Contacted by Job Center Plus while on ESA Appeal

Whilst appealing against a decision that I do not have limited capability for work-related activity the JCP contacted me by telephone today (June 27 2012) requesting if I was available to attend a work related focused interview that afternoon which I should have received a letter in the post about - I received no letter. Neither have I received any letter confirming my appeal date with ESA sent February 10 2012 (copy below).

Whilst on the telephone the lady from the JCP asked a number of work related questions and said they would ring back in a couple of months when/if my appeal had been decided?

Are the JCP allowed to carry out a work focused interview even though I am under appeal which I believe is treated as a fresh ESA claim.

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Copy of my appeal letter below dated - 10 February 2012

I wish to appeal against the decision that I do not have limited capability for work-related activity. I consider that I provided enough evidence for a finding to be made that I do have limited capability for work-related activity.

I do not consider that the Decision Maker took full account of the severity of my condition or of the way that it affects my everyday activities and bodily functions. Although it will be difficult for me, I wish to have an oral hearing so that I can explain through my representative the full effects of my condition to a tribunal and answer any questions they may wish to ask.

If you wish to contact me about this please do so in writing. I do not wish to receive any telephone calls as I consider welfare benefits too complex to be discussed over the telephone. Please also note that under no circumstances will I withdraw my request verbally. If my request is ignored and I am contacted by telephone any apparent verbal request to withdraw my challenge will be based on a misunderstanding on your part.

I will provide any further evidence as soon as it becomes available.

I will also be obtaining copies of all the evidence used by the decision maker under the Data Protection Act.

I look forward to your reply

Presumably, your post is for information only, since as members are aware, we cannot reply to individual queries.

All information/advice on ESA and Appeals can be found HERE

Just scroll down to ESA, then to Appeals.

Hi beano
As far as i know when someone is appealing a no ESA Decision, then they do not have to attend work focussed interviews.
Mike