Unreasonable work coach?

[jayapink]

I have a 15 month old child and recently left my job due to various issues.

Anyway my work coach is just very difficult.
She insists that I look for work and apply for jobs at 30 hours but I have read online that I am not expected to look for work until DC turns 3.

I will now have monthly meetings with her to see how my job search is going on (her words).

She asked me a question (can't remember what it was) and when I said it was difficult due to childcare she rudely said "well that shouldn't be a barrier should it"?

I did request to change work coach last month when she was expecting me to come in for an interview and was refusing to do a video interview instead as I had transport issues.

Any advice please?

I think it might depend on which benefits you’re claiming

There appears to be a lot of subtle and not so subtle benefit bashing threads in here today.

I'm on universal credit.
I have always worked and left my job in December.

Where did you read about not being expected to look for work until dd is 3?

It says here

www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-and-your-claimant-commitment-quick-guide/universal-credit-and-your-claimant-commitment

And I called the helpline and the advisor told me the same thing.

They can expect you to attend regular appointments to discuss working in the future. This may ramp up a bit when your child turns 2 and you could be expected to do work preparation activities then, to prepare you for working when your child turns 3.

@cadburyegg

Yes my child is only 15 months old and the coach was telling me to apply for jobs and go on websites looking for work.

At 15 months you should only be going in every 3 months. This goes to every month when they turn 2. You're not expected to look for work as such, more preparing to go back. Up to date CV, research childcare etc. your coach sounds like a twat. Definitely try and get a different one

You were recently in work and must have childcare for that job.

She's trying to help you get back to work.

The longer someone is out of work, the harder it is to get another job, every statistic shows that.

Her job is to get you into.work, she's doing the right thing.

What are the barriers to you working?

Do you need skills training etc?

Just tell her you are doing work preparation such as researching childcare. Are there any online courses you could do?

Are you a single parent?

From the way of read it basically if you have been in work UC is to help you get back to work. Regardless of the age of the child. I would interpret that it's someone who hasn't worked while and need preparation to get back to work. At the end of the day it's benefits and you have to jump through the hoops

@Devilsmommy how does the coach sound like a twat?

Since you have been in recent employment OP the work coaches job is to help you find work. As it is easier to gain employment once you have recently been employed. UC is there to help you get back to work. Looking for childcare options is part of this.
There are a lot of working parents out there (me included).

What are the reasons for you not working?

Just request to change work coaches, regardless of what posters her may think the law is the law.

How valid were the various reasons for you leaving your job? If childcare was available to you less than two months ago, it’s reasonable to think that it would still be available now unless you’ve stated a reason otherwise.

It really doesn't matter why OP left her job. She can't be sanctioned until she's in the all work related activities group and that won't happen until her youngest child turns 3.
In the mean time she's in the work focused interview group until her child is 2 so all she has to do is attend meetings with the work coach.
When her child is 2 she'll be in the work preparation group which will include CV writing and possible training.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/what-youll-need-to-do-on-universal-credit/claimant-commitment-what-group/

Until your child is 2 you shouldn't have mandatory work search requirements. Although you can chose to apply for jobs of you want to.

Your claimant commitment should be geared around work preparation activities (Researching childcare availability, upskilling via courses if necessary)

At this point I'd be expecting your work coach to make you aware of how to access help with upfront childcare costs etc.

Appointments are usually 3 monthly at this stage.

I would complain about your work coach to their manager. Or if she is the manager, to someone else. She isn't following the rules.

Did you voluntarily leave your job?

Do you have a partner on your UC claim?
If yes, who do have down as the main carer for your child?

If it's just you and your 15m old then the WC is wrong.
You do however have to attend Work Focused Interviews.

I recently have split from the child's father, his mother was helping look after DC but she has serious health problems now and is unable to see.

It's just me and DC living in the property, and the WC had made it clear that I am expected to look for work.
I just can't gel with her at all and find her so rude, my last WC have been lovely and I have never had any issues.

I have messaged the support centre about changing WC so I will see what they say.
If not I will make a complaint as she has provided me the incorrect information as confirmed by the contact centre earlier.