Job Centre

Breacon

Hi All,

Apologies if I am in the wrong area, but was wondering if anyone else has faced the same issue as I have.

I first visited my job centre, when I applied for UC, I had to attend with proof of ID etc.

However, I found the building very difficult to access, there were steps up to the front door, but no hand rails to hold onto, it was even more difficult to leave the building, going down the steps with no hand rail.

I was going to write a letter to the manager to point this out, I was quite surprised, they did not cater for disabled people.

Also once inside, I could not sit down, as there were no seats, with chair arms, & I need those, to get from sitting to standing, they do seem to be lacking in all areas.

After my initial visit, my work coach agreed to ring me, hence thankfully no more visits to my job centre.

I do think these issues need addressing, to assist other people that need to visit the job centre.

What do you all think.

Alex_Alumni

Hi there @Breacon I'm sorry to hear that your local job centre is in such an inaccessible building, as it is offering a public service, then it has a duty under the Equality Act to be made accessible. 

I'm glad that your work coach has been able to make the accommodation of telephone appointments instead, but it shouldn't have been the case that you'd had to navigate those steps first.

Additionally, it's not just disabled people who would benefit from step-free access, for example, I'm sure there's many parents with prams who would struggle, or any large deliveries for the building for example. Better accessibility is good for everyone!

Are you still thinking of writing a letter? You could also consider writing to your local authority or your MP as well. 

Breacon

Thank you for that response, Yes I will write a letter pointing out the difficulties, depending on the response I receive, from the job centre, I can then take it further, if I need too.
Thank you, I will keep you posted.