JCP staff have a habit of treating claimants with contempt and making up their own rules.
Did they actually say that it's DWP or JCP policy to interview clients on their own, or does the advisor think they personally have the power to make that decision?
JCP staff have a habit of treating claimants with contempt and making up their own rules.
Did they actually say that it's DWP or JCP policy to interview clients on their own, or does the advisor think they personally have the power to make that decision?
No they didn't say it was policy he just said "I will let you both come through today but future appointments you should come on your own, can only let you through"
I don't know if it was important for your relative to have somebody with them or whether the friend just happened to be there, but personally, I would be inclined to to challenge the advisor's decision and if necessary speak to the manager. In particular, I would ask for some official confirmation that an Employment Officer has the right to demand that a client is interviewed on your own.
I suspect many people working for JCP feel that they are in a position of power, and will tell you what to do without even questioning if they have the right.