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In Support Group, still harassed to attend work appointments by JobCentre

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8 months 2 weeks ago #288795 by David123
Hi, I need some advice please.

I have been through quite an horrific journey with my illness, but I was finally placed into the support group for NS-ESA two months ago.

(I had provided letters to ESA and CHDA from numerous sources; including letters from my GP, and from a leading expert consultant, a specialist in my disease, which very clearly state that I will not be able to work again, nor perform any work related activities. That I should be considered to be permanently incapacitated.)

I was only assigned to the support group two months ago, and yet, the Jobcentre are completely ignoring that I am in the support group.

The Jobcentre have sent me a letter, stating that;

'We want to carry on supporting you to take steps to prepare for a return to work.........Thats why we have set up an appointment for you with your work coach.......Please make sure you attend the meeting....You can talk to your work coach about the work related activities youve done.......Its important. If you dont attend and take part and you dont have a good reason your ESA will be reduced....

Please can you give me some advice on how to proceed?

Thankyou.
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8 months 2 weeks ago #288802 by Gordon
D

I've had a look through the 2013 Legislation for ESA and I can't see any exemption for members of the SG in regard to attending Work-Focused Interviews.

Have you contacted your Work Coach to see whether the WFI can be carried out over the phone as a reasonable adjustment?

I used to have these, They would ask "is there anything we can do to help you into work", I would reply "no" and that, literally, would be it for another three years, eventually they got the message and stopped asking me.

Also, check your Claimant Commitment it may need updating now that you have an award.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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