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But if we don't tell them if we get a job, then am I right in saying that we won't get our "Back to Work Bonus" (does it still exist?).
And Ami, I am liking your Cooperative for Single Parents idea..... !!! It's the first thing I've smiled about all day!
Nor mine Helly!
Why are there some who are complaining about 'lazy social scroungers' on the dole eating up their tax money when billions are being poured into this WP scam?! I think the WP has the 'potential' to be a good thing ... remove the threats of sanctions and the mandatory BS and it could be a very enterprising AND helpful scheme.
I see the Ipswich Unemployed Action blog is REALLY exposing A4E and their fraud,theft and exploitation of the unemployed! We are supposed to 'trust' these vultures?!
Good Enough Mum ... thank you lots and lots 
I did not give my consent to that form which means they get paid if and when I get a job. If you do sign something add to it 'signed under duress' .. that way they can tick their robotic boxes but your signature means naff all legally!
I agree Ami !! In theory, the Work Programme sounds like a good idea. Personalised support, taking account of everyone's different circumstances - sounds great!!
Mandating everyone, under the threat of sanctions, to do the same thing isn't helping anyone at all.
I'm not afraid of their threats and sanctions anymore! If they do sanction me, I will sign off and start my own business .. I started one when I was on Income Support and then on JSA was told I wasn't allowed to trade so had to pack up because unfortunately like all new business' it wasn't earning enough for me to draw a wage. But I COULD make it grow if it wasn't for their hold you back rules and laws!
Hello all
Ami - if you want to set something, please do know if I can help. Was graphic designer for 20 years. Not web designer unfortunately but like you can get my head round moonfruit & webeden etc. You are so right about the design industry and credibility. I can't get back in and I have years of good experience!
My job fell thru yesterday and if I don't have some hope I'm really going to go mad.
The whole thing stinks. They are all corrupt millionaires feeding off the misfortune of others. The ConDems have finally have full rein to kill off the nhs, higher education, privatise the country and push hundreds of thousands into poverty. If there were the bl***y jobs, we'd have one. Perhaps the victotian Work Houses will come back next - hand in hand with the Work Programme. It's like some evil Orwellian plot.
ps please excuse spelling - really stressed out.
Hi J6767,
I'm sorry to hear that your job fell through. Hope you are okay.
I agree with all the other points that you made. You are right about the jobs - if there were any then we would have one! The Work Programme does not make any jobs - all it does is forces people to do as they are told, attend pointless "courses", all under threat of sanctions.
There doesn't seem to be any accountability for what the Work Programme providers are doing. I know they get paid by results, but who is checking that they are offering "personalised and tailored" support (which in my experience they are definitely not doing). Would my MP listen?
Hello all, as I was reading this thread this morning, the light that was flashing in my head was "MP"
Ami, I absolutely astounded that someone can just apply for a job on your behalf. I will feed this into Laura for her information. This, and a job where you have to wear a top hat etc are both things that I would draw the the attention of my own MP. Anyone who wants to know how to contact their MP can find the info here
Dear All,
I am also astounded that someone can apply for a job on your behalf. Another matter to raise with the DWP when I get an answer to my last query. Certainly write to your MP. I will also draw together all the concerns that have been raised on this site about the Work Programme to raise with the DWP. I am in a group of voluntary organisations that meets at the DWP with senior civil servants. Your Work Programme provider should also have a complaints procedure as you might want to persue a formal complaint with them.
Laura 
Oh thanks Laura, was going to email you this info but you beat me to it!
Hi J6767 ... I'm soo sorry about the job.. it's their loss hunni and something better will come along for you I'm sure!!
I would definately appreciate your help!! We can set up a site on Moonfruit as its easy for everyone to work with and can lok very effective and professional with some good design layout! The name I was thinking for the site is 'Gimme a Job UK' (with really funky graphics)... we can start off with a free version and hopefully later update the package... I have 2 web sites and pay only £5.99 per month and have a domain name with each of them.
Your graphic design skills and creativity will definately serve us well!! Brilliant!!!
We can have an advise section and links... it would be great to add a link to this site too, especially with Laura's wonderful information!
I am wondering if Laura can pass on my email to you and anyone else who wants to get involved, then we can brainstorm some ideas and get our creative juices flowing! This will restore some hope for us and give us a constructive and positive project to get our teeth into!
Big squashy hugs!! xoxox
HI Laura... many thanks for your advice.
When the WP advisor set up an account for 'me' on their job site, she also gave 'me' a password... as far as I was aware both the account and password were for 'me' and not anyone else to go swanning around let alone applying for jobs in 'my' name without my knowledge of consent. I didn't sign the data waiver form therefore they do not have my consent to contact thied parties on my behalf or share my personal details and CV with anyone!
They put you under soo much pressure, and make you feel terrible if you do not consent to signing their endless forms!
Laura I wonder if it would be possible to pass on my email address to J6767 and anyone else who wants to get involved in building our own CV site and blog?
Ami,
I am not sure that I am permitted to pass on your details to J6767. I will check with the One Space managers how this is best done.
Laura
Thank you Louise.. I have been 'summonsed' back to their office tomorrow, so shall talk to them about it and see what they have to say, then I will present them with the formal letter asking them to delete all my personal information from their system. I may also contact my MP.. although I think ALL autheritinarians are cut from the same cloth and part of the same game.
J6767.... I have also said exactly the same thing regarding Workhouses!! I can really honestly see this WP turning into a reformation of WH's because when jobseekers are sanctioned their Housing Benefit stops too which is causing a HUGE homeless issue in this country. They don't care if we have children, of if anyone is disabled.. or for that matter if anyone is terminally ill!
J6767
Really gutted about your job falling through. Hope you are ok. I assume that you are still registered with Women Like Us. They seem to have the odd interesting sounding graphic jobs. WLU did a report last week about the lack of quality part-time jobs in London and the way they want to address this. I went to the launch and raised that this was a really important issue for single parents. I also said about the positive experience that single parents had experienced on their programme.
All the best.
Laura
Hi everyone,
I have concerns about going to my MP. Does this mean that somewhere in the DWP there would be a black mark against my name for daring to speak out? Would I then be sanctioned?
I agree with the points made about workhouses. I think somewhere down the line this is going to be introduced, but given a fancy new name.
Good Enough Mum
You have every right to raise concerns with your MP. They are there to serve you and are paid to represent the views of their constituents.
The DWP cannot sanction you for complaining about the services they provide.
Laura
How does the Work Programme affect you?
Following a detailed analysis of single parent’s experiences, Single Parent Action Network (SPAN), the organisation that brings you One Space, has just published a report with a view to influencing the Government to improve the services they provide to single parents and take better account of your needs.
We think it is fantastic that you are supporting each other around these issues on this thread, and your views have been used to compile the report, anonymously, of course!
We will continue to capture your views and experiences, so please carry on letting us know how the Work Programme has affected you.
See the full article on:
Single Parent's experiences of the Work Programme - how does it affect you?
Evening everybody
Want to say what a bunch of strong, fantastic, lovely people on this site. I look at the posts and they actually make me feel bl**dy proud to be a single parent.
It's totally disgraceful that your WP provider applied for a job in your name. I was really shocked to see that.
Was very down re job :( but weirdly feeling a bit better now. Perhaps a hyper is coming along - that'll be fun.
Found out why I was taken off the WP. I was already working with Remploy - and you can't be with 2 providers at once. I told them that when they put me on the WP back in MAY, and in June, July etc. It's on my jobseekers agreement for heavens sake! AAARRRRGGGGHHH! But as they haven't re-refered me officially, officially, I'm not (eh?). I have to have an appt with the disabilities advisor first. Who I was with in the first place, but then they moved me. But first I have to have another interview to see whether it's best for me to see the disabilities advisor. (EH??) It's complete gibberish. A child of 10 could organise it better.
I'm still in touch with WLU Laura, thanks, I'll give them a call tomorrow. Needed some time out to re-group. Your report is brilliant!
It seems like the effects of the WP are escalating.
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Just out of interest if you google "advice work programme" onespace.org.uk is top. If you google "single parents work programme", it's 6th. lol xx
J6767 .. hehe love your avator!
I have the site now... it is totally blank at the moment We need to think about colours and the format ... I would like it to be funky and arty, yet professionally presented.. fresh and a little different from the norm because I'd like 'charactor' of each individual to come across on the own pages... we also must make sure no one posts any personal info in their cv, apart from a contact link for an email.
I'm really excited about this!! Its sort of mixed in with panic and anxiety though because I REALLY need to get out of this WP system... next step is the workhouse and then microchip inplants arrghh
What do you think of the Budget?! Freezing pensions while feeding the rich.. typical!! Child Benefits have been stopped for those who earn (I think) £60,000 PA... ohh boo hoo if I was earning 60 grand per anum I don't think I'd miss child benefit!
Squashy hugs xoxoxox
(post edited by moderator)
Helly... where are yoooooooooooou!?
Sorry got distracted by a bottle of white. It was urgent.
Sounds like a fab plan, action always makes me feel better... and I love the web address! If you add a 'contact us' email link to that moonfruit site, I will email you via that. Ha!
Note from Moderator, deleted post
Grrrrrrahhh
Ps budget stinks. Only to be expected. How many millionaires in the Tory front benches? Can't get away with fraudulent expenses anymore so they need their pound of flesh... from pensioners. These people can actually sleep at night and face themselves in a mirror? O I forgot. They don't have a relflection do they?
Is the contact box working?
Thanks Ami, that's fab. I'll sort that out tomorrow, feeling pretty shattered after all that venting. It's just astounding that for a 'civilised' country, we have such 'leaders'.
Motherhood used to be respected. Old age used to be respected. Now it's just cold, hard cash for the ole boys, as much as they can carry.
Be in touch tomorrow x
OK night night xoxox
To clarify, we are not permitted to pass email addresses on to members. even if this is their wish. The plan is to develop the facility of having private messages on the site.
Did you all have a look at Laura's report?
Morning Everyone
Yes, I have the read the report in full. Thank you to Laura for producing it (and to everyone else at One Space who takes time to comment and advise us on this thread). It is so reassuring to know that we have a voice and that our views are being considered on here.
A few things in the report were very relevant to me: as mentioned in the report, the fact that I am a Lone Parent is not being considered when I am being mandated to go on (useless) courses which don't finish until 4pm. Secondly, I am not getting "tailored and personalised" support. I don't need to do these courses (some of them I have already done in the past and have certificates to prove it!). I am being forced to go on these courses because they are "mandatory" (starting next week and continuing over the Easter holidays). I have no idea what I will do with my youngest child all day. Where is my "personalised and tailored" support?
I think I am going to try and assert my rights with my WP provider (and probably find myself sanctioned in the process!).
Hi Good Enough Mum
Isn't it saying something that we have rights - but are bullied into not using them. I don't think they can sanction for asserting your right but you might have to arm yourself with info to defend them.
I'm feeling a possible hyper coming on so am going to be quiet for a little bit. Not disappearing, just need to stay sane lol. Luck to all xx
Take care of yourself J6767.
Glad everyone is finding the report helpful. Please continue to report experiences of the Work Programme as Laura is continuing to collate these
Hi Louise,
I just got back from seeing my advisor at the WP. I had printed out Laura's report because I thought the advisors would be genuinely interested in it. However it was patronisingly placed back in my folder, and I was told (from my old JC+ lone parent advisor who now works at the WP) that she receives her own traning from her employers and doesn't need to learn or know any more than that.... incidentally she also told me that I as a single parent am no different to ny other job seeker! Of course she refused to listen when I explained that her statement was contrary to 'her employers' own discriination act... ie: not discriminating against single parents!
I gave the letters to ask them to remove any of my personal information that they hold.. and someone had written on the dater waiver form that I was 'unwilling' to sign... so I crossed that out and wrote 'I do not consent' and told her that by law it should state that we do not have to sign if we do not consent. She also took great offense when I told her that they are 'data processors' for the DWP... that is what is stated on the DWP web site and in ALL their information! So she can take offense all she likes, she is one of the lucky ones as she has a job, will still get her wage packet every month and is there by choice and not by threats as I am... so what difference does it make to her personally whether I sign their forms of not?!
They had summonsed me there this morning for a madatory meeting with an A4E financial advisor, however the place was crammed full of jobseekers at the computers and we had to sit amongst them! I told him I am certainly not going to discuss my personal details in the midst of all those people... he was actuallt a nice enough fellow and totally understood.
It seems that we know more about the DWP FOI and laws than the WP people themselves do!
Oh I also should add that when I asked her about this web designer job application, she told me she HAD NOT applied for it, but it was used as a demonstration to show me something on the site when at my induction... so I was very happy to hear that!
Ami,
Sorry you had another poor experience at the Work Programme. I love the idea of single parents being armed with the Work Programme Report (they probably had a quick peak after you were gone!). As you know I will be continuing to collect further evidence about the Work Programme and single parent's experiences. I will let you all know how I get on with the policy makers.
Laura
Just as a point of interest... when I talked to this A4E financial advisor fellow, I asked him about self employment.. he told me that I would have to sign off JSA, but that I would then get £40.00 per week as well as Housing beneif etc, and working tax credits.
This brings me back to my old Lone Parent advisor frm JC+ who now works at the WP. She 100% encouraged me when I told her I wanted to start my own business... I was on Income Support then, and I went all out to build a web site and start buying in stock (miainly samples from suppliers that I could present and take orders for) I managed to snowball my stock to having enough to fill up a large dining room table/stall.. and practically had to starve myself to do that! I worked long and hard on everything.... and then a few months later I was turfed onto JSA and that SAME lone parent advisor told me I am not allowed to trade on JSA! WHY didn't she tell me about this £40.00 pw thing?! WHY do we call these people 'advisors'?
Laura... No they didn't peek it was placed back in my own folder that I take with me... they refused to even flick through it or hear anything about it! I am disgusted!
Hi Ami
What a time you have had! So glad that they had not applied for that job though
I have heard about a new self employement scheme....if you want clarification then do check it out by emailing our Money Expert
Sorry to hear that you had a bad experience Ami, but I also think that you were very assertive!
I am disgusted that they are being told to treat lone parents in the same way as other jobseekers! That explains a lot !!
To Laura, if you need anyone to interview or speak to as part of your further research, please ask me (although I am not in Bristol).
Thank you Louise, I appreciate all your advice. I hope that you don't think I am 'going on' or sounding off... I just feel that sharing my experience of all this WP nonsense will help other single parents, because it helped me a lot reading through other comments on this site.
I do feel I have empowered myself again and it is a wonderful feeling to take back some of my own control rather than wearing their ball and chain! They don't own me, and although all of this is quite a bit out of my comfort zone and scares the heck out of me, I feel good that I have been brave enough to stand up for my rights.
Hi Good Enough Mum... hope you are well today!
I agree... we ARE NOT the same as single jobseekers... and what is more the DWP agree with that! We are only required by law to work 16 hours or more... single jobseekers have to work a minimum of 30 hours (or thereabouts) that is a BIG difference!
What makes that comment so laughable is that it came direct from my old lone parent advisor when she worked at JC+!
Yes thank you Ami, I am fine today
What worries me is that the Work Programme providers have been given a blank canvass to do and say what they want.... all under the threat of sanctions of course!
Who is monitoring the providers? Can we complain to the DWP? Are the providers actually accountable to anyone for the services they are providing (apart from them getting paid if they get someone into work)?
Dear All,
Yes you are different from other job seekers because you have a child/children who you look after. The flexibilities in the law are to protect the interests of those children. Yes you need to be actively looking for work but that work should fit in with your other responsibilities.
Sorry, I will stop ranting now!
Good Enough Mum
I will let you know when I am doing my next round of interviewing.
Laura 
Hi Good Enough Mum... actually the WP providers do have guidelines that they should be following, and it isn't entirely a blank canvas. They will do anything to get you to sign all your details over to them for them to further share with 3rd parties... they know full well that we have every right to choose to decline giving consent to that. They try to use words like 'refuse' and 'unwilling' which I corrected them on today and explained that 'legally' I am not consenting which is different to refusing or being unwilling... both those words can be used against you and get you sanctioned! They are trained in how to play you and do so by various means and methods.
Yes we have every right to complain if we feel we are not being treated respectfully... evey individual you will meet in this long line of data processors right upto the DWP themselves has someone over and above them.. a manager, a boss who they are answerable to.
You can find a lot of information on the Consent Me web site which is all legal and bove board... and also refers to the DWP Freedome of Information department... quote that to them and they can't do a thing! Always be pleasant and never shout... in truth I actually like my advisor as a person... and my old lone parent advisor from the JC too... she isn't my advisor now at the WP but is constantly butting in almost like she thinks she ownes me... she took offense today because I shown her I own myself!
Morning everyone
Thanks for that information Ami, I will have a look at the Consent Me website.
This is a slightly different post than my usual ranting 
!!
Does anyone else on the Work Programme find that they are being given heaps and heaps of paper? (It's not very environmentally friendly). I have letters, handouts, worksheets and altogether it is now a huge pile of paper from the Work Programme sitting on my table! (All getting mixed up with my own personal bills and paperwork etc!).
I have also been given an extra sheet to record my jobsearch (in addition to the official Jobcentre jobsearch form), which seems a bit pointless to me.
Has anyone else noticed the same thing?
With my WP Ingeus, I am down as looking for 16 hours per week, however the work activity if imposed on me is 30 hours. I will comply but not at 30 hours, 16 yes but not 30 hours.
I've an interview next week for a job so hopefully will be released from this prison oops scheme!
Hi everyone
Well I have just spent the day on a mandatory course telling me how to fill an application form in.
It was soul destroying.
I actually feel quite tearful at how patronising the whole process is.
Absolutely ridiculous! A load of box-ticking is going on.....
They won't ever be told of any interviews beforehand. No way they being paid on my talents!