Universal Credit and Work Coach ethics

3PARKWAY3

I was left in tears and mental overload today after my new workcoach was rude, unfriendly and told me to go out and find a job. I am a man diagnosed with autism and have frequent 'mental overloads' in crowded places and recluse, unable to process conversations. I tried to tell her my problems but I couldnt speak as I was in the throws of a mental overload. I managed to say I am unable to go out, or something like that. She said that you choose to ignore my advice then it is going on your report. I put the phone down almost in tears and went to bed unable to speak to family.

I guess I need advice now I have managed to calm down a little. Is this the way UC is going? why the new way of treating disabled people? She needs better training? I have written everything down and am thinking of complaining.

Passerby

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/139357/universal-credit-and-work-coach-ethics

I feel for you, as I can easily imagine what you've gone through and the inhumane behaviour and nastiness of many work coaches whom I abhor.

Having said that, if you're not on sickness benefit and are not in either LCWRA or LCW group, by the book, you're supposed to look for work, hence they don't take your health issues into consideration and will expect you to comply with your "Claimant commitment", unless you officially report your health issues to them and get sick notes from your GP.

Without either complying with your "Claimant commitment", looking for a job and doing what they're asking you to do, or getting fit notes from your GP, beware they would sanction you without a good reason, and telling them about your health issues without getting any evidence from your GP won't be treated as a good reason.

Submitting fit notes to the jobcentre won't exempt you from complying with your "Claimant commitment" and searching for a job, but your work search requirements would be adjusted to take your health limitations into account. You are only fully exempt from work-related activities once you have passed a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and are placed in a Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) group. 

What type of benefits are you currently receiving, by the way? Are you receiving sickness benefit by any chance?

3PARKWAY3

Hi

I am currently on LCW and PIP because of my conditions. (I have been waiting for 2 years for a decision on my LCW reveiw now !) The last time I worked was in 2018, I am almost 60 now. I have had a wonderful workcoach up until yesterday ! she has been 'moved' and I know have this obnoxious lady who was questioning the way I live my life at home. I have complained officially on the .Gov website and requested that I have someone else next time I have a appointment on the phone

3PARKWAY3

Thank you very much for your help by the way. I do feel better this morning, but it takes me a full day of meltdown to recuperate. I didnt speak to my family and fely I needed to reach out when I thought of Scope website. It is wonderful to be able to get this help !

3PARKWAY3

I need UC with my PIP so that I can survive. The problem I have is that LCW states that I need to be prepared to look for work but it has been so long and I have become very reclusive and the thought of going back literally terrifies me

Passerby

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1077845#Comment_1077845

@3PARKWAY3

Hi.

I'm glad you're feeling better today and that you've also lodged your complaint, which would shield you in case the unpleasant work coach has scribbled bad stuff about you in your file.

I'm equally glad that you're in the LCW group. Work coaches are not supposed to be harsh to claimants in the LCW group, as their work-related activities must be tailored to the individual's current health condition. However, reports and personal anecdotes, such as yours, indicate that a number of claimants experience negative interactions, feeling pressured into unsuitable work or that their needs are not understood or taken into consideration, which is lamentable to the highest order. 

With regards to claimants in the LCW group, work coaches are expected to create action plans that take the claimant's health condition, including mental health, into account. Work coaches should also have the flexibility to use their discretion in a way that is meaningful and tailored to the claimant's individual circumstances. 

Sadly, LCW reviews have lately been taking so long due to a large backlog of cases that prioritises new claims. Many people have reported this on this very forum. Next time you speak to your work coach, which hopefully won't be the same nasty woman, inform them that you've been waiting for a review for so long and see what they can do, if any. Also, you can contact the DWP directly. You can also consider contacting your local MP to ask them to chase the DWP on your behalf. 

Just call yesterday a bad day and try to enjoy your weekend.

Passerby

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1077842#Comment_1077842

In your case, I would suggest that you make your complaint by contacting the local office that's dealing with your benefit claim, rather than on the Gov website. You can contact them by phone, in person, or in writing. You can equally submit your complaint using your journal.

You need to let them know:

• Your National Insurance number
• Your full name, address and contact numbers
• Which benefit you are complaining about
• What happened, when it happened and how it affected you
• What you want to happen to put things right

If you’re not happy with the response from the team that has been dealing with your claim, you can ask them to pass your complaint on to a senior manager.

3PARKWAY3

Thank you very much indeed. I have now composed my complaint to your specification through my journal