The DWP and 'Better Working Futures'

I am on JSA and PIP (enhanced). My Jobcentre referred me onto the ‘Better Working Futures’ programme which is operated by the Framework Housing Association. They were supposed to provide me with support to help me find employment and to help me cope with my health problems. They haven’t actually done anything to help me in any way. They just phone me up every week to ask me questions on behalf of the DWP - who are financing them.

All my ‘appointments’ so far have been by phone because of COVID. However, on Friday they said that I have to travel to their office in future. I objected because it is very difficult for me to get to their office – which is a long way away from me - because of my physical disability and chronic social anxiety. I was told that if I do not attend their meetings they would report my ‘refusal’ and ‘non-compliance’ to the DWP. They do not care that the journey would adversely affect my physical and mental health.

My first meeting is on Monday. Attending the meeting would be bad for my physical and mental health and I do not want to go. Does anyone know if the DWP would sanction me for not attending the meeting?

Hi Archway, Disgusting of them! If you can rise to it, I would complain to your MP. After all, Framework are not delivering value for Government [Our!] money as they have failed so dismally. Get your complaint in 'first' so if they do try to sanction you, your side of the story is already on record.
best wishes,
Denby

Thanks for your replies.

I did not attend my face-to-face meeting at Framework. I sent an e-mail to them beforehand to explain that I would not be able to attend because my health was worse than usual.

I thought that they would report my non-attendance to the DWP and that they would sanction me. As far as I know this has not happened. My Framework ‘advisor’ phoned me on Monday. She said that none of her clients had turned up for meetings because of their health or because of their concerns regarding COVID. I was told that my appointments would be by telephone for the time being – at least.

I am still on JSA for several reasons. I think that I am fit to work under the right circumstances. I have spoken to my work coach and he is aware of the health problems that I have. I also think that changing my benefit to something else would be too stressful for me to attempt at the moment. The DWP made it very difficult for me to get PIP. I can’t face another benefits battle like that until it is absolutely unavoidable. Moreover, my welfare advisor told me to remain on JSA rather than switch to UC. She said that I would receive considerably less benefit on UC because of the disability premiums I receive on JSA.

I have one question regarding JSA though. If I were to leave JSA in the future would I be able to apply for ESA or would I have to transfer to UC?