Has Work Programme ended with my JSA?

[san_d]

I had been on Work Programme since last April, then my JSA ended last month as I went abroad. Now my JSA has been reinstated but I have no news from the Jobcentre whether I should go back to the WP provider.

 

Tomorrow I have an interview for a job (wish me luck!).

 

1) If I get this job, do I still have to share information with my old WP provider? In other words if he calls me, do I have to give details and can he legally 'harass' my new employer?

 

2) Can/should I request a letter to withhold or withdraw consent from the Work Programme provider? Is it necessary or is it overkill?

 

Thank you all in advance.

[Nystagmite]

You don't need to give them any information if you don't want to.

[flumps1976]

The providers are advised when you reclaim and they then get back in touch to start the appointments system again.

If you are successful with the new job then you can close your claim at the JCP (no furtheer job grant or housing/council tax run on paymejts unless you had been reclaiming for 26 weeks), so you could simply state no longer wish to claim on your ES40 card and then the providers will not be any the wiser :o

[san_d]

Update: my ex-Work Provider is still sending me letters inviting me to appointments which I obviously can't and won't attend. I have put a letter of mine into their mailbox informing I have signed off. Is this enough or can they make trouble if/when I am on JSA again?

[flumps1976]

You are contracted to their services for a period of two years and during that time even if you are no longer claimining JS they will still keep in regular contact wih you but it is supposed to be anagreed period of time between contacts and how he contact will be made (appointment at the Wp offices, telephone calls, emails or post), so they will try to keep in contact (afterall how will the know how to submit for the next chunck of the bonus if you remain in employment?)

I would simplly advise that you write explaining that at this momemt in time you are no longer signing for JSA and have no need for their service but will contact them if you have need to.

If you do then have need to sign on again they will be advised and you will be required to attend again as before.

[sillygirl1]

I think the Work Programme is designed to 'keep track' of people in between appointments to sign on, it offers no real help other than to jobsearch under their noses, (you MUST put down on your JSA form that you have visited them, it makes a mockery of the job hunt process otherwise, besides it makes up part of your 'instructions' to get a job).

 

Once signed off there is no LEGAL obligation for you to provide information to them - especially if they were NOT responsible for you getting the vacancy - remember they exist to attain targets, you getting a job will have attained that target, and it is assumed that the Work Programme were directly responsible for this.

 

Yes, the system stinks and has its faults, being designed to 'trap' people who otherwise do not need help, had I not been put on the Work Programme I could have accessed some funding for my own company, because I was placed with a provider this is now not the case.

[san_d]

I would have no problem informing my ex-WP that I am currently working, I just fear that the 'bimbo' will go and stalk my current manager and make trouble as they usually do.

[Nystagmite]

Don't tell them where you work. I remember Flumps saying how she can't tell the WP provider where their ex-clients work.

[san_d]

Can they issue or request issuing retroactive sanctions when I am on JSA if I don't give them my employer details?

 

By the way: all they need to do is to call the Jobcentre and ask them for my new employer. I told them when I signed off.

[antone]

Can they issue or request issuing retroactive sanctions when I am on JSA if I don't give them my employer details?

 

 

No, as long as you complied with the terms of the WP while you were receiving benefits you'll be fine.

[flumps1976]

They got round that one and if the information is provided and nothing is noted from the customer to state that no information is provided t the work programme, JCP have to inform the providers

[antone]

They got round that one and if the information is provided and nothing is noted from the customer to state that no information is provided t the work programme, JCP have to inform the providers

 

Hmm, oh dear. So does that mean that WP clients signing off should make a point of informing JCP staff that no information is to be given to the provider?

 

Presumably they still can't retroactively sanction, though. Or can they?

[flumps1976]

Yes if WP customers do not want the providers to know anything they should specify that no information is to be provided and that they do not give consent or the other way is declare that they have started work and leave all employer details blank.

If I am asked then I advise customers to declare they have started work but not to disclose any details and I tell them the reason behind my advise too, so far I have yet to encounter anyone who is pleased about the bonuses they can claim especially when they refuse to pay for anything apart from their travel expenses for attending job search and appointments.

[san_d]

Oh dear o dear! Now I'm proper confused. I don't mind them knowing where I work. I just don't want them to call my manager and say: " Mr San_d has just recommended you as a possible client of my pimp services...".

[antone]

Oh dear o dear! Now I'm proper confused. I don't mind them knowing where I work. I just don't want them to call my manager and say: " Mr San_d has just recommended you as a possible client of my pimp services...".

 

Well, if they misrepresent you in that way you would have serious grounds for complaint.

[san_d]

Thanks Antone.

 

There are developments. My ex-WP agent has called me and has told me I qualify for a 'bonus' if I go the the branch and fill a form and tell them the name of my manager (it comes totally unexpected, doesn't it?).

 

I told him I need to speak to my manager first and ask him if he agrees to be contacted, which I will do shortly.

 

Now, I need this extra cash, but would it make it appear as if they had found the job for me? I would hate the idea that they are using this as a chance to show they are actually good at finding work, which indeed they are not. Or am I too fuzzy?

[antone]

Thanks Antone.

 

There are developments. My ex-WP agent has called me and has told me I qualify for a 'bonus' if I go the the branch and fill a form and tell them the name of my manager (it comes totally unexpected, doesn't it?).

 

I told him I need to speak to my manager first and ask him if he agrees to be contacted, which I will do shortly.

 

Now, I need this extra cash, but would it make it appear as if they had found the job for me? I would hate the idea that they are using this as a chance to show they are actually good at finding work, which indeed they are not. Or am I too fuzzy?

 

It's up to you, I suppose. They want to contact your manager so that they can easily provide evidence to the DWP that they "found" you a job and so can be paid. If you do give them the contact information you can be sure that's how they'll use it.

[down'n'out]

My ex-WP agent has called me and has told me I qualify for a 'bonus' if I go the the branch and fill a form and tell them the name of my manager (it comes totally unexpected, doesn't it?).

 

They will be offering you the money they where given that was intended for a grant to you when you obtain work, to get(for simple example) work boots.

I would expect that the (now called ) "Bonus" will not only be for the information about where you work and who for, but also permission for them to contact your employer. Be careful of what you sign!

[hmeah]

They will harass you as they would want to claim they helped you get the job and then go onto claiming 0000s at different stage, they will entice you by offering cash incentives to get a form filled out by your employer to show proof you work there....

[gonz]

No, as long as you complied with the terms of the WP while you were receiving benefits you'll be fine.

what are the terms exactly? has that ever happened? im afraid they might use any excuse to take money back now i signed off...

[antone]

what are the terms exactly? has that ever happened? im afraid they might use any excuse to take money back now i signed off...

 

That's a very general question. Basically, you can't be retrospectively sanctioned - in other words, they can stop your benefits, but they can't demand back money they've already paid you. If you attended all compulsory Work Programme appointments chances are you did comply with the rules.