Could someone help?

jamesb

Hi, 

I have just had a commitment meeting over the phone due to the bad weather and the advisor spoke so fast I didn’t really take it in. If you get UC and can advise please can you reply?

I had a back operation December and due to not working my previous job didn’t extend my contract; totally legal as it was up for renew 28/02. 

I applied to UC and got a fit bit explaining about how it limits my ability to work and the dr recommended part time hours and work that included no lifting. 

I handed this in submitted fit note etc and at the meeting today she said I was being put on a health plan? I still had commitments one of which being full time which goes against the note and I’m expected to do 16hours of preparation for work or applying for jobs. Travel 30 mins and do anything they tell me to for meetings and people coming in to talk. 

I agreed all this but I’m not entirely sure what I’m meant to be doing now does anyone have experience with being put on a health plan and what I actually have to do in regards to looking for work I would be able to do 40 hours a week at the moment as I’m recovering. 

I’m wanting to do a CMI (Chartered Management Institute) course but the work coach basically said it was a waste of time as you don’t need qualifications in management it just comes. 

Would me enrolling on this course count against me if it was done part time or could this be my commitment for Universal Credit? 

Anyone have any insite to what I’m meant to be doing, if I can do this course and any further steps the account bit of UC is basic and just tells me my commitments and mentions that I have difficulty working and something about an assessment. 

Any help appreciated as I feel quite silly I didn’t take it in so didn’t ask questions. 

jamesb

Sorry so many typos. I wouldn’t be able to work 40hrs (full time) at present 

jamesb

I also get both parts of PIP at standard rates. I want to do a qualification as I think this would help mentally and also help with job searches for part time manager positions. I’ve never held a manager position but do have a degree in business and management.

SueHeath

Hi @jamesb welcome to the group, sorry i do not know the answers your looking for, but hopefully someone will pick up on your question soon, we do have a lot of members who are well up on these sort of things.

MH2023

If you log onto your Universal Credit account you can view the exact commitments you've agreed to written there.
The 16 hours work search or work prep means spending a minimum of 16 hours a week actively trying to find work. This includes searching website, time spent applying, writing CVs and covering letters and finding paperwork and evidence. It actually builds up quite quickly. Some work coaches will expect you to write on your journal what you've been doing, others are less strict. If you're unsure what yours expects you should ask them.

The course you've mentioned unfortunately won't automatically count towards your work commitments although it is as their discretion as some will accept it.

I'd also disagree with your work coach saying that the study isn't worthwhile.