later date.

[seen this before]

what i have experienced so far is a few hours here and there and some days free.

 

it doesn't appear to be like new deal where thirty hours a week is required but the work programme lasts for two years where new deal lasted around nine months.

 

on signing on she didnt even look at my book just saying from now on a4e are responsible for job searching.

[Nystagmite]

I have just started this. It has so far been form filling. I had to tell them what help I needed and what experience I already have. So far, (I'm only on session 2) I've not done anything that I haven't already done.

[Seriously_Silky]

You don't actually work for your benefit whilst on the Work programme. However, the provider can ask you to attend for up to 30 hours a week depending on what level of support they think you need from them.

[biggeorge]

Thanks all for the replies.

Slight panic over now, was worried I was going to be made to work 30 hours a week.

 

Will see what happens when I have my first meeting next few weeks.

 

What kind of forms are they asking you to fill in, all personal data, doctors,dentists etc..

 

 

George

[suziebear67]

We had some people work at our place for four weeks who were claiming some benefit but not sure which one and one got took on.