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Urgent advice please re: The Work Programme

J6767
DoppleMe

Hi Louise and Hazeleye, sorry for long silence. I'll ask at JC on Monday. Don't think it's something I've done on the computer.

Depression is really bad again. Wish it would stop, so lonely. Withdrawing even from my daughter... feel like I'm quietly rotting away here.

Love to all xx

Posted on: November 26, 2011 - 11:21pm

Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello J6767

Sorry to hear that you have been struggling with depression, it is indeed a black dog. What treatment are you having at the moment? Do you have a CPN visiting so you can talk it through? One of the hardest things with depression (as you know) is the lack of motivation. One thing you can do is to set yourself very small targets each day, I mean things like "be up and dressed by 9am" ot "do something with my daughter today"

Can you think of a way that One Space can support you?

Posted on: November 27, 2011 - 9:42am

J6767
DoppleMe

Hi Louise, thanks. I don't have a CPN but do have weekly psychotherapy. It's bipolar depression, and fast cycling, so I'm all over the place. I do the targets and never miss them, but it's like being a robot. Lost the last of my good friends over this illness recently and now losing the will to speak to anyone in a friendly way for fear of being misunderstood. I've lost the knack of making light conversation with the mothers at my daughters school. Feel like a really odd outsider.

I did some work experience a couple of weeks ago, it was so nice to feel like part of life again, but now that's over, it's actually worse. Like having a window on the world of normality opened only to have it slammed shut on to unemployed weirdness again. Feel sorry for my little girl, I'm scared I'll alienate her too with my mood swings.

I don't know what can be done about any support?

Posted on: November 28, 2011 - 12:36am

Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

HelloJ6767

You describe very well how you are feeling. Is it possible to ask about a CPN?

Is there any possibility of voluntary work somewhere? just to get you out and about?

Have you had a look at this site? It offers online group support, Ok that is not the same as face to face but one thing that stands out from your post is that you feel isolated whereas if you could speak with others who also suffer from this illness it may help?

The reason I was asking about support from One Space is I was wondering how you would benefit from, for example, doing a short post every day (or every week) maybe saying what you thought were the good and bad things about your week, or talking about your targets and we could all give you some encouragement?

Posted on: November 28, 2011 - 10:12am

sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Hi J6767

I really hope you're doing ok today.

This site is brilliant, and the support is amazing - even if it is virtual.

 

Posted on: November 28, 2011 - 10:36am

SPAN Parliament...
SPAN Parliamentary Officer DoppleMe

J6767

Hello.  Thinking of you and hope that things are feeling a bit better today. 

Laura

 

Posted on: November 28, 2011 - 10:39am

hazeleyes
DoppleMe

Hi J6767. Hope you're okay today. Sorry to hear you're having bad days at the moment, but you will pull through this, and we're all here for you. What are you doing tonight? Take care.

Posted on: November 28, 2011 - 9:41pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hello everyone,

I am a single mummy who has also been refered to the Work Programme which is mandatory and I have been told that if I don't attend I will receive a sanction.. this means they stop your benefits for a time.. I have read it can be anything from 3 months to 3 years!

I was wondering is anyone can tell me if you do receive a sanction then does housing benefit also stop during that time? From what I have read sanctions seem to be thrown at people for very unreasonable reasons... and to my horror I have learned that this also includes disabled people and terminally ill people (unless they have 6 months to live).

I have also learned that you do not have to sign the waiver form which gives your consent for the JC+ to pass on your personal information to the Work Programme provider or any third parties.. this is protected by the Data Protection Act (1998) If you have already signed the waiver then you can write to them to withdraw your consent and according to DWP FOI this does not result in a sanction. However, there are reports of many 'customers' being bullied and threatened to sign.

The WP companies are data processors and are paid £400 for each referral, and (I think) each time you attend, they also get paid upto £2,000 should you get a job. They stay in contact with you and your employer for 2 years. If you loose your job and go back on benefits then you are referred back to the WP immediately.

There are some things I am still not clear on... for example, JC+ told me that by law as a lone parent I am only expected to seek work 16 hours (or more) per week. So when on the free work scheme will I be expected to work longer than this? If you receive a sanction do you loose Housing Benefit, Child Benefit and Child Tax Credits as well?

Sorry if I have repeated anything that is already posted, I admit I have not read throug all the posts yet.

J6767 I send you a big squashy hug from me and my little girl, I really do feel for you xox

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 8:43pm

J6767
DoppleMe

Hiya Ami, thanks :), sounds like they're putting you through it! Sending loads of empathy girl, hug from us, it ain't nice.  And sorry to all for such a long silence, that last depression was a bad one.

I'm not sure re housing benefit and sanctions. There's a really helpful financial advice bit on this site, perhaps you could contact them?

My experience of the WP is that it's a waste of time. An interview with an advisor every other week. Then the Job Centre took me off the WP, no letter or call to inform me, so I turned up for an appointment that no longer existed and wasted precious travel money. Now they are talking about putting me back on it - without explaining why they took me off in the first place. It's a disorganised mess. I'm going to refuse the WP second time around unless they can give me a good reason why they took me off, and another good reason why they should put me back on.

I'll keep you all informed if anything interesting happens lol.

I may burn my underwear outside the Houses of Parliment. I might even take it off first.

How old are your children Ami? It makes a bit of a difference with childcare etc. School hours is right for single parents for children under a certain age and you can limit your travel distance to something reasonable for you to get to. Same goes with the WP, single parents jobseekers rights apply there too.

Good luck. the WP isn't that bad, just a waste of time and resources xx

 

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 9:56pm

HELLY13

Hi Ami,

 

I've been on the WP since August with Ingeus, and what can I say...Complete and utter rubbish! I've had so many appointments cancelled due to my advisor being sick. I'm being referred to he next phase on Friday with one of their sub-primes. Had an interview Friday for a great job, hoever I'm not through to the next round , disappointing but hey ho!

 

If you want to know more about what happens on the work programme best google work programme, or bandits of the welfare programme, great insight into whats happening.

Oh look at Indus Delta discussion.

I could post a load of links on here but not sure if I am allowed???

 

 

Best Wishes Helly

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 10:19pm

Ami
DoppleMe

J6767 Thanks for your reply sweety, and I'm glad you came back here.. I'm a newby so still trying to find my way around... just been having fun making the avator thingy hehehe The kids loved it too.

Well I'm currently trying to do as much research into this as possible so that I can walk in there with knoweldge. I'm hearing and reading some terrible and shocking things about this WP, and the mere mention of it makes me want to swear! blush Some WP povider companies seem worse than others, so I'm hoping the one I have been sent to will be OK... will keep you posted on my first appointment.

Well, I'm an older mummy, I have 2 daughters... my youngest is 9 years old (little chatter box hehe) and my eldest daughter is 26! haha I know, BIG age gap but a HUGE blessing! I have 2 grandsons aged 5 and 6 that I spend a lot of time with too.

Thank you J6767 I'm so glad that I came across this site and have met people in the same boat as myself, I don't seem quite so alone now.

Miles of smiles smiley

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 10:25pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi Helly smiley

Ingeus is one of the WP providers that I have heard the most horror stories about so far (along with A4E and their recent scandal) The ironic thing is if you were to call in sick and cancel appointments then they would sanction you... double standards eh!

I'm not sure about the rules of this site, but if we are allowed I think it would be a good idea to post everything we know and have experienced about this WP scheme because many single parents are isolated and don't have anyone to turn to. So it would be good to keep everyone posted of what happens, the type of questions we get asked, and what is mandatory or not.

Yes I have reads sooo much that my eyes are sore! I have also joined some blogs which is where I found a lot of very useful information. I don't think the public really know the truth about this scheme and how it is a complete waste of tax payers money, not to mention that many of the companies involved seem to be scaling down the empoyees on their payroll and replacing them with free labour workers... this if course means LESS jobs!

I would appreciate those links if alowed to post them!!

Take care and stay strong! xox

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 10:35pm

HELLY13

Hi Ami,

 

I will post but will wait till tomorrow for the response from the site on posting the links!!

Have you posted your C.V on any jobsites, I have and getting a few agencies contacting me every day! The interview I went on -on Friday was as a result from posting my C.V. on total jobs. The job was exact to my experience and background, however I just didn't click with the Key Account Manager at the interview, thought he was a t***pot!lol

 

Helly

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 10:52pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi Helly,

Yes I have my CV on loads of the job sites and have had a few responses with a further questionair, some telephone interviews and have attended a few interviews as well... but not been offerend anything (yet). I really hate the emails telling you that you're 'unsuccessful' that word starts to grind after a while!

I have a BA hons degree in art and used to do quite well with commissions, illustration and gallery work, but then both my parents health became very bad, so I looked after them for around 8+ years until they passed away, then as a single mummy I started learning web design and even tried starting up my own business until I was put on JSA and told I was not allowed to trade... they really don't do anything to help you achieve anything do they!

We should create a Cooperative for single parents and tell them to shove thie ruddy benefits! hehe

Ami xox

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 11:08pm

J6767
DoppleMe

Ami, you are a woman after my own heart! Have art qualification too - there's so much bloody wasted talent here! Not just art - the whole lot. Why are such brave and intelligent people going to waste????

Helly13, yes you can post links on here, please do :) they're probably more helpful than the garbage we're fed from the JC. Thanks!

Ami you should be OK with your 9 yr old for part time work etc. Just make sure they don't try and say your 26 yr old can look after her.

This is a brilliant site, so much info and support xxx

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 11:32pm

Ami
DoppleMe

J6767 sorry for delay in replying I was having a nosey around the site. Yes I'm soo pleased I found this site.. and its all thanx to your post.. so an extra big thank you!!

Awww your arty too! Thats wonderful!! It has really come in handy when I've been skint because it meant I was able to make presents for people at Christmas and birthdays etc. I'm making some pieces of jewellery at the moment, and I made some Pandora style beads from clay.. not the polymer clay, and painted them in acrylics with a few coats of enamel varnish.. really pleased with the outcome. I'd love a job doing arty creative things!

I'm sooo scared about this WP interview sad I think they are going too have me down as a trouble maker because I will not consent to anything that I don't have to.

Posted on: March 6, 2012 - 11:47pm

HELLY13

Hi Ami and J6767,

 

How coincidental, I am trained in Art and Fashion/Textiles!!!

 

I have worked within the Jewellery Industry for years, love the world of Jewellery..

Here's the links to helps!

 

www.consent.me.uk

www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk  Ingeus

Google A4Ecomplaints

Indus Delta  (totally biased as a site for WP workers, however has a discussion board)

Bandits of the Welfare to Work Programme

David Icke .com  Ingeus

Word Press   Ipswich Unemployed, a great source of unearthed documents .

Digital spy discussion  work programme

There seems to more sites

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 9:38am

Good Enough Mum

Hi everyone smiley,

I haven't posted on here for a while.  

I would just like to add that my experience of the Work Programme is that it is a complete and utter waste of time (and taxpayers' money)!  They don't do anything other than ask me what jobs I have applied for (which is exactly the same as what the Jobcentre ask!).   

I have had a few interviews lately, but these are jobs which I have found and applied for by myself - nothing to do with the Work Programme!  

angry  

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 10:02am

Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hi everyone

First of all, Helly it is fine to post links to factual things that will help parents,. what is not allowed are Facebook links (or similar) and links that are to business interests.

I will also draw this thread to Laura's attention

Anyone wanting to ask for Money Advice, please click here to email the specialist advisor.

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 10:33am

SPAN Parliament...
SPAN Parliamentary Officer DoppleMe

Dear All,

Thanks for your recent posts on the Work Programme.  As you know this is an issue that the Single Parent Action Network (who run the One Space website) have been campaigning about for some time.  We want to make sure that Jobcentre Plus and the Work Programme Providers design their services to take account of the legal flexibilities open to single parents and address the needs of single parents and their children.

As some of you may be aware I have done some research on the treatment of single parents on the transfer to the Work Programme, using evidence from One Space and from interviewing parents in Bristol.  This is going to be published on Monday and I am happy to provide a link to it for anyone who is interested.  There are already people interested in the findings which will be presented to policitians and the media.  I am also going to do some follow up work and will be interviewing some more single parents in the coming months.  Please keep me posted about your experiences (good and bad) so that I can build up further evidence.  I want to make sure your voices can be heard.

Laurasmiley

 

 

 

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 12:43pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Helly you are an absoulte star!! Thank you for the links! smiley

I have already copied the waiver form from the consent.me site... but I am not sure who I address it to.. Avanta or the small branch company they are sending me to? (Or both and do I also send a copy to the JC and DWP)

David Ike is a shill but will have a look what he has to say lol

I love Ipswich Unemployed wordpress site! VERY informative... they have lots of links at the side too one is called DoleScumTimes which is a good little diary blog.

The Void is also a good one... and if you have Facebook there are lots of groups on there too.

Helly you're an artist tooooo! laughyes I can't tell you how happy I am that I stumbled onto this site and have met some lovely like minded people!

Miles of smiles Ami xox

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 2:18pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi Good Enough Mum,

What you say is what is being echoed throughout the internet and on the streets! In fact I will go further and add that it is also said that by companies taking free (slave) labour they are actually causing the job market to worsen. I read an article/report that at least one large Asda store sent all its workers home over the Christmas and New year period and kept on all their free workers. (The paid workers would have had to be paid double time for working over this holiday period)

I am also shocked and horrified to learn that despite the government forcing this WP Scheme onto terminally ill people (apparently specified 'unless they have 6 months to live) that means cancer patients.... Cancer Research has ALSO entered into this scheme exploiting the very people it claims to be helping!

What I am wondering is WHY would the government turf single parents along with disabled people, and terminally ill people onto the dole during a massive recession when they MUST know that there really are not enough jobs to go around? I know many rich politicians are out of touch with reality, but they would have to be in noddy land not to realise this vital fact!

Stay smiling and strong! Ami xoxox

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 2:30pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi Laura,

It sounds like you are working very hard for single parents, what is more you are actually taking the time to 'listen' to us, which is more than JC's and personal advisors or anyone else seems to be doing. For that I respect you and your work and would like to thank you greatly.

I just wanted add that I think one of the biggest hurdles for single parents is that for many years the media has been instilling into the minds of the masses that we all got pregnant to get a council house and live it large on benefits! I have actually read such comments on YouTube! They don't seem to consider that not all single parents are teenagers... there are widow/ers as well as disabled single parents as well as 'men' ... the mentality of the public is shocking towards single parents and indeed the unemployed in general!

Sorry if my views come across too strongly and you are all free to tick me off if I rant too much!

Ami xoxox

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 2:42pm

SPAN Parliament...
SPAN Parliamentary Officer DoppleMe

Hi Ami,

How very kind.

Good luck with JCP and the Work Programme and let me know how you are getting on.

Laurasmiley

 

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 2:38pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi Louise... I have said hello to everyone and didn't want to miss you out! I have been reading a lot of your comments throughout this site and have to thank you for your great support and advice.. you are a star and I am so happy I found this site!

 

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 2:45pm

Good Enough Mum

Hi Ami,

I totally agree with you!  I also don't like the fact that if I find a job (on my own merit) then the Work Programme provider will be paid for this!!  They have done nothing to help me find a job!

Hi Laura,

Thank you for giving us a voice.  The internet is the only place where people can discuss their concerns about the Work Programme - we certainly can't say anything in person,  for fear of being "sanctioned".  The whole process is very patronising. 

 

 

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 2:46pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi Good Enough Mum,

If you do get a job then sign part 4 of your declaration which is on your green booklet that you present when you sign on... by law you do not have to tell WP providers the reason why you are now signing off.. tell them it is for 'personal' reasons and do not 'consent' to giving them any further information. This prevents them for getting paid upto £2,000 for a job that YOU found outside of their scam.. I mean sheme lol

Have a look at the Consent.me web site which has lots of information on what you have to sign and what you do NOT have to sign and agree to!

Keep in touch and let us know how you are going on.

Ami xox

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 3:03pm

J6767
DoppleMe

Hi everyone

I'm sure the gov knows very well that there aren't enough jobs to go round. This is all a cynical exercise to manipulate figures (and minds). What else is politics these days? There is no dignity or integrity in our 'leaders'. Just more rich people on the make.

My 6 year old has taken to shaking her bottom at the TV when she sees a politician! Hee hee.

xx

 

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 8:04pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Hi J6767,

 

The government knows full well there are not enough jobs to go round is a very correct statement to make! In fact the truther movement warned us of the oncoming (now here) recession years ago, giving all the how's, why's and when's, but far too many people swept it all aside as mere conspiracy 'theories' and many are STILL doing so (bahh)

They are full of secret handshakes in the shadows along with their constant corruption, and making the poor go without while they get rich. I can not for the life of me understand why there are people who still believe their lies despite those lies being exposed time and time again!

Who was it that said "Governments should be afraid of the people and not the other way around"

The truth is that everything these fat cats have built is only a house made of cards, and the only thing that is keeping its foundations strong are the uneducated, uninformed people who take the ignorance is bliss and I'm alright Jack s*d you attitude.. however many of them will end up right where we are and asking why.

Good on your 6 year old!! wink

Posted on: March 7, 2012 - 8:46pm

maxine G

Hi everyone i am also on the work programme and new to your site ,the whole business is making me ill its stressing me out ive been on the programme for around 5 months can anyone tell me what my rights are as a single parent of three children youngest is 11 ,the place i go is called btcv (waste of space) i have to get the bus there and back about 30 mins away ,i live in a rural area where transports variable ive now been told i have to apply for 3 jobs even if they dont fit in with school times what anm i supposed to do with my children in holidays and before and after school ? :'( i could cry i really could 

Posted on: March 13, 2012 - 11:32am

SPAN Parliament...
SPAN Parliamentary Officer DoppleMe

Hi Maxine G,

I have responded to you on another thread.  For single parents flexibilities whilst on Jobseekers Allowance please see our One Space guidance http://www.onespace.org.uk/benefits/information-single-parents-moving-jo...

All the best

Laura smiley

Posted on: March 13, 2012 - 11:44am

J6767
DoppleMe

Hi Maxine G. So sorry to hear about your problems with the WP, really feel for you. I only found out about JSA flexibilies for single parents from this site. It's brilliant, loads of info and support. Have you been threatened with sanctions at all? It's so horrible!

xx

Posted on: March 14, 2012 - 11:09am

maxine G

Hi J6767 

No ive not been sanctioned ive been today for a Phx training assessment that was fine and start the course next wednesday at 9.30 am :( my daughter starts school at 9 am i dont drive and have to rely on buses its a nightmare i cant understand why they dont have any thing nearer !!

Posted on: March 14, 2012 - 2:23pm

HELLY13

Ladies if you want a laugh, have a look on the Consumer Action Group Ingeus thread...One of the posters.He has been progressed onto the next phase of the Routeways, I'm  entering this next week Ingeus's Sub-Provider Scientiam.. Anyway the poster was given a handout with the  Ingues logo etc (he photographed the handout and uploaded it on to the forum).. However please read the details, so many spelling mistakes and construction mistakes!!

 

If I'm given the same handout I will circle the  mistakes and hand it back to them, they can go rewrite it before giving me a new one. Totally disgraceful to think this outfit is receiving millions and can't  even the basics right!!!

Posted on: March 14, 2012 - 4:53pm

J6767
DoppleMe

Maxine G, that's so stressful for you. What do they say when you explain the school drop off situation and getting to the course for 9.30 on the bus? I'm really sure that the jsa single parent flexibilities allow for travel time in those circumstances - and the WP provider has to honor those flexibilities. Is that right? Can anyone here verify that please?

Helly13 - ha ha. Something about people who can't organise things in breweries springs to mind.

I've got a 'review' appt (yeah - right) at the JC on Monday. Gaaaaah. May have a temporary part-time job (15hrs a week for approx 18 weeks) lined up so it will be interesting to hear what they're going to say about that if they're planning to put me back on the WP.

Good luck to all xx

Posted on: March 14, 2012 - 10:28pm

Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Hello J6767

Let us know how you get on re the temporary work.....just to say that if the job is 15 hours a week, don't forget that the lower limit for claiming Working Tax Credit is 16 hours a week so it would be good to combine it with, say, a bit of cleaning or ironing or gardening for someone, to bump the hours up smiley

Posted on: March 15, 2012 - 8:21am

J6767
DoppleMe

Hi Lousie, thanks :)

Normally that would be much better. My problem with doing more than 15hrs is that it's only a temporary job. When the work finishes, I'd then have to wait another 6 months for any mortgage assistance (told I still sign on for work under 16hrs). It's a big strain meeting the mortgage anyway and losing the assistance would mean we loose the flat! It's only a 1 bedroom place or I'd downsize. Doing this I might be slightly worse off but it's a foot in a door. Will look good on my CV too.

On the plus, apparently the company I'm hoping to work for often make temporary staff permanent if a position comes up, so fingers crossed. Then I could sign off! BLISS!!!

Posted on: March 15, 2012 - 6:44pm

Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Good point J6767......and good luck!!

Posted on: March 15, 2012 - 9:09pm

Good Enough Mum

Hi everyone smiley

I am still feeling very patronised on the Work Programme.  There is no "personalised and tailored" support.  Everyone has to go through the motions (simply to tick boxes), no matter what their personal work history or qualifications are.  

I despair.  sad

 

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 4:29pm

Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

I agree about the box-ticking. Very annoying indeed.

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 6:31pm

Ami
DoppleMe

J6767 ... Just want to wish you lots of good luck for the job interview!! I've got my fingers crossed for you!! winksmiley

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 6:36pm

Ami
DoppleMe

FUMING angry

 I went to my WP interview yesterday. I was pleased to see that my old lone parent advisor from the JC is now working there as she is one of those 'rare' advisors who are actually 'human'

I did not give my consent to signing the data waiver form... but got pressured into giving my CV to them.. which we don't have to.

They also pressured me into giving them my email address to open an account on their Work to Welfare Job Search site.... I was assured that everything is stored confidentially and my details are never passed on to 3rd parties... (Data Protection Act)

I am looking for work as a Receptionist/Telephonist purely as a stepping stone to being able to afford to persue a career in Web Design. I have been self learning and studying hard and even did some voluntary work where I built a whole site on my own. I have also built some web sites using moonfruit. However I am not qualified enough (yet) to start applying for such jobs as I am only just learning Html coding, and don't have much knowlege (yet) of php, css and so on.

I logged into the Welfare to Work site this evening only to find that THEY have applied for a Web Designer job in MY NAME, WITHOUT MY CONSENT AND WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE!!!

I am clearly NOT qualified for the job and it has made me look a complete CHUMP in the first degree! In the design field one has a professional reputation which you have to build on experience and knowlege and I feel that these WP people will utterly soil credibility for when I feel ready enough to actually start applying for such jobs!

I have to go back on Thursday to see some financial advisor, so I shall give them a piece of my mind and I am also going to present them with a formal letter instructing them to delete any personal information they have, and I shall send a copy to the DWP also! They have no right to take away our freedome of choice! I can clearly show proof that I apply for many jobs every week and do not sit idle!

I am not scared of being 'sanctioned' anymore!!

 

 

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 8:36pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Also... they told me that they have many jobs advertised on their Welfare to Work web site that are not advertised elsewhere.. companies advertise with W2W specifically for jobseekers on the Work Programme.

Here is one such 'job' I found on their site....

Im looking for a receptionist to work 3 nights a week on a thursday, friday, saturday and the occasional sunday. The job is to stand on the door in a top hat and tails provided looking sexy and attracting customers in... they also ask for a 'photo' with your CV.

Is it just me or do you also find this the height of bad taste?! surprise

 

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 8:47pm

Good Enough Mum

Hi Ami,

I find that job advertisement very disturbing!     

I have also given all my consent (including my email address) to them.  I am now wondering whether  to withdraw it.  

This Work Programme business is stressing me out.  I am quite capable of looking for (and applying for) jobs on my own.   I don't need to be told how to fill in an application form, or where to look for jobs.  It is a complete and utter waste of time and taxpayer's money.  There are hardly any suitable jobs for lone parents to apply for!    

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 9:00pm

Ami
DoppleMe

I agree with you 100% Good Enough Mum !!

I explained to them that I am not qualified to apply for web designer jobs at this moment in time as I am still learning, and told them I will be happy if they could find a company willing to train me.. although apprenticeships only pay £95 per week, which is fine for a school leaver but certainly not a single mum with responsabilities. I would be happily willing to do some voluntary work so that I can learn more... however, now I am seriously doubting any trust I had for them (which to be honest was not much to start with!) I can imagine the kind of voluntary web design work they would find me... cleaning and making cups of tea probably! I feel that they would place you in ANY job just to get their 30 pieces of tax payers silver!!

You can find a letter on the Consent me web site that retracts permission for them to hold your personal details. If it wasn't for the fact that I respect and like my old lone parent advisor who now works at this WP company, I would have given it to them yesterday, but now they have betrayed my trust so the hell with them!!

Did you have to do that stupid literacy and numeracy test? Soooo pathetically patronising!!

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 9:14pm

Good Enough Mum

Yes I did Ami!  I felt very patronised and I told them so!

Why can't they offer different things to their clients -  why don't they offer courses in literacy and numeracy to anyone who wants extra help with them? Why don't they offer courses in filling in application forms to anyone who needs help with them?  I thought it was personalised support?  I have been told that these things are mandatory and I have to do them.  I told them that I didn't need any help with those things, certainly not at my age (!) and not with the amount of work history that I have done.  

I do not want to be patronised at every stage of the process. I am willing to work and willing to comply with anything that is going to be useful, both to myself and to an employer.  My experience of it so far is scathing.

 

 

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 9:25pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Well I will be honest with you, I am absolutely hopeless at maths! My mother paid for me to have extra tuition during the final year of school to help me get through my exams... and I still failed! hahaha

However my mathematical disability has never stopped me from getting a job before or going on to get a ba hons degree! If they offered me a course in maths I would HATE it with a passion, I'm an artist and highly creative.. the oposite side of the brain to the numb side of the maths!

I actually made a PowerPoint presentation for them.. I swear I litterally sat up all night on Saturday and worked right through until the early hours on Monday morning .. I then had about 2 hours sleep before I had to go to their office. I put the presentation onto a cd in video format to make it easy for them to view.

The idea I was trying to get accross to them in a 'professional' manner.. was that I use my skills, talents and knowledge to help other jobseekers learn (if they want to) how to make a powerpoint presentation in which they could make their CV look lively and interesting.. and how to build a web site .. a simple one on moonfruit which can be free depending on the package... and then IF the WP provider wanted to, they could have a sister site to their own in which the jobseekers themselves have built and have made a unique page of their own which brings a CV to life... rather than the usual bog standard boring one we send out.. however that could be downloaded from the page and have an amail link so that potential employers could contact a jobseeker.

There would be MANY skills which would be learned and it would be up there for recruiters to see in full view! It would give jobseekers a better chance of being seen and getting interviews AND would act as a good marketing and PR ploy for the WP provider. The web site would be fun and lively and give ownership to jobseekers, it would be a great team working experience as well as having a nice community feel to it. Recruiters have to pay a LOT of money to view profiles and CV's on job sites... this would attract more because it would be FREE!

They didn't bother to listen to me properly and didn't bother to look at the cd.. I was told they would pass it on to their manager and marketing team.

I am thinking of setting up the web site anyway... who needs them?! Any offers to help and brainstorm would be great!

xoxox

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 9:45pm

HELLY13

Welcome to the wonderful world of the Work Programme where its all smokescreen and mirrors!!!

What you see and hear isn't real !! Cak isn't it!!!

If you hear the chink chink, rest assured its Judas Iscariot receiving his 30 pieces of silver.....

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 9:51pm

Good Enough Mum

Wow Ami, that is so creative and sounds like so much fun!

That was what I was trying to get across in my last post - we all have different talents, so that is what the Work Programme should be looking at!  They should be tapping in to our strengths, offering people help in different areas according to their interests, offering different courses. Instead, I am being mandated onto a waste of time course which will not benefit me in any way, but it will tick their boxes.  The "one size fits all" approach doesn't work when people are so different, and have different aspirations.  

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 9:51pm

Ami
DoppleMe

Exactly!! Learning should be AND CAN be fun! Even people who are not really that creative still enjoy doing creative things because its therapeutic.

The 'one size fits all' approach is a steaming pile of sloppy stuff... remember girls we are ALL unique individuals and don't let these money grabbing *beeeprs* make you feel otherwise!!

You know, I have even thought about setting up a Cooperative for Single Parents so that we would all be able to work for ourselves with hours that fit in with our children (who ALWAYS have to come first) ... and the WP would NOT get paid!

It makes me laugh that even if we find a job ourselves on our own merrit they get paid!! The system is like a nazi NWO system!

 

Posted on: March 20, 2012 - 10:00pm