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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to want a different Universal Credit work coach?

79 replies

QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 12:19

dons hard hat in advance

I have always worked and have been a solid earner but have been recently told formally (writing was arguably on the wall a few months before) that my job is being outsourced to a combination of a cheaper service centre outside the UK and AI. As I said I saw it coming but assumed I would be able to get a new job quickly or that an exit package would be offered. That has not happened.

I have been looking while still employed, but the job market has handed it's arse to me and it is clear that I will struggle to find a new role quickly. I therefore went to the Job Centre to claim UC from when my employment ends.

My AIBU is that I have NO faith in the work coach that I have been allocated.
She literally struggled to navigate the basic sign up process - not clicking in the right place, not recognising where a response was required, not seeing where answers were already answered so clicking "back" instead of "next". What should have been a 30 min ID check took almost an hour. She doesn't have great typing skills so lots of typo errors when filling in fields etc. I ended up asking her to face the screen towards me and pointing out typos, missed fields, incorrect selections from drop downs etc. No issue with it being collaborative, some people aren't great with typing on screens etc.

This is not personal - I have nothing against her. I just don't think this person is going to be helpful to me in my very urgent job hunt. I have to see her every week which I have no issue with but I just don't have much faith in how she will actually help me and I am DESPERATE - I am job-hunting almost constantly - I am so stressed - I am doing my own searches and applications, sweating my network, applying to anything (not just in my field) etc.

I have never claimed before, never thought I would have to but here I am. I have no issue with her personally but I just can't see how she is going to be helpful when she doesn't seem that capable on a basic ID check and seemed to have zero experience or awareness of my job and what roles would be suitable. My job is basic - I am an accountant, nothing at all to write home about. She kept suggesting applications to things far outside my remit and that I am not qualified for eg SEN teaching assistants, delivery driving (I don't have access to a car) etc.

Is it possible to request a different work coach? At the moment, I can't see how we will work well together.

Is that entitled given that I am seeking to claim benefits, and am fully aware that I am quite privileged that this is an option in itself, something I am very aware of. Perhaps ashamed as well.

I could be panicking/catastrophising so am braving AIBU for more balanced views.

I will attend the next appointment and be polite and engaged - I just wondered if it would be better to switch coach sooner rather than later. Is that possible? Any suggestions, shared experiences, guidance would be so appreciated.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Endoadnowarrior · Yesterday 23:37

MolkosTeenageAngst · Yesterday 15:28

I’m a SEN teacher and you don’t need any qualifications to be a SEN teaching assistant, experience with children (with or without SEND) is preferable but even that isn’t essential especially in the current climate where recruiting staff is a real challenge. If you have your own children you would have more experience than most of the people we employ!

Just to add, obviously you would be working under the direction of the teacher and at my school you would receive training to support you in the role too. There is also the opportunity for TAs to gain on the job qualifications once they’ve passed probation.

Edited
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But they werent suggested a TA roll by the job coach were they - it was a Teacher role!!!

Endoadnowarrior · Yesterday 23:32

I know this isnt what you are asking, but id recommend looking at management or governance and compliance jobs in the charity sector.
So many seem to want people to be qualified accountants, not because they'll be being accountants but so they've got the necessary financial understanding!

Also, with why aren't you getting redundancy pay? Not because it will affect you claiming UC whilst searching but you said there is no exit package but you should legally entitled to statutory redundancy pay.

NeverDropYourMooncup · Yesterday 23:01

Redsofacushionsandsnacks · Yesterday 18:57

Bloody hell, I absolutely disagree with this. OP is a qualified professional, looking for work in a hideous market. She has been allocated a “work coach”, surely THAT PERSON should be literate and numerate at least? And for them to even wonder if an accountant should be a SEN TA shows that they know very little about employment and skills. Where is the crossover between the skills required for the two roles??
So yes op, go back and ask for someone else. If someone else was “making the decision” for me, I’d prefer that they were at least, basically competent.

Show quote history

In the eyes of the job centre, she's female, has kids, is numerate, can communicate in English and needs a job. That's enough it itself before you take into account she's had management experience, so would have had experience in training and explaining things to new staff.

Surprised she hasn't been asked if she's considered becoming a Maths teacher, tbh.

MayaPyjama · Yesterday 22:01

QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 19:18

Thanks so much for your post. This is wildly different from my experience but absolutely encouraging. It could be some fundamental flaw that I am exhibiting in my process that is blocking me because if you are saying you are struggling to fill roles then it's wild to me - I am also in Tax, Financial services. Maybe people just don't like me. My CV is not the issue. I always get to first round. I know I interview well - maybe there is something else I am doing wrong?

There must be SOMETHING I am doing wrong because I am actually happy to work below my level at this point and I don't quibble about money at final interview stage, ever.

I think I am over qualified and old - to be honest. Am 45. I thought they would be happy at no risk of maternity leave but it seems I just can't win.

I keep being told "headcount is not approved" or "we don't have budget for new hires at the moment" etc etc.

I thought that after promotions were announced there would be some turnover and I could slot in there but no dice so far. Perhaps October time? This is based on my performance appraisal cycle in previous firms.

However October is months and months of bills to pay and children to feed away - months and months away.

Are you ok for me to PM you?

Edited for multiple typos

Edited
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Hi,

Yes feel free to PM.

I wouldn’t be concerned about age hiring in my team (and would actually prefer the diversity, and think that would be mostly true across my firm as it’s big on DEI).

It is weird your getting to interview and then being told there is no role though - but happy to take into PMs if you want to be more specific and I’m happy to share my thoughts!

Redsofacushionsandsnacks · Yesterday 20:00

PiMCA · Yesterday 16:23

I think a lot of people's experience of work coaches seems to hark back to the harsh sanction days under the Tories. Currently they are supposed to help people actually find work. They are not just administrators, they are junior management level, the administration of UC is generally done centrally and has nothing to do with individual jobcentres.

Sorry you are not finding your work coach helpful, but she does appear to be right in suggesting the SEN TA role though. And She probably has between 120 and 220 people on her caseload so you not having transport may have slipped her mind. On the other hand she may just be shit at her job. You could ask for a new work coach but if you do it through the journal you will be asking her!

In what world or basic level of competency is a “junior manager” one who cannot fill in a form? And how in the WORLD is she “right” about suggesting a SEN TA role? Where is the over lap? The skills correlation?
Also, how is her caseload Ops problem? Op has enough problems of her own, her own unemployment and trying to support her children being one of them!
And what on earth do the “tories” have to do with it?
Junior Manager my eye.

Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 19:18

MayaPyjama · Yesterday 17:54

Where are you and what is your specialism?

I am always astounded by these job market posts as I (a tax accountant, albeit in practice) have never been in such demand nor have we ever found it so difficult to find potential recruits (I had a vacancy open for a full year with no applicants). You will have absolutely heard of where I work, and nationally we have about 30 open vacancies you’re likely to be qualified for (I don’t know your geography).

Have you tried applying for junior roles in practice? Say at even just the top 10 firms? I just can’t square your experience with mine.

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Thanks so much for your post. This is wildly different from my experience but absolutely encouraging. It could be some fundamental flaw that I am exhibiting in my process that is blocking me because if you are saying you are struggling to fill roles then it's wild to me - I am also in Tax, Financial services. Maybe people just don't like me. My CV is not the issue. I always get to first round. I know I interview well - maybe there is something else I am doing wrong?

There must be SOMETHING I am doing wrong because I am actually happy to work below my level at this point and I don't quibble about money at final interview stage, ever.

I think I am over qualified and old - to be honest. Am 45. I thought they would be happy at no risk of maternity leave but it seems I just can't win.

I keep being told "headcount is not approved" or "we don't have budget for new hires at the moment" etc etc.

I thought that after promotions were announced there would be some turnover and I could slot in there but no dice so far. Perhaps October time? This is based on my performance appraisal cycle in previous firms.

However October is months and months of bills to pay and children to feed away - months and months away.

Are you ok for me to PM you?

Edited for multiple typos

OP posts:
CandidLurker · Yesterday 19:14

The other possible option is to work as a contractor within IR35 so you can work through an umbrella company? I’m retired now but someone may be more up to date with that way of working. I contracted but through my own limited and outside IR35 but I think a lot of that work has gone now.

i hope you find an accountancy role soon..

Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 19:10

CandidLurker · Yesterday 19:01

Sorry if you’ve already thought of this but have you searched for Fixed Term contract accountancy roles on the websites? You may be able to get something shorter-term in accountancy e.g. to cover a mat leave or something. You just need something to take you out of the system for a bit. The problem with the job centre, or whatever it’s called these days, is that they are targeted to get you into any job. If it wasn’t for needing to sign on you wouldn’t be there. You are going to be much better at finding a suitable role than anyone who works in the job centre.

Thank you - yes - am registered with the main recruitment agents in my field - and am open to FTCs as well, eg maternity leaves etc. It just seems like the whole world is on holiday right now and no one wants to make decisions.

I always get to 2nd stage interviews and then get told that - there is no budget, we will see where we are next quarter, etc etc.

It's hard. But thank you for your post.

OP posts:
Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 19:07

PiMCA · Yesterday 16:23

I think a lot of people's experience of work coaches seems to hark back to the harsh sanction days under the Tories. Currently they are supposed to help people actually find work. They are not just administrators, they are junior management level, the administration of UC is generally done centrally and has nothing to do with individual jobcentres.

Sorry you are not finding your work coach helpful, but she does appear to be right in suggesting the SEN TA role though. And She probably has between 120 and 220 people on her caseload so you not having transport may have slipped her mind. On the other hand she may just be shit at her job. You could ask for a new work coach but if you do it through the journal you will be asking her!

Thank you for your comment - it did make me smile. It's been a while since I smiled. I won't use the journal to express my "displeasure".

I take on board the comments about the TA role.

OP posts:
CandidLurker · Yesterday 19:01

Sorry if you’ve already thought of this but have you searched for Fixed Term contract accountancy roles on the websites? You may be able to get something shorter-term in accountancy e.g. to cover a mat leave or something. You just need something to take you out of the system for a bit. The problem with the job centre, or whatever it’s called these days, is that they are targeted to get you into any job. If it wasn’t for needing to sign on you wouldn’t be there. You are going to be much better at finding a suitable role than anyone who works in the job centre.

AnneElliott · Yesterday 19:00

Assume you’ve looked at your local authority op? As you’ve got finance experience that might be worth a try as they find it hard to recruit finance people - and they won’t have the same issue as (IME) as private sector with hiring you as a junior. If you’re prepared to learn pensions then that’s a shortage role in local authorities and they find it so hard to recruit people to the pensions team. Now although they’re trying AI, it is a complicated area with so many variables that it will always need a human to check it and apply some common sense.

If I ever leave my civil service role then I plan to try and get a job in local authority pensions.

Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 19:00

NotTheMrMenAgain · Yesterday 16:10

Try the civil service jobs site - there should be finance roles across the service but HMRC might be a good bet as it sounds like you have lots of experience and their recruitment is supposed to be ‘blind’, so no age discrimination (allegedly).

I had a long civil service career and ultimately had to resign when trying to work, be a single parent and care for a terminally ill parent became more than I could cope with, after three years of juggling. It took me almost two years to find a new job which fit around my caring commitments and it was pretty depressing, to be honest. I had a number of work coaches and some of them seemed lovely, we had some mutually supportive chats - a good number of them we not
enjoying the work coach experience, as it’s a low band, low paid civil service admin role with more targets/micro-management/people related aggro than the pay warrants.

But, as many people have mentioned, their role is basically to tick the boxes, make certain you are jumping through the relevant hoops and prod/harass you until you get a job. You should have an easier time of it as you will be seen as low-hanging fruit because you are actually willing to work.

Good luck, it’s rough out there.

Thank you for your post. I have registered for civil service jobs - HMRC was an obvious one for me. However they recruited about 7 months ago so no current vacancies that I can see. Just my luck right?

Thanks for your post. I am glad to hear things worked out for you in the end. I can only hope (for myself and my kids).

I am looking at other civil service jobs as well. As I say, my whole life is jobhunting at the moment.

OP posts:
hahabahbag · Yesterday 18:58

Yes you are entitled to claim, do, you not only get new style jsa but your ni paid.

but, unless you are looking for an entry level position they are unlikely to help except referral for cv writing help

Redsofacushionsandsnacks · Yesterday 18:57

NeverDropYourMooncup · Yesterday 13:35

No, you can't demand/ask/request somebody else. You get who you've been given.

For the purposes of receiving UC, you are no different from anybody else who attends, you are no more special than anybody else and you do not require somebody who can 'comprehend' what you're saying - because it is entirely irrelevant. You need a job and you need to keep looking and applying for jobs in order to fulfil the job seeking requirement of the benefit - a SEN TA is something reasonable for them to suggest (in their eyes, and as they make the decisions, that's all that matters) when you take into account that you are literate, numerate and breathing.

Show quote history

Bloody hell, I absolutely disagree with this. OP is a qualified professional, looking for work in a hideous market. She has been allocated a “work coach”, surely THAT PERSON should be literate and numerate at least? And for them to even wonder if an accountant should be a SEN TA shows that they know very little about employment and skills. Where is the crossover between the skills required for the two roles??
So yes op, go back and ask for someone else. If someone else was “making the decision” for me, I’d prefer that they were at least, basically competent.

Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 18:54

Pickledonion1999 · Yesterday 12:46

Just to add I'm not even sure whether these work coaches are calling people into the job centre regularly. My new graduate son claimed UC in June, he has only had a couple of appointments with a work coach. He has found a part time job but they won't know that yet as he hasn't been paid yet but even since he has been working very part time they've barely called him in to hassle him to look for more hours. I just get the impression the whole system is overwhelmed with so many new claimants.

Mine is heavy on compliance - I have to attend at least once a week. Luckily it's a short bus ride away.

OP posts:
Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 18:51

Devilsmommy · Yesterday 14:11

Exactly what I was thinking. I've had to apply a couple of times and my work coach was never the person who does the id check

Show quote history

I think I answered this earlier - she is definitely my work coach. ID checks were done but have had appointments for commitment setting and she sends me jobs and I meet her every week.

OP posts:
MolkosTeenageAngst · Yesterday 18:47

QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 18:36

Thank you for this and the clear explanation about qualifications. Thanks also to @Cherry8809 and @inthequietofdawn for your comments about being a SEN TA/teacher. There were 2 separate jobs pushed to me, to be clear.

I appreciate the information you have provided about the fact that I don't need specific qualifications to do this kind of work. That was helpful. I do have 2 children of my own and so I don't have an active hate for kids, which also is useful.

However, I am a chartered accountant and tax advisor. I trained very hard for many years to gain my qualifications. Many many exams I took and passed to get my accreditation. And I did enjoy my work.

It just got taken away from me with little to no notice.

I do hear what you are saying - I am the one who is desperate with no alternative so yes, I will probably complete the SEN teaching assistant/teaching job applications because I am desperate. Based on what you have said, I just need to show transferable skills. I can do this.

I do think though, it is heart-breaking for me in a way. I worked so hard to build my career, a career of my choice. I am not sure if I can express this well but it feels like I am taking a job just for the sake of it rather than out of real desire for it.

I cannot hand on heart say that I ever wanted to be a Teaching Assistant and I feel sad for myself and I also feel sad for the kids I'd be working with to be honest, because I can't truly say I'd want to be there. Not because there is anything at all wrong with being a TA but because it's just not really for me.

But thank you for telling me that there is no impediment to me getting such jobs due to lack of prior experience. That is helpful.

Show quote history

I totally understand why you wouldn’t want the job - I absolutely love my job as a teacher in a special school and would be devastated if I had to leave it and the only option was to become an accountant. I wasn’t meaning to suggest it would be the long term role for you, but perhaps an option if you can’t find a job you want to do straight away. If you did take a TA job I would still encourage you to keep looking for something you actually want to do and I would always say the same to my team,

I really hope that you are able to find something more suitable to your skills, experience and interests than being a TA. My understand is that August is not the best time to be job searching as so many industries quieten down a bit with staff on annual leave and so there may be more options available in the coming weeks and months. I really hope this is the case.

Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 18:45

topcat2014 · Yesterday 13:25

I'm an accountant who lost a job last year sacked :( but, like the OP, not from a practice background.

I would love to move to doing "the books" for small businesses, but, these days the costs of compliance insurance and software would be at least £3k per year.

I'm now back in manufacturing. Lower level, but zero stress.

I have a practice background :-(

When I said "sweating my networks" I mean this honestly - I have spoken to all my former bosses but they have "no budget for new headcount". My CV is "on file" in so many places.

I am too expensive, basically - too much experience to come in as a cheap trainee and I know this is true.

When I was a Manager in professional services I was acting as a Senior Manager and the Senior Manager above me was acting as a Director and so on and so on.

OP posts:
19lottie82 · Yesterday 18:43

QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 13:28

It is quite sad but a measure of my mental state - I did google any work coach jobs available in my area because I could actually do that job, and do it better!

I don't think it is possible to understand how bad things are in the UK job market and/or these systems until you have actually experienced it.

I intend to attend all appointments and have utter respect for the need to be accountable if expecting to receive benefits.

I will continue job hunting my own way i guess; that is what I am taking away from this thread.

@Pickledonion1999 I have a full driving licence - been driving since I was 16 (licensed - grew up in a different country with different age limits) - I just don't have a car at the moment. Husband has kept the shared car (acrimonious divorce).

My life is just really sh*t at the moment and all I want to do is get a job and this seems impossible for some reason.

Have you tried registering with recruitment agencies? They often have immediate start work that’s a lot easier to walk into then a. Permanent role.

bobajob1 · Yesterday 18:41

@MayaPyjama ’s post looks good OP!
Plus, never mind the SEN jobs, someone more suitable can do those.

wanttoworkbut · Yesterday 18:39

Stop apologising, you are entitled social security. You have paid your stamp and have children to support.

I'm on JSA so maybe different, I don't know if the people who ring me are coaches but they are quite hands off. They did refer me to Smartworks who are excellent.

I am also midlife, dumped from a technical career that is in theory in demand. I'm sure if I went down south there'd be more opportunities but I don't want to leave my home, I have little else to cling on to.

Original poster
QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 18:36

MolkosTeenageAngst · Yesterday 15:28

I’m a SEN teacher and you don’t need any qualifications to be a SEN teaching assistant, experience with children (with or without SEND) is preferable but even that isn’t essential especially in the current climate where recruiting staff is a real challenge. If you have your own children you would have more experience than most of the people we employ!

Just to add, obviously you would be working under the direction of the teacher and at my school you would receive training to support you in the role too. There is also the opportunity for TAs to gain on the job qualifications once they’ve passed probation.

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Thank you for this and the clear explanation about qualifications. Thanks also to @Cherry8809 and @inthequietofdawn for your comments about being a SEN TA/teacher. There were 2 separate jobs pushed to me, to be clear.

I appreciate the information you have provided about the fact that I don't need specific qualifications to do this kind of work. That was helpful. I do have 2 children of my own and so I don't have an active hate for kids, which also is useful.

However, I am a chartered accountant and tax advisor. I trained very hard for many years to gain my qualifications. Many many exams I took and passed to get my accreditation. And I did enjoy my work.

It just got taken away from me with little to no notice.

I do hear what you are saying - I am the one who is desperate with no alternative so yes, I will probably complete the SEN teaching assistant/teaching job applications because I am desperate. Based on what you have said, I just need to show transferable skills. I can do this.

I do think though, it is heart-breaking for me in a way. I worked so hard to build my career, a career of my choice. I am not sure if I can express this well but it feels like I am taking a job just for the sake of it rather than out of real desire for it.

I cannot hand on heart say that I ever wanted to be a Teaching Assistant and I feel sad for myself and I also feel sad for the kids I'd be working with to be honest, because I can't truly say I'd want to be there. Not because there is anything at all wrong with being a TA but because it's just not really for me.

But thank you for telling me that there is no impediment to me getting such jobs due to lack of prior experience. That is helpful.

OP posts:
NeverDropYourMooncup · Yesterday 18:07

QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 14:31

I am literate, numerate and breathing. I am not making demands. As I said.

I do not think I am special. Why would I? I am just a standard working mum of 2 who has lost her job and needs support until I can change things for better.

What on earth makes you say that I think I am "special". Special for what? Special for working before? Special for claiming benefits for the first time? What is so special about me? Nothing! Nothing is special about me.

I am clearly desperate and have not hidden this. I do not want to remain unemployed - I am desperate for work.

I don't think I can be a SEN teacher without any upskilling or guidance. I only know very basic information about SEN children and their needs. I would not be able to support them appropriately, I don't think. I don't think their parents would be happy with me handling this with no experience at all.

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It's the point of view of UC/the benefits system and is how you are regarded by them. The fact that you've worked before and have both qualifications and experience is irrelevant, as you are in the same position as claimants that haven't. You also said a SEND TA, which is a position that doesn't necessarily require experience or specific qualifications, and with the way things are now, most parents would be relieved that there was actually somebody with their child for a change.

In any case, it's shit, the system's shit, it's definitely not designed to provide a bespoke service, it's intended to make sure that you keep on applying for jobs in exchange for the UC payment. Genuinely, you keep doing what you are already doing, meet their requirements, keep the journal up to date, smile sweetly and take the money. You're entitled to it.

MayaPyjama · Yesterday 17:54

QuestioningEverythingNow · Yesterday 14:38

Thank you - am registered with so many agencies it's hard to keep track of. I have about 24 folders at this point.

Indeed, Reed, CV Library, Total Jobs, etc - all done

Specialist accounting firms - all done

Tax recruiting agencies (which aligns with my experience) - all done - lots of emails saying no recruitment budget at the moment, maybe after the summer etc

Thank you though. Will keep trying.

Show quote history

Where are you and what is your specialism?

I am always astounded by these job market posts as I (a tax accountant, albeit in practice) have never been in such demand nor have we ever found it so difficult to find potential recruits (I had a vacancy open for a full year with no applicants). You will have absolutely heard of where I work, and nationally we have about 30 open vacancies you’re likely to be qualified for (I don’t know your geography).

Have you tried applying for junior roles in practice? Say at even just the top 10 firms? I just can’t square your experience with mine.