ESA - placed in 'work focussed group - any ideas?

dear all
any ideas how to cope with being put in the 'work focussed' group for ESA?
I 've been on IB long term for stamps only, i.e. no money.
I'm wondering about withdrawing my claim as I'm not well enough to cope with attending interviews.

I can't cope physically, or with the stress.
I don't have the spare carer support to attend, and can' t go solo in mobility aid, access is unreliable in my experience, and am likely to have a fit-like episode if over-taxed. These episodes set me back, so if possible `i try to avoid situations that are likely to cause them.

I'm sure lots of employers would be so keen to take me on; seeing as I'm not coping with p-t attendance at Uni, even with support of my husband, 14 hours pw care package from social services and comprehensive disabled student support for physical, medical and learning disability, as well considerate department. it just screams how employable I am.

i would need complete flexibility due to fluctuating at times severe symptoms, but can't promise to be in when they want me, or meet deadline, that's in addition to ergonomic seating, and various other access provisions such as complete wheelchair access and of course a PA to help me. Also I would need to take Carer's leave.

sorry for rant, but seeing as I'm already stretching myself beyond my limits to try to improve myself and maybe have a shot at earning after uni, I'd rather not mess it up by having to attend pointless appointments.

any suggestions much appreciated, thanks.

Hi purple dog, I am in the wrag and after attending wfi last spring I was called again before christmas to attend an interview at my local job centre, after reading my medical info and my updating her on my current physical med issues she decided I would not need to attend wfi and would just phone me at home every now and then for an update. (she felt that I should be in the support group and i am still awaiting the outcome of my esa renewal)I would hope that if they had the common sence to see that it would be very difficult for you to attend that they could make a similar arrangement. Good luck and best wishes.

Hi Purpledog,

I had a very similar experience to hassled mum with the old 'Pathways to Work' interviews. After seeing what a state I was in, and listening to what I had to say, the girl doing the intrviews said she would put me on 'dormant' (whatever that means!) and i have not attended any such interviews or even been contacted for about a year now.

Just a thought.
Surely, if the people charged with getting a claiment into work decide to suspend WFI's because there is no prospect of their medical condition allowing them to work, basically saying they are unemployable, then couldn't that be used as evidence for eligibility for the support group?
Regards
Peter

Egon Peter Hopkinson wrote:

Just a thought.
Surely, if the people charged with getting a claiment into work decide to suspend WFI's because there is no prospect of their medical condition allowing them to work, basically saying they are unemployable, then couldn't that be used as evidence for eligibility for the support group?
Regards
Peter

Hi EPH,

Even though the scenario that you mention may well point towards the claimant being in the SG, I'm afraid that the only way to gain SG status, is by the Exceptional Circumstances rules, or by fulfilling the SG Descriptors.

I can see your point though.

bro58