wrag

Hi there, i have a query regarding the work focused interview. I have been placed in the wrag group, just appealed to be placed in the support group. My question is this, are there any exceptional circumstances that can exempt you from attending the work focused interview? My mental health condition is severe, i suffer social phobias, panic attacks the usual stuff etc, and quite frankly feel suicidal with all the pressure of this esa business. My husband went into the job centre to speak to the lady who runs the interviews, he told her im being pushed over the edge with this stress, and she replied i had to attend, and to call the Samaritins! I cant use the phone because of my severe anxiety so phone interviews are not possible either.It seems no one cares that im not well enough to attend, or cares whether i live or die, as long as i attend this interview! Can i ask the decision maker for an opt out of their interviews because of exceptional circumstances whilst i wait for the support group decision? ( A dr has never seen me in person to assess me) Has anyone ever been able to get out of these interviews? If so, how? thank you

Lynda wrote:

Hi there, i have a query regarding the work focused interview. I have been placed in the wrag group, just appealed to be placed in the support group. My question is this, are there any exceptional circumstances that can exempt you from attending the work focused interview? My mental health condition is severe, i suffer social phobias, panic attacks the usual stuff etc, and quite frankly feel suicidal with all the pressure of this esa business. My husband went into the job centre to speak to the lady who runs the interviews, he told her im being pushed over the edge with this stress, and she replied i had to attend, and to call the Samaritins! I cant use the phone because of my severe anxiety so phone interviews are not possible either.It seems no one cares that im not well enough to attend, or cares whether i live or die, as long as i attend this interview! Can i ask the decision maker for an opt out of their interviews because of exceptional circumstances whilst i wait for the support group decision? ( A dr has never seen me in person to assess me) Has anyone ever been able to get out of these interviews? If so, how? thank you

Hi L,

There is no actual rule that exempts members of The WRAG from having to attend WFI's.

However, your medical conditions should be taken into account.

WFI's can be deferred, carried out over the phone, or even in your home. However, these three options are totally at the discretion of the JCP Adviser.

You may wish to try and gain the support of your G.P. or other treating HCP in this matter.

See :

Work Focussed Interviews

&

Work Programme

bro58

It depends on the manager of the department. We appealed my Husband being put into WRAG. They sent out an appointment to see my Husband at 9-30 am in the morning. After seeing another post in here on a similar situation we wrote to the job center wanting to see my Husband. We stated the time was too early and why. We also informed them that we were appealing the decision and why.

The manageress rung us up and said she would defer seeing my Husband until after the reconsideration/appeal. She was lovely. the same woman has just done this recently for 2 other people I know.

The base of the letter we sent it was to say the time wasn't suitable and why. I also stated that even a later in the day appointment might mean that Hub couldn't come in as it depended on how he was on a daily basis. I informed them that we were appealing and the grounds. I advised a friend to do the same adding on the end that 'she was aware that at the manager discretion the interview could be deferred until after the reconsideration/appeal or at the very least a telephone appointment could be held' asking for this you have nothing to lose.

Putting it in writing to the J.C and the name on the letter send it in recorded delivery. Good luck

Thank you all for your advice, really appreciate it. Lynda

Just a quick update. Received a letter today, been placed in the support group for ESA. Id like to thank everyone on this website for all of the information they share, i really couldnt have dealt with this issue without your help, its a great weight off my mind knowing this issue has been resolved. A big thank you!