Work and health programme

[louise2012]

I went to my local job centre a few days ago and they are going to put me on the work and health programme.  However, after looking on google it is for people that have been out of work for 24 months.  I last worked in August 2017 so do I have to take part in this now or not.

 

I have to visit the job centre tomorrow about this programme.

 

Has anyone been on this before ?

 

Thanks

[honeybee13]

Hi.

 

I've moved your thread to the benefits forum as you're talking about the jobcentre. People should be along later to advise, please continue to post here.

 

HB

[louise2012]

2 minutes ago, honeybee13 said:

Hi.

 

I've moved your thread to the benefits forum as you're talking about the jobcentre. People should be along later to advise, please continue to post here.

 

HB

Thank you as I wasn't sure where to post this.

[unclebulgaria67]

As far as I understand this course, it is for people who have been out of work for a period and who have suffered from a health condition, which might cause them difficulty in obtaining work.  

 

I think when the course started it was originally for those who have been out of work for 24 months or more, but I seem to remember reading that a referral could be made after 12 months.

 

The course provider has been employed by DWP to help people find work. So yes there will be some gentle pressure to find suitable work. They work with different employers in your area, arrange job trials,  help you with applications, CV writing,  advise you of rights if you have disability, help you with any issues you might have after starting work.

 

If you don't want to do this course, you will have to show the Work Coach evidence of the steps you are taking to find work. Or if you are not ready healthwise, what help you are receiving to get you ready to start work again. The Work Coach will want to see that what you doing in terms of applications has a reasonable chance of success. 

[louise2012]

Thanks for the reply, I don't have any health issues that will stop me from getting a job.

[unclebulgaria67]

Ok this Government website should help you.

 

https://www.gov.uk/work-health-programme

 

Says voluntary unless out of work for 24 months or more.

 

It might be that a referral takes awhile to go through and they are wanting to push you more to find work. I.e. If you don't want to go on a course, it might spur you on to making more job applications. Your claimant commitment could be reviewed to increase what you are required to do.

 

 

 

 

[louise2012]

I went this morning and it was ok as they are going to provide help with interview skills and building up confidence.

[brassnecked]

Good stuff, if you feel capable, they will help you to look for suitable work.