Extent of powers of Work Programme Providers

Hi there

I would like some guidance on the powers that the work programme providers can employ on ESA claimants and also if you do not comply, can they sanction you.

I am under the impression that they can make you write a CV, and do a better off calculation.

However is it the case that they can sanction you for not undertaking voluntary work if it is deemed to be in your best interest (by them one presumes)

Also demands that are currently being made include -

1) Register with recruitment agencies

2) Network with Family and Friends for Opportunities

3) Look for training and voluntary opportunities

4) Preparing and practising job application forms.

Can anyone advise me of the overall remit here - for ESA claimants with difficulties, being made to register with agencies, as well as practising applications seem to me to be a step too far.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Work Related Activity usually involves Work Focused Interviews and these can, at the providers discretion, be done over the phone. It may also involve voluntary work or training. It should not involve anything that contradicts the claimants capacity.

The work provider can recommend but not enforce sanctions. However in reality the DWP usually takes their recommendation.

It should not involve doing, looking for or applying for paid work. Although I have had cases where work providers treat claimants like jobseekers. If a sanction is applied for not doing or looking for paid work this should be successfully appealed.

As Puccalove says, it seems that some Work Program providers fail to recognise the difference between people claiming ESA and those claiming JSA.

Hi p1973,

You may find this topic from a month ago interesting :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...&limitstart=0#116687

bro58

Thanks all for this - Im reviewing it.

Does anyone know the actual wording used in the DWP agreements with the work providers or what is laid down officially?

This would be most helpful to be able to quote back at them.

Thanks for all advice again.

persona1973 wrote: Thanks all for this - Im reviewing it.

Does anyone know the actual wording used in the DWP agreements with the work providers or what is laid down officially?

This would be most helpful to be able to quote back at them.

Thanks for all advice again.

Hi p1973,

Are these links of any help ? :

www.gov.uk/government/news/people-on-sic...them-back-into-a-job

See this extract :

"It is worth noting that there is a greater emphasis throughout guidance is on ensuring that the activity identified is appropriate for the participants health condition or disability and being aware of their barriers to work, including ill health/disability and any reasonable adjustment requirements when organising an activity with an employer."

From this memo :

webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130...ogramme-memo-082.pdf

If you fulfill the definition of a disabled person under EA2010, they must abide by the legislation.

bro58