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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To make a complaint about DWP

66 replies

DWPeedOff · 14/08/2012 20:15

I'm absolutely rubbish at complaining! In person I get all red and mumbly, in writing I get carried away and completely lose the point. I need help of the MN type, curt and to the point.

I'm unemployed right now and claiming contributions based Jobseekers (DH works FT). We have two small children. I'm looking for work and I've had a few interviews but no job offers as yet. I was signing on at 3:30 every Monday which was fine.

DWP have now, for whatever reason, switched my sign on time to 12:30 from the end of the month. I've explained that this is no good. DC1 is at nursery and it doesn't finish until 12, I don't drive so I'd need to go straight for the bus after doing the nursery pick up. The bus is at 12:40 so I'd be late for the sign on slot before I even got there.

The DWP lady went away, came back and offered me 1pm. I again explained that this was still no good. I can get there for 1pm but it would still mean getting the bus straight after picking DC1 up from nursery. I'd get to their office for 1pm (with running from the bus stop!) and sign but when am I supposed to feed the DCs their lunch? There are no food type places near the office, a packed lunch at the bus stop isn't ideal but could be done on a dry day, when it's raining or cold that's not an option though and youngest is only 10mo, has health issues and refuses to eat while in the pushchair no matter how hungry. I told them that in all practicality I can't make it for 1pm and gave them the reasons. I asked if I could have a 2pm slot instead or a 10:30am one or if I could come on any other day of the week.

Their response: "if you had a job you'd have to be there on time and on the set day no matter what your reasons". If I had an effing job the children would be in childcare and all of this would be a non-issue. They've said I'll have to come for 12:30 next week and that all I can do is keep asking for a different time slot because as people sign off their time slots will become available and one of those might be a better fit. In the meantime though I'm stuck with a time slot that's not feasible. I don't even know why they've changed my existing time slot as it was ideal.

They wouldn't let me speak to a manager but they gave me a leaflet with a complaints address. AIBU to make a complaint? Is it even going to make a difference? I'm scouring their customer charter to see if there's anything in it that says they have to take any of this into consideration!

OP posts:

FireOverBabylon · 15/08/2012 09:56

DWP you mention in your OP that you don't drive. Reading the discussion above, no-one else has mentioned this, but I think that this is really something that you need to address, unless you can't drive because of a health issue.

Not only would you be able to get to the Job Centre quicker, but it would also open up the pool of jobs you could apply for which require a car or clean driving licence. Your DC could still eat in their seats as you drive along and, in the short term, if you know someone else available in the day who has a full licence, they could sit in with you whilst you're a learner so you can drive to the job centre whilst you still have a provisional licence.

limitedperiodonly · 15/08/2012 10:14

Driving lessons are so reasonable these days.

As is insurance, petrol and buying a car.

Emsmaman · 15/08/2012 10:22

Righly or wrongly I can't see the DWP taking your complaint seriously. When I was trying to find out if I could get contributions-based js I tried to change an appointment time to fit in with DD's nursery. When they found out the reason that I needed to change the appointment they cancelled it altogether and told me I couldn't claim. If I couldn't be available for full time work at any hours at the drop of a hat I would be considered a job refuser and have the money taken back.

FireOverBabylon · 15/08/2012 10:32

limited there was no need for the sarky response. The OP complained about being given an appointment time which didn't fit in with her bus. If she could drive it would get her there on time, make it easier for her to get her DC to childcare and open up the range of jobs available.

I didn't say it was a cheap option, just one worth doing if she has the means. It would resolve a number of her problems. She mentions that her DH works full time, so there may be sufficient money to do this - she doesn't mention anywhere that she's destitute.

limitedperiodonly · 15/08/2012 10:35

Really fire?

I find sarcasm is often the only reasonable response to daft suggestions.

thecook · 15/08/2012 10:38

I would not touch a jobcentre with a large bargepole if I was looking for work.

The computers are a joke for searching for work. If you entered you were looking for a secretarial position and clicked on the map for your area (and a seven mile radius) it would show positions in Aberdeen. It would also fling up a dental nurse job in Lowerstoft. Hardly commuting distance from London!
Most of the positions on the computer were 'non jobs' commission only crap.

GroupieGirl · 15/08/2012 10:39

How quickly do you anticipate she will be able to learn to drive?! By the end of the month? And as a learner driver myself I'd be THRILLED at the idea of driving my two year old around....

thecook · 15/08/2012 10:45

I think FireOverBabylon meant well. It was just a stupid suggestion.

I doubt the OP would endure the jobcentre every Monday if she didn't need the money.

expatinscotland · 15/08/2012 10:58

How is it a stupid suggestion? No one's saying it has to be doneovernight. She's on contribution-based JSA as the husband works full-time, it might be possible to take lessons or, if he has a car, have him supervise her as learner once she gets a provisional.

It really does open up job possibilities.

vicky160985 · 26/01/2015 10:54

If your youngest is 10months then you shud be on income support not JSA for this exact reason. X

vicky160985 · 26/01/2015 11:01

As for the driving suggestions hahahaha lessons per hour cost how much ? Then yeah she can just go along and pick out a nice new car to buy with her millions can't she! Don't forget the tax and oh the insurance?? Petrol?? Maintenance of the vehicle??? Seriously it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realise that driving and purchasing a car are probably a little furthur down the road for her! Ignore those who clearly haven't got a clue! Way to give out support hey :-/

sparechange · 26/01/2015 11:06

This thread is nearly 3 years old :-/

Bair · 26/01/2015 11:47

No doubt the child in is school now Vicky, so I wouldn't worry yourself too much.

Viviennemary · 26/01/2015 11:52

I don't think you'd get very far complaining. (Not saying they are in the right) But the argument as others have said is that you should be available for work. They simply think that if somebody is claiming jobseeker's allowance and the only criteria is to seek work and sign on within working hours then that's the rule.

Viviennemary · 26/01/2015 11:52

Another old thread!!!

gamerchick · 26/01/2015 12:03

And you can't claim income support if your partner works full time.

vicki did you not notice the red, this is a zombie thread do you really want to resurrect it before you posted?

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