Why would Jobcentre do this?

[janeeire244]

At my first ever UC Jobcentre appointment with my work coach, there was a lady sat next to him at one of the booths. I don’t know if she was also a work coach who just didn’t have anyone seeing her at the time or if she was my work coach’s supervisor or if she was checking on me; but she was literally listening in onto our conversation. Why would she do this?

Was she just waiting for her appointments or do work coaches get supervised like that? Or, does the Jobcentre have additional staff checking up on claimants (first time) to see if they are legitimate?

Might be learning the job?

It does happen for quality checking or training but it was wrong for the coach not to introduce the other person and check that you were ok with it. Sometimes people may have sensitive stuff to discuss and not want another person there.

Fairly normal for on the job training

She wouldn't be checking up on claimants, she was probably either new to the job so sitting in to learn, or your work coach was being supervised because he was new-ish. But they definitely should have let you know why she was there and asked if you were ok with her sitting in, I'm surprised neither of them said anything.

Very possible it was just someone waiting for their appointment. Happens all the time at ours, no privacy at all