I don't post much on the threads about benefits but here goes......I'm going to start.
I have a company that works in the Work Programme with long-term unemployed people. Over the last few weeks / month I have seen a dramatic shift in the provision of benefits.
Many many many many more people are being sanctioned (i.e. their benefits are being taken away from them) for missing an appointment, calling in sick for an appointment or not filling in forms correctly.
If you make a mistake with ANY of these 'obligations' under the Jobseekers allowance contract, you, from Monday, can have your benefits taken away for 3 months for the first offence, 6 months for the second and 3 years for the third.
So, I can recount a few stories for you:
Severely dyslexic man provides his job log sheet to the jobcentre and has filled out as much as he can. The jobcentre is not happy with this and sanctions him, probably for 3 months. His response....."I'm going to go homeless, I can't stand this anymore"
Man goes to an interview for a job instead of turning up for an appointment with his WP provider, called in to tell them this. Sanctioned for 2 weeks for not turning up for the appointment. Message was never passed on, and despite phone records showing he called, he was still sanctioned.
Man sanctioned for 6 months for missing an appointment because he was poorly. He is a single parent. He is thinking of suicide.
Is this really what people want?
Homelessness? Suicide?
Do people really think it motivates people to get a job? Because to believe that you have to believe that people like being on benefits, I guess?
What am I missing?
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Is this really what people want?
293 replies
mcmooncup · 17/10/2012 21:00
OP posts:
MrsDeVere ·
18/10/2012 10:03
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
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