Pathways to Work...no longer??

Hi John, good luck with everything, I hope things get sorted out for you soon, I really feel angry that you are having to go through this.

Best wishes,
Rachel

John, I read the document that Gordon is referring to. I downloaded it and high-lighted information that I found very important. One point made was that if you felt (or know, in your case) that you would not be able to work, you do not have to commit to anything. That line keeps running through my head: do not commit to anything.

I believe this is all a nasty farce, especially for people like you. Also, keeping in mind the number of jobs available for fit people alone is so small in the first place. There are not enough jobs for FIT people.

You must go through their hoops but fight the fight. Good luck. Don't give up.

thanks for your advice cmarie510 & I've also now read the document Gordon refers to. Having given up a well paid job due to my having developed Parkinsons Disease, being 'prepared' for a return to work via the Pathways to Work interviews doesn't make any sense. I'm struggling to find the energy to get through the day so being encouraged to return to work at 60 after a lifetime in FT employment isn't realistic in my case.

I called the number on the PtoW letter and spoke to the personal adviser a couple of times. I too was confused about why I was being asked to come in. She came across as entirely reasonable. I went to the interview today. I made no commitments. I arrived in a hired car, I had already informed her that I could not sit more than 10 minutes and left soon after that time had passed. Nothing committed to but I have now fulfilled their requirement.

Of course we our different people with different circumstances probably being called into different JC with different staff - so, I am not trying to make or suggest comparisons. I did find the personal adviser responsive on the phone though.

Well for those still following this 'thread' ... I today attended my 1st Pathways to Work interview at my local Job Centre Plus. Not a great deal to report though. The guy that conducted my interview was very respectful & polite throughout. Took details of my claim history, Qualifications & work experience & recorded details of how my medical condition affected my ability to work. I was asked how I felt about returning to work to I replied honestly, 'my medical condition was my 1st priority & returning to work was not uppermost in my mind'. He said he could understand my position. However, he said they were waiting further instruction from the DWP regarding changes to the WRAG group & how/if to progress with Pathways to Work interviews. He therefore said he wouldn't be giving me any 'action plan' to complete & to wait for further correspondance regarding any further interviews. He vaguely referred to the prospect of the DWP making 'an offer' to people in WRAG group. I asked what he meant by 'an offer' but it was clear that he wasn't overly informed at this point only referring to 'a work programme' ??? so I now sit & wait what follows from the DWP's 1st April announcement etc.

I'm still reading you...I have moments of complete dread when I think about the future. I make a point of accessing the BandW forum Monday through Friday. Additionally I make a point of reviewing the documents that I have downloaded. The majority of the strength I get, is from being in contact with the people here.

Thank the gods for this site. Good luck John. cmarie510.