Can A JSA Claiment have someone with them at their sign on meetings?

[SabreSheep]

Hi there

 

Quick question, one which would be helpful for many others as well.

 

1. Can someone have a friend with them when they go to the Job center to sign on? EG to act as a witness?

 

2. What part of the regulations allow this?

 

I am pretty sure the answer is yes, just need the regs to back me up when I go with my friend next. Today he opened his claim and I was refused permission to go up with him.

[Lapsed Workaholic]

Quite right, the answer is yes.

A quick browse came up with the answer to a FOI request, check out the link:

 

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/199828/response/490264/attach/3/Reply%20955.pdf

[mikeymack2002]

Have a read of this it will help see attachment

[jasta11]

... take along a friend who is 6'4", a bodybuilder and who has a death stare. Nothing like a bit of subtle intimidation for the JC clerk

[Mr.P]

Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty have had a long running battle with the DWP over this issue.

[SabreSheep]

Thank you all kindly.

 

Now as the representative, can I make a complaint, or does the claimant have too?

 

The situation was that the claimant needed to go upstairs, I went to go through and I stated that I was with "him"

She said no, you have to wait down here.

No questions asked etc

 

I later asked for details to make a complaint to the center manager and explained why, she said I had no right to go up there. I explained that the regulations allow me to. She got quite rude about it.

 

Question is, as the non claimant do I do anything this time, or just take that handy document that I just printed out, with me next Wednesday

 

Along with the universal toolkit etc.

 

To quote a song, "I predict a riot"

[**Margaret**]

:SabreSheep:

 

Your prediction of a riot may well come to pass. At the very least, there'll be lots of faff and fluster while the work coach goes to seek guidance from on high. Here's some more ammunition;

 

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/accompanied_at_the_job_centre#incoming-632922

(You need the fourth attachment)

 

 

Personally, I wouldn't bother with a formal complaint over this cos you don't need the stress. Complaints to Jobcentreplus are hard work for little, if any, reward. However if you want to complain; as your friend's representative, you'll need written third party authority from your friend to act on his behalf.

 

Best wishes, Margaret.

[SabreSheep]

Thanks Margaret.

 

Im determined that my friend will not get ripped off like he did years ago last time he signed on when he was sanctioned, won his appeal and then they closed his claim and refused to backdate the sanction etc. Basically it meant that he lost all faith in the system and has existed pennyless since then.

Im determined to get im back in the system and back to a postion where he can get a job

[mikeymack2002]

Also bear in mind that as an interested party and on a previous occasion been subject to a worker not correctly following the rules, you may wish to state that you want the interview held in private and recorded. Again special rules apply and this will need to be asked for in advance so that the interview room is prepared and available, this will save further delays.

 

 

See here https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/recording_meeting_with_jobcentre

 

 

Then you can use this information at a later date if it is needed.