Work Focused Interviews

I have severe CFS/ME and associated conditions. I am currently appealing to be placed in the Support Group, having been placed in the WRAG, but have heard nothing (appeal submitted in January).

I received a letter directing me to a WFI at a JobCentrePlus 20 miles from my home. My carer wrote saying it was impossible for me to get there and I have now received another letter directing me to attend a centre nearer home - but - letter received today, appointment this Friday.

My carer is not available to take me this Friday and there is no-one else I can ask - I cannot cope with this sort of situation alone.

What is the best thing for me to do? And will the fact that I was relocated centre already go against me if my carer rings or writes to tell them I can't go this week?

Thanks for any help/suggestions.

The JobCentre advisor might be prepared to carry out the interview over the phone, or even in your own home, so it is worth getting your carer to phone and speak to him/her. However, this is entirely at the descretion of the advisor. Any interviews are supposed to take into account your limitations and make 'reasonable adjustments' for these so it is worth thinking about what, if anything, would enable you to undertake these interviews if the advisor insists that they should take place at the JobCentre. If you can only attend on a day that your carer is available, you could argue that this would count as a reasonable adjustment.

Can anyone tell me what to expect from a WFI, please?

TiredOut wrote: Can anyone tell me what to expect from a WFI, please?

Hi TO,

It can vary, the initial interview should be related to your previous works history, any qualifications, any limitations as a result of your medical conditions that you suffer, etc, etc.

Some members have found the JCP Advisers helpful, when they have been made aware of the claimant's full medical history and limitations.

See :

Work Focussed Interviews

Work Programme

Changes to ESA Sanctions

bro58

Hi, I'm in the same situation as yourself with the same illness. My wfi is due to take place next Monday and like yourself I cannot go out without someone with me. So I phoned my advisor direct and told him my situation he was very supportive and said he could conduct the interview over the phone. Hope you can do the same.

Hi TO
Iam also appealing wrag to support group I phoned my JC Advisor and she deferred my appointment for two months