To take a job with the DWP even though I will lose friends

I would do 3 things - take the job ..

dump the “friend “ .. I have friends who work for hmrc - They are nice people - who get paid well for what they do .

Third thing is report the company you work for . You legally can’t be paid under minimum wage - that includes working over hours , training courses .. so do everyone else a favour report them

Your family are more important than your friends. I didn’t know working for DWP was seen as being all that immoral 🤷‍♀️

After years of working in private sector I needed a more local job so work for DWP. People think civil service is all tea breaks. The part I work for is probably lowest paid and more stress than I have ever experienced. People are leaving and not being replaced. Work load increasing. You want to help people as much as you possibly can, but even if I stay 2 hours extra every day (often do) you can never get thru it. And yes, I get a lot of abuse and am now on antidepressants. So are many of my teammates. But when you succeed in helping people you feel you have done your job. I tell mates I work in CS and that’s it. Good luck in your new job.

The DWP is so much more than PIP assessments. I'm not sure why people are so fixated on those who work in this one area. OP could well be working in a completely different area.

I have to speak with DWP advisors regularly in my job and the experience is varied. I've been hung up on after waiting for 45 minutes for a call to be answered, I've listened to advisors give information I know is incorrect. I have talked through benefit info with new starts who are struggling with system issues. I have had advisors ask me to stay on the line whilst they make notes because they want to make sure it is correct. I have listened to genuine joy from a DWP adviser when I have phoned with a client who was due a backdated benefit payment of £10k. They seem quite a varied bunch your future colleagues. Stuff your friends. Be the advisor that you would want to deal with and enjoy the challenge and where it might take you.

100% take the job.
You will also be responsible for paying people their benefits. People on low incomes, disabled people, lone parents depend on the DWP and their staff for their benefits. You'll make new friends. Lots of people similar to you will be in that job.
Good luck!

Your friends are being ridiculous! If they don't like the way the civil service operates they should change the government that runs them. Take the job, OP!

The reality is it will only change when those up the ladder decide . My friend was given targets . No matter if she saw 15 people who where rightfully to claim pip , she could only allow half to have it . She had constant targets , no matter if right or wrong .
my son has severe autism as a example , dying his pip assessment they put down he can cook for himself , my son is non verbal , completely dependent and I specifically said he couldn’t cook or be alone in the kitchen . His report came with ‘ he can prepare meals ‘

This

How will it change if we all have that attitude? I worked for dwp and treated people with the same respect I treat everyone that deserves it. Working for the public sector is working for the people.

Exactly. And believe it or not, not everyone on PIP had a hard fight getting it. For many, it has been straight forward.

Saying that, my sister worked for DWP in PIP claims and turned into an utter bitch over it... always slagged off people claiming it. But then, I guess her view was jaded by her getting abuse on the phone.

The DWP is huge. I'm a civil servant (different office) and have worked with the DWP in some really interesting roles - they are much more than just the 'immoral' aspect some immediately think of. For example I worked with a team aiming to improve online access to pension info for very elderly people who are not even remotely computer literate. Rewarding, interesting, and working to improve accessibility of a public service.

Jobs pay wages that enables you to pay bill, friends don't. If they are true friends they will be pleased for you.

Take the job but be warned it’s not always easy . My friend took a job as a pip assessor and she ended up leaving as she wouldn’t deal with what was constantly being asked from her . It was awful to meet their targets and she couldn’t live with herself and was miserable all the time .

if it’s something similar make sure you can do it as it’s not easy

How are PIP claimants going to get their payment if there is no-one there to administer it?

You will get some abuse, but also some thanks, but if you have worked in retail, you are strong enough to handle that.

Steep learning curve though - regs are a bit of a minefield, so don't be afraid to ask for help.
Not only will you get regular pay rises, and a decent pension, but opportunities for advancement. Not all jobs are processing claims. DWP sort out Motability transport too for example. Go for it, and good luck.

The civil service works to and for the government of the day. The CS carries out its work impartially and professionally, and it needs good people (and the very fact you’re here asking these questions suggests you are one of them) who will act with honesty and transparency to implement the direction of ministers. If your friends have an issue with the DWP or PIP specifically they have the opportunity to demonstrate that through their vote this year. It is childish and ridiculous to suggest nobody should work for the DWP - however it may be in practice it remains in principle an organisation designed to relieve the suffering of those who genuinely cannot work, and to help those who can find a job that meets their needs. It can’t not exist and anybody who suggests it shouldn’t is living in a fantasy.
Take the job, and if you can’t have a reasoned and rational argument with your friend about why you have then I guarantee you’ll find new and better ones within the CS.
Good luck.

I have no idea how the DWP could be considered "immoral". But it's a good job, so absolutely you should take it.

Really?? They follow the rules and do what they are required to do. Since it was taken back in-house, I have found nothing but helpful kindness and clear explanations from the staff.
They have been through a tough time with massive restructures, new rules and the introduction (ongoing) of universal credit with fewer staff than ever before.

I worked for the DWP for 22 years. I had a great time and have made life long friends. It's not the same as when I joined all those years ago as one of my friends is a fraud officer. You're never frowned upon and it's a great job to have. You tell your friends you're only administering the law and if they don't like it they can change it to suit them. Your eyes will be opened by what you see and hear and you will look at people very differently. It's easy to say the rules are wrong but your eyes will definitely be opened. You go for it and when you have your civil service pension and you can put food on your table for your children stuff them . They're not true friends

What’s immoral about DWP?

Did you miss where it was explained that it is the Government that sets the policies. If you have an issue with the PIP system, then you know what to do at the ballot box, don't you?

Take the job. Look after your family. Ignore your so-called friend. I receive benefits to which I am entitled. Any time I’ve had to speak to DWP they have been courteous and helpful. They are people doing a job.Get on with it.

How is paying people's pensions immoral? Take the job and make the decision to dump the person who pretends to be a friend but really isn't.

Why are they upset about you joining DWP? You should have asked why. Maybe this so called friend is taking or has been taking benefits they are not entiled to. There are a lot of them out there. Take the job.