a4e appointment

My Friend is in receipt of ESA in the WRAG group. He's attended the Job Centre after his ESA award and was 'mandated' to attend the above (A4E) for an introduction as to how the organisation works etc.

He attended and he advised A4E that he felt he wasn't able to commit to anything, and followed this up with the Job Centre. All was ok.

Then he receives a letter from A4E requesting his attendance to attend another mandated appointment regarding 'about you'.

He would like to know if anyone has any experiences of this and what it was all about. He fears that he will be required to sign up to the work programe, but I have told him if you have been found unfit to work they cannot make you?

Also is this his work focussed interview?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

As your friend is in the WRAG he will have to attend the work programme for up to two years. He will be expected to go for Work Focused Interviews and do Work Related Activity (hence the name of the group). These WFIs may be relatively frequent such as every fortnight or much less frequent, they can be done in person or over the phone. He may be asked to do Work Related Activity such as training and/or voluntary work or he may be asked to do relatively little. How much he is asked to do will depend on how close to being fit for work he is assessed as being. He is only supposed to be asked to do things he is well enough to do. If he is asked to do anything he feels he cannot do for medical reasons he should discuss this with the advisor and may need to get medical evidence if this is not accepted. He may wish to seek help from an organisation such as the CAB. The only thing he cannot be asked to do is apply for a paid job or undertake medical treatment.

You might find these FAQs helpful -

Work Focussed Interviews

Work Programme