The Job Centre handed me a letter. Notification of Work Programme Start.
Along with the letter is an explanation about the Work Programme.
Strangely titled The Work Programme When you've volunteered to take part.
The advisor told me I had to take part?
I am always happy to improve my prospects to find a job although many readers will know I am fed up being treated like a commodity by the so call providers.
The form has a empty box? If you want more information or have any questions please contact?
Contact who?
The attached letter says I must take part so I don't see how that is volunteering.
I told the advisor I have no money to travel to Leicester she said its not her problem sort it with INGEUS they are the provider.
The programme lasts two years?
As this appear to be the Governments New back to work scheme. I thought I would publish everything I receive and do relating to this scheme and hopefully it won't be long before I will be publishing I have a job. That is if I can sort out when I need to meet this provider and how I am going to get to Leicester.
v1.0 (June 2011)
WP05
Work Programme
Start notification letter (JSA)
Tel: blank
Fax: blank
Texphone: blank
Date: 5/07/11
Dear Mr Brookes,
From today to continue getting Jobseeker's Allowance and/or National Insurance credits,
you must take part in the Work Programme,
(for my local critics I currently receive £30 a week JSA)
INGEUS or one of their partners, will support you whilst on the Work Programme. They will
discuss what help you need to find work, and draw up an action plan of things you'll do to
improve your chances of getting and keeping a job.
You must complete any activities that INGEUS tells you to do.
You will still need to attend the Jobcentre and meet your benefit conditions including
reporting any changes of circumstances.
You must take part in the Work Programme until you are told otherwise.
If you fail to take part in the Work Programme without good reason, your Jobseeker's Allowance could stop for up to 26 weeks. You could also lose your National Insurance Credits.
We have passed your contact details on to INGEUS who will be in touch with you shortly
Yours sincerely
Scribble
Manager (on behalf of the Secretary of State)
The attached information:
The Work Programme
When you have
volunteered
to take part
The programme aims to help you prepare for, find and stay in work. If you already
have a part-time job, the programme can help you to increase your hours. It is delivered for
Jobcentre Plus by specialist organisations which we call 'providers'. We are passing on
to a specially chosen organisation who will be able to offer you more flexible support.
What you can expect from the Work Programme
As part of the Work Programme, you can expect to:
work with your provider and discuss what help you need to prepare for and find
work as well as things you'll do to improve your chances of getting a job, and
be treated politely, fairly and considerately.
Additionally the provider will:
keep your personal data secure and ill not share it with any unauthorised third parties
comply with current legislation including the Equality Act 2010, an
not discriminate against you on grounds such as age, race, gender, disability or
sexual orientation.
The Work Programme may include you taking part in work-related activities such as work
experience, training, and further support. We hope that with this support, you'll get and
stay in a job.
The Work Programme lasts for two years. Your provider will give you all the work-focused
support you need during this time, even if you change benefits or get a job. This support
will be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
Once you find a job, your provider may continue to offer support to you to help you stay in
employment.
If you get Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit, or you're a lone
parent with a young child, you will not be made to apply for a job, do any work or have any
medical treatment. Any activities which you will asked to do must be reasonable in your
circumstances. If you think that they are not, you can ask your provider to reconsider them.
What we expect from you as a volunteer
(??? has the government changed the meaning of volunteer???)
We've explained what you can expect from the Work Programme, but there are also things
we expect from you. Your responsibilities are to:
make the most of the help your provider gives you
treat the provider and other participants politely, fairly and considerately
attend meetings or take phone calls at the times agreed
complete any activities the provider tells you to do, and
it is very important that you tell your provider if you're having problems or can't
take part in any activity at any time for any reason.
DWP Department for Work and Pensions
While getting benefit you must also:
tell Jobcentre Plus about any change in your circumstances, and
attend any appointments that Jobcentre Plus asks you to.
Your benefit may be effected if you don't meet these responsibilities.
If your circumstances change
If your circumstances change, taking part in the Work Programme may no longer be
voluntary. For example, if you change benefits, you may have to do activities that the
provider asks you to. If you don't it may effect your benefit.
If you want more information or have any questions
If you need any more information or have any questions. Please contact:
BLANK NO DETAILS PROVIDED
If you are not happy
Whether you are dealing with Jobcentre Plus or one of our providers, you should expect to
be treated fairly. Your provider must explain the minimum standards of service you can
expect from them. If your not happy with our service or that of the provider, you have the
right to complain. Making a complaint will not effect your benefit.
If you do want to make a complaint about any aspect of the Work Programme, depending
on what your complaint is about, get in touch with either your provider or with Jobcentre
plus. Tell them what happened, how it affected you, and what you want to happen as a
result.
Your provider will have their own complaints procedures that they'll explain to yo at your
first meeting. If you have gone through their process and are not satisfied with the way
they have dealt with your complaint, you can ask the Independent Case Examiner to
investigate. The Independent Case Examiner will normally only accept a complaint for
investigation if you have:
already received a final response from your provider, or
waited eight weeks for a response
You can contact the Independent Case Examiner at:
Independent Case Examiner
PO Box 155,
Chester
CH99 9SA
Phone: 0845 606 0777
Textphone: 0151 801 8888
Email
ice@dwp.gsi.gov.uk
Website
www.ind-case-exam.org.uk
Supported by European Union, European Social Fund
investing in jobs and skills
In England, this programme is part funded by the European Social Fund.
The European Social Fund aims to improve the training and opportunities
for people to enter employment.
For more information, visit.
www.dwp.gov.uk/esf
© Crown copyright
WP01V v1.0 (June 2011)
