Work programme while on ESA

I am currently on ESA (work related activity group) and I have been given an appointment date from provider to start the programme.

I have been on ESA for not too long but prior to ESA I was claiming JSA and my initial referral to Work Programme was while I was on JSA.

I read the faq section and I am aware that being on ESA I cannot be asked to look for work or do work,I'd like to know what I will be asked to do on work programme while on ESA? how often I need to attend and what I'm not supposed to do? basically any information or experience would really help.

my second question is about the length of the programme,is the 2 years duration starts from the date you were referred to the programme or the date you start? in my case I was referred to work program while on JSA 1 year ago,but I never actually attend any appointments/sign papers because of moving to ESA,waiting for appeal,etc until now.

I attended the programme and as you mentioned,it appears that the provider staff are not trained to deal with ESA claimants.
in fact I felt like I was the only (unlucky) ESA claimant that they have seen.
as they kept asking me how long i've been on ESA and when is my next medical,etc..

my "coach" requested me do job search and let him know what activities I've done.
this makes no sense,job searching when I am not required to apply for them.

I explained him that i'm on ESA and I'm not required to seek or do work,and was asked what I'm supposed to do on the programme then? (they should ask this question from dwp not me)
now he has asked me to bring her a printed guide from DWP that indicates these conditions.

can you give me a link from DWP or any official link that confirms ESA claimants are not required to do job search on work programme?

also he is asking me to attend every week,while most JSA claimants are attending fortnightly,I think I am a victim of their lack of information on how to treat ESA claimants.

the whole experience so far has been stressful,confusing and has negative effect of my condition..

Alex wrote:

I attended the programme and as you mentioned,it appears that the provider staff are not trained to deal with ESA claimants.
in fact I felt like I was the only (unlucky) ESA claimant that they have seen.
as they kept asking me how long i've been on ESA and when is my next medical,etc..

my "coach" requested me do job search and let him know what activities I've done.
this makes no sense,job searching when I am not required to apply for them.

I explained him that i'm on ESA and I'm not required to seek or do work,and was asked what I'm supposed to do on the programme then? (they should ask this question from dwp not me)
now he has asked me to bring her a printed guide from DWP that indicates these conditions.

can you give me a link from DWP or any official link that confirms ESA claimants are not required to do job search on work programme?

also he is asking me to attend every week,while most JSA claimants are attending fortnightly,I think I am a victim of their lack of information on how to treat ESA claimants.

the whole experience so far has been stressful,confusing and has negative effect of my condition..

Hi A,

There are links to the actual Work Related Activity Regulations at the bottom of these FAQ's :

Work Programme

Work Focussed Interviews

bro58

bro58 wrote:

Alex wrote:

I attended the programme and as you mentioned,it appears that the provider staff are not trained to deal with ESA claimants.
in fact I felt like I was the only (unlucky) ESA claimant that they have seen.
as they kept asking me how long i've been on ESA and when is my next medical,etc..

my "coach" requested me do job search and let him know what activities I've done.
this makes no sense,job searching when I am not required to apply for them.

I explained him that i'm on ESA and I'm not required to seek or do work,and was asked what I'm supposed to do on the programme then? (they should ask this question from dwp not me)
now he has asked me to bring her a printed guide from DWP that indicates these conditions.

can you give me a link from DWP or any official link that confirms ESA claimants are not required to do job search on work programme?

also he is asking me to attend every week,while most JSA claimants are attending fortnightly,I think I am a victim of their lack of information on how to treat ESA claimants.

the whole experience so far has been stressful,confusing and has negative effect of my condition..

Hi A,

There are links to the actual Work Related Activity Regulations at the bottom of these FAQ's :

Work Programme

Work Focussed Interviews

bro58

Hi A,

Please see the following, from the WRA Regs link at the bottom of the "Work Programme" FAQ, here is the extract that you enquired about :

(4) A requirement imposed under paragraph (1)—

(a)must be reasonable in the view of the Secretary of State, having regard to the person’s circumstances; and .

(b)may not require the person to— .

(i)apply for a job or undertake work, whether as an employee or otherwise; or .

(ii)undergo medical treatment.

From here :

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2011/9780111507476/regulation/3

Seen also in The DM Guide Chapter 53, here at 53032:

" 53032 A requirement to undertake WRA must be reasonable in the view of the Secretary of State taking into account the claimant’s circumstances1. The claimant cannot be required to

1. apply for a job or undertake work, whether as an employee or otherwise or

2. undergo medical treatment2.

1 ESA (WRA) Regs, reg 3(4)(a); 2 reg 3(4)(b)"

From this document :

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch53.pdf

You may wish to print this off, and show it to your "Coach"

You could also give him a copy of the links to the Regs.

Let us know how you get on.

bro58