Universal Credit

[Charlieandthechocolatecake]

I'm a work coach, still in training (5 weeks left!)

My training is very much centered in the technical and coaching aspects. As somebody that has been on UC for a few months, I feel like I understand what's it's like to be on the other side of the desk. That said, I found full time temporary work before before my current position started so I don't know what it's like to to go through the job centre every week/ 2 weeks.

I'd appreciate it if I could have some honest advice as to what would make me a good week to coach from a customer's point of view?

@Chocolate50 I'm very sorry if I came across the wrong way. What I tried to get across was that I'm frustrated with the system due to the restrictions we have. It's something I continuously bring up in my training. I want no more than to have a genuine conversation with my customers and I find that some of our guidelines prevent that from happening due to the way we have to ask questions. Whilst these guidelines very well benefit a good number of our customers, they don't necessarily work for everybody. As I'm new to being at the other side of the desk, it's going to take me some time to work out how I can stick to R&R's whilst making sure each meeting benefits my customer without hindrance. Again, sorry if I didn't come across very well the first time. I hope I've explained my position a bit better now x

@HeIenaDove this is something that I've been thinking about. An option would be to ask your work coach if you can have a phone appointment rather than a face to face one.

If your work coach is aware of any health conditions that can potentially make you vulnerable, I'm sure they would be happy that consider alternative arrangements x

@Chocolate50 I just wanted to apologise again. I'm not a know it all. Our training is very technical based hence why I'm here. I don't want to be the 'computer says no' person. I genuinely want to help. I thought if I asked others about their experiences I'd be able to use them for my benefit and eventually, my customers.

I appreciate how I may have come across but I was honestly stating facts. The same facts of have an issue with.

That said, thank you for your honesty, it only helps me going forward x

The best thing my wc said before I was placed in the no/low capability for work group was that I should never feel threatened or ransomed into looking for work.

Just have some common sense.

Originally I claimed it to cover “just incase” as I was zero hours on a night shift care job. Trying to explain to the woman who’d only ever worked 9-5 that I finished at 8 travel took roughly an hour but buses so could I have my appointments around 10 or phone calls to check in at 9. No not 3.30, not 12.45 unless I’d said I was off the previous night it’d really be like coming in at 3am for her. She also assumed weekend work would suit best as extra hours.. not realising my own employer would want me to work weekends too and refusing to do so would’ve probably got me sacked (still in trial period).

And if an appointment isn’t bloody needed give us a ring n say so. 5 mile walk, heavily pregnant this time, with my matb1 to prove I’m pregnant (we’ll get a small top up once dc2 comes along) to be told it’s not actually needed so just fill it in online. Great fun with spd like pains and a hilly town.

And from the other side of it.. if you’re not sure just get someone who is. Number of mistakes dp has seen in a week is shocking.

@HavenDilemma I'm sorry you had that experience. I know friends and family that have been through similar. I've not been through what you're have but I've definitely been given incorrect advice from work coaches that specialise in UC when it came to DP's New Style JSA claim.

I can only imagine it's a lack of knowledge/training. The focus is so much on UC that some claimants are unaware of the benefits of claiming new style benefits.

All I can say is that having been through similar, I've done enough research to know the the implications of switching from legacy benefits to UC, and applying for new style benefits rather than UC. Thank you for the information you've given me. I did wonder whether it was worth doing all the research I have. Now I know it definitely is. Thank you. Also, I will bring this issue up in our regular meetings. Thank you again x

@Charlieandthechocolatecake oh no sorry I think I misread your intentions, feel bad now, its ok don't worry, I guess I have personally had a lot of frustration with the service myself, at one point I was being told that my son's date of birth was 3 years prior to his actual date of birth! I mean seriously, I am his mother! I was there! and I also had the well trodden path of being told that my son couldn't claim ESA any more only for him to end up back on it, took ages to sort out, I guess I was venting a bit and the idea that you can't be human with your clients rubbed me up the wrong way, its only going to divide people and widen the power gap, anyway I hope you get on ok with it all x

OP Thanks for answering. Im not personally affected as ive said on the previous page. Not on UC but i was wondering on behalf of others. The potential spread from job centres could be a worry if illness is not taken seriously enough or the stance is taken that claimants are lying.