Is it mandatory to let the advisor access your universal job match?

[alpo287]

Every time i have been to the jobcentre recently the advisors have said that i must tick a box to allow them access to see my job search or it could affect my claim. I have read somewhere that this is NOT mandatory but now i can't find where it says this. What document is it that i need to show or tell the advisor that proves it is not mandatory to allow them access because they keep saying that I MUST do this?

[kirkbyinfurnesslad]

No they have no right to see it

[Mr.P]

What document is it that i need to show or tell the advisor that proves it is not mandatory to allow them access because they keep saying that I MUST do this?

 

UJ Toolkit Para 53.

53. You also cannot issue a Jobseeker’s Direction to mandate a claimant to give us access to their account – this is their decision not ours.

This statement is repeated several times throughout the manual - You adviser should be aware of it, if not, they need to go and read it.

 

Further reading at: http://consentarchive.wordpress.com/universaljobmatch/

Edited November 20, 2013 by Mr.P

[joeski]

no it isn't mandatory and any advisor who says it is is talking rubbish

[Bazooka Boo]

Every time i have been to the jobcentre recently the advisors have said that i must tick a box to allow them access to see my job search or it could affect my claim.

 

Tell them to mind their own business, not quite sure which JCP you go to, but this puerile threat warrants a formal complaint to the manager, who the hell do they think they are saying that failing to allow them to see this info might affect your claim!

 

You might like to have a look at Fightback Forum which has been set up specifically to deal with these creatures..

Edited November 20, 2013 by honeybee13

[alpo287]

UJ Toolkit Para 53.

This statement is repeated several times throughout the manual - You adviser should be aware of it, if not, they need to go and read it.

 

Further reading at: http://consentarchive.wordpress.com/universaljobmatch/

 

Thanks. The advisors just keep saying that even though I have told them I have applied for these jobs they have no way of checking and confirming this if i won't allow them access. The same jobs I apply for on the site are written in the 'looking for work' book anyway but yet they still keep insisting that it is most important they see it for confirmation and pestering me to tick that box. Then she made a note on the system that upon the next appointment i am to have ticked the box to allow them access.

[Bazooka Boo]

Thank her for that, and then report her to her line manager for spouting, then tell them you want a new gopher as this one can't be trusted!

Edited November 20, 2013 by honeybee13
Pejorative terms

[Gay_guy1986]

to the op,

 

No, its 100% not mandatory and it will not affect your Jobseekers claim, who the hell do Jobcentre staff think their are?

 

If she spoken to me like that I would make a complaint or speak to the manager, I am just waiting until my advisors state the following: I need to give them permisson then I am going to make a compliant to the manager.

 

No way in hell I am going to let them access until it becomes mandatory, I have nothing to hide as I always apply for jobs but I am not letting them snoop on my account.

[house3]

Ive also been asked to let um see my universal account,i said no mind your business,lol only joking,i said no it is private ,and I shall not let them view it,ive nothing to hide ,but I know what job what sort of work am going for and the distance,i don't want them telling me what job they think I sould apply for, a disgrace it is...

[Bazooka Boo]

Start complaining, nosy busy bodies need to feel what it's like being under the microscope every sodding day!

[alpo287]

Just wondering when you make a complaint about a jobcentre advisor, who do you write/address the complaint to, and is it done in writing or over the phone? One time i had a vile, snooty advisor over the phone who deliberately put the phone down on me. I wanted to make a complaint about him but didn't know how to as it was someone i was speaking to over the phone, how would they know which advisor i was complaining about or what call centre he was based at?

 

About them accessing the job match, even though it is not mandatory, couldn't the advisor simply make up some fancy wording in order to sanction me for not providing them with access? What if the advisor says something like 'you are not doing EVERYTHING possible to find work including allowing us access, I'm going to put in for a sanction'. Thanks for the replies

[antone]

Regarding your complaint, start by writing to the manager of the Jobcentre where the adviser works. With regard to identifying the offender, if you didn't get a name there may not be much they can do, but give the date and time of the call if you can - that might help. Explain clearly what you are upset about and don't rant.

 

You can't be sanctioned for not allowing your adviser access. If they want to ask the DM to apply a sanction they must specify what it is they believe you should have done but have not done. They can't just generically sanction you because they don't like your face.

[Perseus1]

I would recommend collaborating and allow them access. More grief than it is worth not to.

 

It can be helpful and it is quite easy to fill in. Don't put confidential details down. Use abbreviations.

 

The JobSearch is not any good in itself, but the system gives you access to the modern system used by Recruitment Agencies.

 

Do not expect to get up to scratch with the new system of job searching for a month or two. The idea is to sign on to the agencies as Universal JobSearch isn't any good.

 

The Activity bit can replace your job log. It is much easier. You cannot delete entries.

[antone]

I would recommend collaborating and allow them access. More grief than it is worth not to.

 

 

I could not disagree with this more strongly. Do not voluntarily supply the rope.

[Bazooka Boo]

Even if you sign up to the website, you do not have to let Jobcentre or DWP monitor your activity on it. PCS' statement makes this clear:

If, and when, a claimant signs up to UJ, they will be encouraged to give DWP access to their account. However, it is absolutely clear from a legal perspective that the claimant does not have to tick the box to give DWP access to their account, and can provide alternative proof of UJ sign up and use, e.g. screenprints

Your advisor will most likely pressurize you to give them access to your account. It is important that you do not do that. Giving them access will make it much easier for them to find a reason to sanction you in the future. Avoid this as much as possible!

 

http://universaljobmatch.eu/en/what-should-i-do

[jasta11]

I could not disagree with this more strongly. Do not voluntarily supply the rope.

 

Yes, don't give access because;

 

1. I'm convinced they'll be able to check not only the vacancies you actually applied for, but also the ones you just looked at. Perfect excuse for them to say 'You looked at this vacancy and it seems perfectly suitable to me so why didn't you apply for it then?'

 

2. They can send you vacancy details which, as it's classed as a 'notified' vacancy, you'll have to apply for - or else. They'll send you any old rubbish job and you'll have to apply for it, whether it's suitable or not.

 

3. They'll want you to store ALL your jobsearch on there. If the site ever crashes and your fortnight's jobsearch vanishes, they won't be very sympathetic. Perfect sanction opportunity. Show your jobsearch on paper and get the advisor to sign and date it as being acceptable, so that they can't later claim you didn't do enough that fortnight.

[kirkbyinfurnesslad]

Dont even think about giving them access

[Chester6]

Don't give them access

It's not worth it and particularly don't if you are on the post work programme nonsense

The site is an easy way for them to sanction you and that's the only thing it's really good for in many cases

It's not mandatory but they will try to pressure or persuade you by faking being nice so please do not allow access

If they need proof then you can easily print a confirmation email but as you already record your job search for them then that should be enough proof as it's up to you only how you present your evidence

[kernowlife]

Yes, don't give access because;

 

1. I'm convinced they'll be able to check not only the vacancies you actually applied for, but also the ones you just looked at. Perfect excuse for them to say 'You looked at this vacancy and it seems perfectly suitable to me so why didn't you apply for it then?'

 

2. They can send you vacancy details which, as it's classed as a 'notified' vacancy, you'll have to apply for - or else. They'll send you any old rubbish job and you'll have to apply for it, whether it's suitable or not.

 

3. They'll want you to store ALL your jobsearch on there. If the site ever crashes and your fortnight's jobsearch vanishes, they won't be very sympathetic. Perfect sanction opportunity. Show your jobsearch on paper and get the advisor to sign and date it as being acceptable, so that they can't later claim you didn't do enough that fortnight.

 

I've been told today that a handwritten paper jobsearch is no longer acceptable as they can't verify your jobsearch.

 

I've had a hell of a time with them this morning (post work programme interview) and got the impression that they are trying to set me up for a sanction. I was evan given a jobseekers direction because he did not like my email address and demanded I change it.

[kirkbyinfurnesslad]

You have to stand your ground and ensure you play the game with in the rules so tk speak.

 

It is rubbish you can do a written version. Ask them where in their rules it states this

[Mr.P]

I've been told today that a handwritten paper jobsearch is no longer acceptable as they can't verify your jobsearch.

 

I've had a hell of a time with them this morning (post work programme interview) and got the impression that they are trying to set me up for a sanction. I was even given a jobseekers direction because he did not like my email address and demanded I change it.

 

Refer the adviser to paragraph 82 of the Universal Jobmatch Tookit, Chapter 3:

Actively Seeking Employment

82. We cannot specify to a JSA claimant how they provide us with records of their jobsearch activity and Universal Jobmatch will not change this.

 

To see the current version of this document, have a look at: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/universal_jobmatch_toolkit_showi - It also answers your question about hand written logs.

 

As for the JSD - Ask for it to be referred to a Decision Maker as it is not the place for an adviser to dictate an email address... With one exception: If the name used could be seen as derogatory or offensive, e.g. [email protected]

If the adviser thought your email address was not helping you, then it could be appropriate to suggest a change, for example, [email protected] (not good) or [email protected] (appropriate).

[Perseus1]

Yes, don't give access because;

 

1. I'm convinced they'll be able to check not only the vacancies you actually applied for, but also the ones you just looked at. Perfect excuse for them to say 'You looked at this vacancy and it seems perfectly suitable to me so why didn't you apply for it then?'

 

2. They can send you vacancy details which, as it's classed as a 'notified' vacancy, you'll have to apply for - or else. They'll send you any old rubbish job and you'll have to apply for it, whether it's suitable or not.

 

3. They'll want you to store ALL your jobsearch on there. If the site ever crashes and your fortnight's jobsearch vanishes, they won't be very sympathetic. Perfect sanction opportunity. Show your jobsearch on paper and get the advisor to sign and date it as being acceptable, so that they can't later claim you didn't do enough that fortnight.

 

This is simply not true.

 

Job Centre can only check out if you have applied for jobs that they have advised you. To do otherwise is strongly ultra vires as they could inadvertently prejudice your job chances. OK even to use reference numbers.

 

You can be forgiven for not ever using JOBMatch for find jobs.

 

Two reasons:

 

1) All jobs will be advertised on other agencies. Use Monster instead.

2) Employers may guess you are unemployed and you may want to gloss over that fact.

 

So I only use JobSearch for my job log. e.g. Entry: Spent five hours on my computer looking through vacancies.

 

There are grounds for not letting them have access if you have accidentally included confidential information. I did inadvertently and it can't be deleted (they ought to do something about that!) Job applications are regarded as a confidential negotiation. Therefore, outsiders should not interfere w/o permission. Now I use abbreviations just to be on the safe side.

 

Civil Servants have to comply with the Data Protection Act. I am not happy about the WP seeing my job log though. They are more likely to make a mistake.

 

I save my Job Log to file if I remember which I don't mostly. In the first week my Internet access went down (thats a BT modem malfunction) and there was gap which caused a problem. They (WP) said I could use the Library. I did with my laptop but the batteries ran out. They then informed me that the Library services can be used for free which I did not know at the time.

 

PS: If they want more details of your Job Search they can and will ask you. As there is not much space allowed I abbreviate all entries. Forced to do so my their limitations of entry space in the computer job log. Short of bringing my computer to the Job Centre they will have to ask for the specifics another time.

 

I don't see any problems using JobMatch. Advantages all around for everybody. More grief if you don't if you are computer savvy. If you are not they may send you on the training course for applying for jobs, which if you are not up to speed, it might be a good idea anyway.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Perseus1

[kernowlife]

You have to stand your ground and ensure you play the game with in the rules so tk speak.

 

It is rubbish you can do a written version. Ask them where in their rules it states this

 

I'll be putting a new thread up later about the whole interview because I feel there were a number of breaches of rules/power today. However I did ask him to show me the rules and the legislation/law and was refused with

 

"I do not have to show you anything!"

[Perseus1]

I want to stress the Confidentiality Bit. There could be a strong argument if you put down too many details it may infringe the job application ethics to third parties. Most jobs it would not matter though..

 

The best way around this would be to use abbreviations.

 

With one job that required advanced CRB checks I thought they were sufficiently security conscious that even mentioning it would be unethical.

 

If I was an employer I would not expect the job applications to be put out to third parties. But then I would not use a Recruitment Agency when it would not matter so much.

 

After awhile in your Job Search you may decide to use specialist Recruitment Agencies. A better selection of much better jobs then can be found. Firms like Babcock International will only accept you if you think CV is good enough.

[jasta11]

I've been told today that a handwritten paper jobsearch is no longer acceptable as they can't verify your jobsearch.

 

As far as I know, the guidance hasn't changed - and that says that they (the DWP) can NOT specify how a client shows their job search. It can be done on via UJ, on paper and even verbally. See the extract below, which is part of a reply by DWP Central Office 22/07/2013 to someone asking if they had to give access to their UJ account and quotes Chapter 3 of the Universal Jobmatch Guidance (which all advisors should know and abide by!) - I've outlined the main points in red;

 

190. The evidence of jobsearch produced when they attend to have their regular reviews may

be in various forms:

 information they have provided from their Universal Jobmatch account;

 evidence in writing from employers, employment agencies, or other organisations which

they have contacted;

 copies of letters they have sent to employers;

 the claimant’s un-corroborated written evidence, for example an ES4;

 the claimant’s verbal evidence

 evidence from previous Jobsearch Reviews recorded on LMS.

 

In response to the question you have raised about requiring jobsearch evidence from Universal

Jobmatch. Advisers cannot mandate claimants to give them access to their Universal

Jobmatch account, nor can they force a claimant to print out screen prints of their UJ account.

The extracts below from Chapter 3 of the Universal Jobmatch Toolkit clearly explain the

parameters when assessing what a claimant has done to look for work within Universal

Jobmatch.

Actively Seeking Employment

82. We cannot specify to a JSA claimant how they provide us with records of their jobsearch

activity and Universal Jobmatch will not change this – it is not therefore possible to require

JSA claimants to give DWP access to their Universal Jobmatch account.