ESA WRAG SANCTIONS

Asbo wrote:

A friend of mine is having problems in the WRAG and I’d said I’d try and find out any advice for him. Basically, he’s been told he has to go on a ‘training course’ or he will lose £28.15 – his work-related component. He asked about voluntary work and was told that it would qualify as an ongoing 'work-related activity' but only after he’d done the course first. He’s wondering if he should appeal. He's feeling coerced

This is a bit beyond what we can normally advise on, but as far as I am aware, until a Decision to sanction his payments has been made then there is no right of appeal.

This training course should form part of his action plan, whilst in principle this should be something that both the claimant and the advisor should agree between them, the reality is that the claimant has little right to refuse Work Related Activity unless they have Good Cause. Good cause could be that it conflicts with medical treatment, or some personal activities (e.g. funerals, etc.), but on the whole the major example would be that it would be be detrimental to their health.

I think it unlikely that wanting to do something else in preference, would be accepted as Good Cause.

Gordon

Thanks Gordon and Bro58.
Yes, I knew about the Good Cause and would have thought that health issues ie feeling stressed or anxious would be a very good cause especially if you had medical back up.