Been put into a local charity scheme who want me to do full time unpaid work, worried!

[casesensitive]

As above, I have aspergers and dyslexa and dyspraxia and after a family member was murdered a few years ago havent recovered and suffer from severe depression(though docs wont sign me off or give me medication)

 

I recently was illegally evicted from a property as the landlord had already locked me out for a week as I was doing a college course so wasnt in on rent collection days(though I told him this over phone and constantly asked for his bank details for setting up a standing order) and he kept my mail that time and stole my mail and a giro when I moved out.

 

The point there is sorry that I was seeing a Disability Employment Advisor at my old jobcentre who set me up with a works psychologist who agreed that it would be best for me to go into full time education and employment wasnt the way forward.

 

But because I was evicted I had to move to another area with a friend I could stay for a few days and managed to move in with him as his landlord had an empty room(since it was a student let) and I had an appointment with a new DEA who said he would put me on a 6 week training scheme, I didnt totally mind this but was freaking out as I currently do part time university and if I get good results from my essays will go full time from January which is the best thing for me but he said I would have to leave!

 

Anyway I was given about 24 hours notice from the training scheme place and left a couple of messages on answerphone that I had no credit to check(well about 50p left that I wanted for emergency) I eventually checked them and found they wanted me to go in and moaning as I didnt reply and when I went in I was told they wanted me to do 6 weeks full time work with a local employer, also because I live about 20 minutes walk from town I am not entitled to travel expenses. and they wanted me to work in the local pound shop that as is even though its still over a month till christmas is jam packed with people and staff are rushed off their feet so I dont feel like its the enviroment for me to work in and even less so since its unpaid since I will be stressed getting about £38 a week income(as I pay about £9 a week for old crisis loans) especially since I would have about a 30 minute journey each direction walking each day(its about 20-25 minutes but would also have to be in early for a shift)

 

I am really panicking as they pressurised me into filling in forms saying that I agree that I want to do 6 weeks unpaid work and if I dont turn up any days or am late my benefits would be stopped!

 

What are my rights?!

[minerva]

I think your first stop should be the Doctor, if you have a specialist working with you then that one, if not then your GP.

 

You will need to explain the circumstances to them and that them pressurising you is causing you stress/anxiety.

 

Hopefully your Doctor will be able to send a letter confirming that this type of work is inappropriate for you. If you have an actual diagnosis of ASD you should also be claiming DLA which will definately help with the shortage of money.

 

Its not the same as signing you off of work altogether as I'm sure there are lots of jobs that will suit you but you will need to be comfortable.

 

I would also suggest you take someone along with you to any furture meetings (are they work focused interviews?) and let them know your concerns before you go in so they can quickly pick up on anything that you are too panicked/stressed to notice and stop you being "bullied" into something unappropriate.

Edited November 12, 2009 by minerva

[trekster]

Looks like you are currently on Jobseekers Allowance?

 

Could you send them a copy of the psychologists report that metnioned that "full time education is best for you at this stage" ? If you can find some evidence of your unsuitability to work then the job centre have to follow this.

 

Email the autism helpline and see what they can help you with. www.autism.org.uk/enquiry They have given me lots of pointers in the past.

 

They cannot stop disability benefits if you dont attend a work placement scheme (unless thats the new employment and support allowance rules?)

If you lived near Bristol i could help you fill in DLA and other disability forms so you could have more to live on and get out of JSA trap.

 

Good luck and im sorry you are stuck at the moment. Contacting your local autism society is another idea.

 

Alexis

[casesensitive]

Looks like you are currently on Jobseekers Allowance?

 

Could you send them a copy of the psychologists report that metnioned that "full time education is best for you at this stage" ? If you can find some evidence of your unsuitability to work then the job centre have to follow this.

 

Email the autism helpline and see what they can help you with. www.autism.org.uk/enquiry They have given me lots of pointers in the past.

 

They cannot stop disability benefits if you dont attend a work placement scheme (unless thats the new employment and support allowance rules?)

If you lived near Bristol i could help you fill in DLA and other disability forms so you could have more to live on and get out of JSA trap.

 

Good luck and im sorry you are stuck at the moment. Contacting your local autism society is another idea.

 

Alexis

 

Yes Jobseekers, was told before I couldnt claim DLA unless I could prove that the Aspergers negatively affected my ability to work and I can work but get severe depression so cant hack it very long.

 

The Psychologist who said I was better off in education was actually the jobcentre works psycologist but this local office I am at now is quite a nasty little office and very few advisors want to help, it was the same jobcentre who a few years back before I knew I had disabilities stopped my money for 6 months as they gave me 15 application forms at 4.20 on a Friday and closed at 4.30 and when I came in on Monday to post the forms one had closed on the Friday so was told I hadnt done enough to fine work, and the same one when I moved down here refused my backdating claim after they forgot to give me details of the claim transfer appointment so I lost 2 weeks money!

[KezT]

I would suggest you get some proper advice - try CAB who can check what benefits you might be entitled to and help you apply, as well as deal with officious DWP officials, and look at the legal position & represent you if necessary. Or if you have a good one in your area, DIAL can be very helpful with all that too. Also contact NAS and see what they say.

 

It sounds a bit complicated to make any useful comments on here - would need a lot of detail about who/what/how long etc

[NobbyNobbs]

Disability Living Allowance is about the care you need, not your ability to work. i get jobseekers and DLA. you also get an extra £25 or so each week on top of jobseekers and DLA for being a disabled jobseeker or something like that (you have to get DLA to get that). so i get £47 jobseekers + £25 disability payment, plus £17 DLA a week.

 

it sounds like you've been put on a work trial. where you try the job for a fixed time before you say you want to do it/they say they want to keep you. you continue to get jobseekers and they dont pay you. your DEA should be discussing with you jobs that are apropriate for you to do (mine has on record limited customer interraction, no telephones, no busy places), and then you are allowed to say no to anything that doesn't fit that.

 

if you were going to increase your hours at university to full time you wouldn't be allowed to claim jobseekers, although may well be entitled to a student loan.

[casesensitive]

Disability Living Allowance is about the care you need, not your ability to work. i get jobseekers and DLA. you also get an extra £25 or so each week on top of jobseekers and DLA for being a disabled jobseeker or something like that (you have to get DLA to get that). so i get £47 jobseekers + £25 disability payment, plus £17 DLA a week.

 

it sounds like you've been put on a work trial. where you try the job for a fixed time before you say you want to do it/they say they want to keep you. you continue to get jobseekers and they dont pay you. your DEA should be discussing with you jobs that are apropriate for you to do (mine has on record limited customer interraction, no telephones, no busy places), and then you are allowed to say no to anything that doesn't fit that.

 

if you were going to increase your hours at university to full time you wouldn't be allowed to claim jobseekers, although may well be entitled to a student loan.

 

Yeah I know I wouldnt get jobseekers at uni and just a loan and grant etc as I went 2 years ago but was around time when I was going through a knockdown in depression since around then I had a flatmate who also had severe depression who got quite violent in shouting and kicking and screaming (he was a nice guy though just going through a bad patch) so I wasnt ready.

 

Its not a work trial since it was me who asked to see a DEA, as far as jobcentre was concerned I am a normal jobseeker and the DEA said it would help me get back into work if I went to this local charity/trust.

 

its just basically work experience I am doing as the woman said I would need an interview with the employer and wear my smartest clothes(which I have none and jobcentre wont buy as I am not on New Deal) and moaned at me for having none! then said she would sit in on interview which makes me feel worse and kinda annoyed as it would make me feel as if she is saying I cant handle it when I have had job interviews in the past and had jobs.

 

She said that the placement does not guarantee a job and admitted out of all the people she has worked with in the last year(which is likely a lot) only 1 has got a job and that was because the employer had advertised shortly after and gave them an proper interview.

[JsMum]

 

 

Hi, I would defo contact National Autistic Society and request a welfare rights officer contact you.

 

Also if you require legal help, then these are free and confidential and can help you with all your entitlements, rights and benefits.

 

http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/gateway/benefits.jsp

 

I think that the Jobcentres are all fighting each other because they have to get as many people as possible off the dole, so education you wouldnt be classed as on the dole, as such.

 

You also need to look at support for Accomadation, there is supported housing too, how old are?

 

As a vulnerable adult as you have a disability due to Depression and AS you are high priority to house in your local council.

 

Again the community legal advice will help you with this too, it may also be a good idea to have a full adult Assessment due to your disabilites.

 

JsMumxxxx

 

[casesensitive]

Hi, I would defo contact National Autistic Society and request a welfare rights officer contact you.

 

Also if you require legal help, then these are free and confidential and can help you with all your entitlements, rights and benefits.

 

http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/gateway/benefits.jsp

 

I think that the Jobcentres are all fighting each other because they have to get as many people as possible off the dole, so education you wouldnt be classed as on the dole, as such.

 

You also need to look at support for Accomadation, there is supported housing too, how old are?

 

As a vulnerable adult as you have a disability due to Depression and AS you are high priority to house in your local council.

 

Again the community legal advice will help you with this too, it may also be a good idea to have a full adult Assessment due to your disabilites.

 

JsMumxxxx

 

Interesting thanks, never knew that and my Aspergers is meant to be mild as I have an IQ of 140 and can socialise somewhat but am more a clingy person not that I am clingy in the general sense but as I cant hold conversation well and get nervous I either go quiet or ramble and mutter on stupid stuff or get too much about talking about myself for literally hours on end and have held jobs in the past normally call centres since I love stuff like directory enquiries and being polite to someone and getting their life story because as I say I am a chatterbox.

 

The AS is diagnosed but not the depression as the docs refuse medication despite a huge family history of depression and only offer councilling which after a long wait isnt true councilling.

 

I dont know if being segregated is for me though as deep down I am a normal 26 year old its just I have such low feelings for myself and depression that I havent achived much and keep dropping out of courses and jobs and feel worse as the jobcentre essentially have called me in the past to my face lazy when I am actually such a hard worker that every employer I have had has pretty much begged me to stay as I put more effort in than others and just leave due to things like minimum wage and little encouragement(most of the time I like the job just not for the pay and stress it creates)

 

[JsMum]

 

 

 

Your Intelligence doesnt determin your mild, moderate severe AS.

 

At Js school some of the children have Severe AS but have a massive high IQ and pass GCSEs but require constant supervision and assitance, so just because you have an IQ that is high it doesnt reduce the severity of your AS.

 

The severity of your AS is really down to Social Interaction, Social communication, Social Understanding and Social Functioning.

 

AS is a Social and communication difficulty and Theory of mind.

 

So just letting you know just because you can be sociable and friendly and you have a high IQ doesnt mean you have a less degree of AS.

 

It may be that your AS requires more support, my sons needs were not met and so this caused additional diagnosis, so it maybe that you need more support and more desirable job prospects to fully function with AS.

 

So offered you support for Benefits support and Housing support, its not about segregating, its about functioning in life the best you can with the difficulties you face due to your AS.

 

JsMumxxx

 

 

 

[trekster]

Yes Jobseekers, was told before I couldnt claim DLA unless I could prove that the Aspergers negatively affected my ability to work and I can work but get severe depression so cant hack it very long.

 

Whoever told you that didn't know what DLA is about. DLA is for people who need help looking after themselves, whether it be in the home or when they go out. It has nothing whatsoever to do with work. Personally i think everyone with a disability should fill out a DLA form even if they think they are going to be turned down. Better to try than to not know. If you can get a copy of the "taking responsibility report". There is a page called "practical support services" where you can use those examples of help we might need for your application.

The Psychologist who said I was better off in education was actually the jobcentre works psycologist but this local office I am at now is quite a nasty little office and very few advisors want to help, it was the same jobcentre who a few years back before I knew I had disabilities stopped my money for 6 months as they gave me 15 application forms at 4.20 on a Friday and closed at 4.30 and when I came in on Monday to post the forms one had closed on the Friday so was told I hadnt done enough to fine work, and the same one when I moved down here refused my backdating claim after they forgot to give me details of the claim transfer appointment so I lost 2 weeks money!

 

The treatment you are receiving is disgusting and im sure you can complain under the DDA. Calling the EHRC (european human rights commission) should be a good start for you. Also the autism helpline (which would know your rights better). The autism helpline is better contacted via email since you have some physical evidence to show them.

 

If you try and contact your regional officer (or the bristol autism officer Simon Allen (NAS filton) if you live near Bristol) they should be able to word your letter of complaint with you.

 

Alexis

 

[trekster]

I would suggest you get some proper advice - try CAB who can check what benefits you might be entitled to and help you apply, as well as deal with officious DWP officials, and look at the legal position & represent you if necessary. Or if you have a good one in your area, DIAL can be very helpful with all that too. Also contact NAS and see what they say.

 

It sounds a bit complicated to make any useful comments on here - would need a lot of detail about who/what/how long etc

 

Better still attempt to do it online http://www.entitledto.co.uk/Default.aspx?A...CookieSupport=1 answer all the questions best you can. It will tell you what disability benefits you can apply for. CAB in Nth Somerset was rubbish until something concrete put in front of them got my friends DLA upped to middle rate.

 

DIAL (disability information and advice line) is very good and can advise on employment and other disability rights.

 

i agree with posts further down emailing the welfare officer at the NAS as they know what benefits you can apply for also what to write on the forms. It's not cheating since some days we are more autistic than others.

 

[trekster]

Disability Living Allowance is about the care you need, not your ability to work. i get jobseekers and DLA. you also get an extra £25 or so each week on top of jobseekers and DLA for being a disabled jobseeker or something like that (you have to get DLA to get that). so i get £47 jobseekers + £25 disability payment, plus £17 DLA a week.

 

i think you should appeal your award as well. Sounds like you only get lower rate care or lower rate mobility? Most autistics should be able to get middle rate care and lower rate mobility. Just out of interest why cant you apply for employment and support allowance? Im on an old (severe disablement allowance) benefit and income support with severe disability premium. You can still look for work whilst on these benefits it just gives you more to play with in the meantime.

it sounds like you've been put on a work trial. where you try the job for a fixed time before you say you want to do it/they say they want to keep you. you continue to get jobseekers and they dont pay you. your DEA should be discussing with you jobs that are appropriate for you to do (mine has on record limited customer interaction, no telephones, no busy places), and then you are allowed to say no to anything that doesn't fit that.

 

if you were going to increase your hours at university to full time you wouldn't be allowed to claim jobseekers, although may well be entitled to a student loan.

 

Interesting how that can work for someone on jobseekers as i wasn't aware it could be the case. Student loans are available but not if claiming income support which casesensitive isnt at the moment. i think if your hours are below 16 then you can still get severe disability benefits (for new claimants that's employment and support allowance and income support (as long as you get the disability premium with it).

 

Alexis

 

[trekster]

Yeah I know I wouldnt get jobseekers at uni and just a loan and grant etc as I went 2 years ago but was around time when I was going through a knockdown in depression since around then I had a flatmate who also had severe depression who got quite violent in shouting and kicking and screaming (he was a nice guy though just going through a bad patch) so I wasnt ready.

 

Not related to your work situation but connected with university. Are you claiming Disabled Students Allowance? You apply via your LEA then get told to go for an assessment (more evidence for the job centre possibly?) which then helps them calculate what equipment and support you can get. At the moment my university mentor is my main resource for my mental health needs. She can also help me word letters and with any aspect of university academic or not.

Its not a work trial since it was me who asked to see a DEA, as far as jobcentre was concerned I am a normal jobseeker and the DEA said it would help me get back into work if I went to this local charity/trust.

 

i wasnt given those conditions when i sought work about 3 years ago. i was told it was entirely voluntarily and sent on Workstep and Workprep programmes. i was also offered unpaid placements but allowed to keep my existing money. Hours werent discussed at the time but i think we agreed on 2 x 1/2 days per week to start with.

its just basically work experience I am doing as the woman said I would need an interview with the employer and wear my smartest clothes (which I have none and jobcentre wont buy as I am not on New Deal) and moaned at me for having none! then said she would sit in on interview which makes me feel worse and kinda annoyed as it would make me feel as if she is saying I cant handle it when I have had job interviews in the past and had jobs.

 

She said that the placement does not guarantee a job and admitted out of all the people she has worked with in the last year (which is likely a lot) only 1 has got a job and that was because the employer had advertised shortly after and gave them an proper interview.

 

She is offering to sit on the interview to help with answering questions you might misunderstand due to your aspergers. i have never been offered this type of support but i would seriously consider using it if possible. Charity shops will sell smart clothes.

A white shirt with a tie and black trousers with black shoes are all thats needed for a job interview. Jobs are hard to find at the moment so it's possible shes just warning you about what should happen. Even bearing this in mind she shouldn't have put you in this position in the 1st place. My brother quit JSA (has no diagnoses) due to being told "you have to accept any job we send you for interview".

 

Alexis

 

[trekster]

casesensitive wrote

Interesting thanks, never knew that and my Aspergers is meant to be mild as I have an IQ of 140 and can socialise somewhat but am more a clingy person not that I am clingy in the general sense but as I cant hold conversation well and get nervous I either go quiet or ramble and mutter on stupid stuff or get too much about talking about myself for literally hours on end and have held jobs in the past normally call centres since I love stuff like directory enquiries and being polite to someone and getting their life story because as I say I am a chatterbox.

 

trekster reply

i am on long term disabled unemployment benefits and in a housing scheme for learning disabilities. i also have aspergers and possibly the same IQ as yourself. Many DEAs dont understand aspergers which is why you seem to have been given the wrong advice. Having worked in the past doesn't mean you cant go on benefits if you need to give up work for disability reasons. ive never had a paid job since leaving school.

 

casesensitive wrote

The AS is diagnosed but not the depression as the docs refuse medication despite a huge family history of depression and only offer councilling which after a long wait isnt true councilling.

 

treksters reply

i refuse to take meds for my depression since they dont treat the underlying cause of the depression (which sounds like your doctors take on it as well). i take OTC 5htp from the health food shops and it costs about £16 a bottle unless on sale. It is worth the expense and i can just about afford it at the moment. Why wasnt the counselling true counselling? University mentors can do counselling type roles as well, mines a trained psychologist and with the "anxiety and depression workbook for dummies" we are getting to the bottom of my mental health problems.

 

casesensitive wrote

I dont know if being segregated is for me though as deep down I am a normal 26 year old its just I have such low feelings for myself and depression that I havent achieved much and keep dropping out of courses and jobs and feel worse as the jobcentre essentially have called me in the past to my face lazy when I am actually such a hard worker that every employer I have had has pretty much begged me to stay as I put more effort in than others and just leave due to things like minimum wage and little encouragement (most of the time I like the job just not for the pay and stress it creates)

 

trekster reply

2 things, 1 no such thing as normal and 2 "different is cool" (luke jackson). ie normal sucks. Employers should be paying for you to attend courses such as the "anxiety in the workplace" run by the prospects branch of the NAS. London, glasgow and manchester run prospects employment schemes which are NAS based. Success is varied depending on what type of role you would like to do.

 

Alexis

[trekster]

totally agree with JsMum on this thread

[NobbyNobbs]

i think you should appeal your award as well. Sounds like you only get lower rate care or lower rate mobility? Most autistics should be able to get middle rate care and lower rate mobility. Just out of interest why cant you apply for employment and support allowance? Im on an old (severe disablement allowance) benefit and income support with severe disability premium. You can still look for work whilst on these benefits it just gives you more to play with in the meantime. as you get the disability premium with it).

 

Alexis

i have appealed. about 6 times. i've also been to tribunal and am now apealing to the upper tribunal. i'll get there eventually but for some reason they've decided to ignore all my evidence. ive now contacted the NAS and got my ASD support worker working on it because they just wont listen to me. they gave me a statement of reasons for the tribunal decision and they actually said in it that they didn't believe the report written by the NHS autism unit about my needs because i was clealy intelligent!

 

i could apply for ESA but tbh i get all the support i would get on that from my DEA and with my track record with the DLA i'd be refused, as i can't live away from home i get enough money from the JSA, i just give the bulk of it to my mom to pay for food etc. my DEA is great and has listened to my needs, doesn't pressure me to apply for jobs i can't handle and has agreed to let me do volunteer work while i look for jobs that are suitable since it will take a while. so there are good oens out there! its just getting lucky i suppose.

 

 

you can't get disableld students allowance unless you are on a full time course, which is rubbish for me as i'm doing a load (8+) part time courses

[Jannih]

Hi Case Sensitive,

 

There is so much going on here, I think you you need to get in touch with the NAS and see if they can recommend or provide you with a welfare rights/advocacy worker. Failing that, as someone has said the CAB will offer help and advice but it would be better if the person you use, has a knowledge of ASD.

 

As someone else has also said it appears to be a "Work Trial" that they wish to send you on.

 

This is a VOLUNTARY scheme which enables a JC customer to prove their ability to an employer before being offered permanent work. It also benefits the employer as they do not pay the person or go through all the HR procedures until they are sure that the person is fit for the job.

 

If, at any time during the work trial period, you wish to leave as it is not suitable, you can. This is one of the few times a person can refuse, without their benefit being affected. Work Trials are about giving someone a "taster" of work. Because anyone who has health, disability and long term unemployment issues, will naturally be very lacking in confidence. The "work trial" can sometimes provide a boost of confidence.

 

In regard to full time education, you would have to come off JSA as you would no longer be considered available for work.

 

Re. DLA . If you are going to complete the forms, get help from someone who knows what they are doing and can read between the lines of a question. CAB are good to use.

 

 

You can ask about ADF ( adviser discretion fund) I am surprised that your Jobcentre has not offered it to you, if they have told you to get a suit for interviews, jobs etc . It is discretionary, as the name implies and so if you are refused, then try applying for a budgeting Loan ( must be on benefits for 6 months plus) or crisis loan for "Items only."

 

 

Best of luck

 

 

Jannih

 

 

[trekster]

i have appealed. about 6 times. i've also been to tribunal and am now apealing to the upper tribunal. i'll get there eventually but for some reason they've decided to ignore all my evidence. ive now contacted the NAS and got my ASD support worker working on it because they just wont listen to me. they gave me a statement of reasons for the tribunal decision and they actually said in it that they didn't believe the report written by the NHS autism unit about my needs because i was clealy intelligent!

 

im sorry you have had to go down this route so many times. The way i helped my friend appeal was that we wrote down 20 reasons why he is a vulnerable adult and the sort of situations he could get stuck in.

 

ive helped my friends apply for DLA using the worse case scenario situation and the taking "responsibility report". In the practical support services page contains pointers for you to find everything literally you have problems with. So it could be you cant deal with salespeople coming to your door (vulnerable adult evidence) write down the effect of their behaviour would have on you eg "i would end up having to buy something i didn't want just to get rid of them. Then i wouldn't be able to send the item back due to my inability to start a conversation on my problems with strangers".

i could apply for ESA but tbh i get all the support i would get on that from my DEA and with my track record with the DLA i'd be refused, as i can't live away from home i get enough money from the JSA, i just give the bulk of it to my mom to pay for food etc. my DEA is great and has listened to my needs, doesn't pressure me to apply for jobs i can't handle and has agreed to let me do volunteer work while i look for jobs that are suitable since it will take a while. so there are good ones out there! its just getting lucky i suppose.

 

Yes it is getting lucky as i know of a person in surrey who cant get help due to their over qualified status. Hes got a degree but still isnt valued in the workplace working at a call centre and tutoring maths. To get ESA i think you need middle rate care at least. Pleased you have a DEA that can listen to you. If you can then mention to prospects or your local NAS branch about how good this DEA is so it can help others.

you can't get disabled students allowance unless you are on a full time course, which is rubbish for me as i'm doing a load (8+) part time courses

 

im doing a part time undergraduate course 16 hours and can claim disabled students allowance. In fact i cant do a full time course and claim DSA as i would end up loosing the severe disablement allowance and the income support.

 

Alexis

 

[casesensitive]

Ok another update, I recieved a few withheld number calls on Friday which I ignored since I have had a few debt collectors harass me the last 2 weeks(for debts I dont owe no less)

 

I never got a message saying I had a voicemail, and this morning my phone battery was low and didnt give me a warning and woke up at 1pm and got a text saying 4 voicemails.

 

Turns out that I had an appointment at 1.30 and the people are angry with me as I arent making an effort!

 

Turns out the withheld calls were from them as they said they made an appoinment with the manager of the local poundshop and someone from jobcentre was coming to sit in on the interview

 

I would never have agreed to that either as I would be intimidated and feel as if I was judged.

[casesensitive]

Ok another phone call from them, they said i have to see shop manager on Thursday in smart clothes(which I dont have) and be ready to start Friday!

 

Not happy!

[smiley1590]

i have AS social anxiety and depression i started off working voluntary and then was offered part time work covering staff members off sick kept me busy and active and helps with positive mental well being and self esteem i now part of the team been invited to leaving do on 8th december and also got a 21st bday party in january!!! my mum gets my DLA benefit as she buys clothes and what ever else i need!!!

 

can work under 16 hours which is at my personal pace and can cope with anymore than that and i think i find it difficult and struggle to keep up through do get mentally drained and tired but then so does NT workers just i feel it more at times to keep up and carry on through is hard work and effort but i'm determined to be successful and ambitious!!! AS and depression or not!

 

i never imagined starting off voluntary could lead so many opportunties and chances you'de be surprised it open your eyes wide open you never know what's around the corner i was going to quit being a volunteer but my parents said stick with it and look it's worked out for the best and getting more work soon!!!

 

i know how it can be frustrating the working world and services understanding how we are affected our individual needs and isn't easy to explain in words unless like everything you been there just do what you can don't push too hard i didn't find any job /employment services out there helpful useful more like less i did it all myself off my own BACK connexions ask you do work for them just like job centre they knowledge of ASD etc is very limited indeed and that is sad! as even in the job world you feel alone pushed out and that's just proves how low your self-esteem can go! and depression etc

 

take care

good luck

 

XKLX

[smiley1590]

i have dyspraxia which affects my short term memory of forgetting what i was ding organising etc i had a nan die just end of last month and still finding hard to maintain 'happy smiling face' without it slipping and effecting my work level when you have depression it so easy to fall into that trap wherever you are you feel so damn tired have no energy feel like sometimes i have to talk myself into going into work and not saying in bed depression can make you seem as if you are lazy and can't be asked but it's not like that living with it everyday drags you down i couldn't stay at home drive me 'mad' crazy though sometimes feel i need time to breathe away from work and that hard to find as never really found a equal right balance so annoying confusing but i'm doing what i can at this moment in time what AS n MH will let me do and sometimes even that too much pressure ..... but have to make an effort like NT's however difficult and hard to face and feel like running and hiding as feel embarrassed and ashamed at times at work awakard .... i get so angry at times over loud bqackgorund noises or several kids calling my name at once as my head is 'spinning' literally isn't there fault just get so irratated .... grrr my workers are very understanding and supportive try break down tasks and get me involved in lots different tasks which i learning all time which biulds up work professional skills and ui'm grateful i have this i savour each moment with joy and hope i'll be as 'good' as they are one day!! they praise me all time too!

 

XKLX

[trekster]

Ok another phone call from them, they said i have to see shop manager on Thursday in smart clothes (which I dont have) and be ready to start Friday!

 

Not happy!

 

Do you have the following to wear on thursday?

 

1, a clean pair of black or pinstripe trousers?

2, A shirt or blouse (blouse is for the ladies) with all the buttons in tact.

3, ideally white socks

4, any colour underwear (if wearing a bra best to use plain white without frills)

5, black shoes

 

Play them at their own game, dress appropriately for the day.

 

Alexis

[casesensitive]

Do you have the following to wear on thursday?

 

1, a clean pair of black or pinstripe trousers?

2, A shirt or blouse (blouse is for the ladies) with all the buttons in tact.

3, ideally white socks

4, any colour underwear (if wearing a bra best to use plain white without frills)

5, black shoes

 

Play them at their own game, dress appropriately for the day.

 

Alexis

 

I have decided if they want me to go in smart gear to get some free clothes! They told me today when I asked a jobcentre advisor that I can go to topman, Debenhams or BHS, Topman had a nice suit in for £100 but no shoes and far too small for me(as you expect they are aimed at thin trendy people under 25 mainly) and Debenhams only had a concession and said it had to be from main Debenhams and not them, so had to go to BHS, as expected not very nice as such clothes but enough to get through and more the sort of clothes I would wear daily instead of a job interview so have to go back first thing in morning to see if they agree to the £89 for a full suit, shirt, tie and shoes for £89 or they might moan as I could of got this disgusting looking suit for lik £35 and still paid £20 for the shoes.

 

I may play up a bit tommorow, not totally but if the woman wants to come into my interview I will refuse as that would put me off and I would just sit there and say nothing as I would feel started at and even more so if they want the jobcentre member of staff to come in as well like they said(what has a jobcentre member of staff got to do with sitting in on an interview)

 

If I am alone with the manager of the shop I will admit I am not too happy about working full time and would prefer part time as if I was full time I wouldnt put the effort in then ask if they would work their job for £84 a week and have to walk 30 minutes or more each direction and be in store before opening time.

 

If I am forced to work there I wont turn up a second before 9am or be there a second after 5.30, sod it if theres a queue of customers and they say I cant leave till they are served.

Edited November 18, 2009 by casesensitive

[Tally]

Glad you've got a smart outfit sorted.

 

It sounds like they may be trying to support you by attending the interview with you. Maybe if you explained that you'd actually prefer them not to do this, they will understand that this is not helpful and leave you to go by yourself instead.

 

I don't think it's helpful to tell the shop manager you plan not to put in any effort and threaten to work to rule during your interview. He does not know anything about you and how much money you get or how long it takes you to get to work, he has just agreed to offer you work experience because the Job Centre have asked him to. This will completely defeat the point of the exercise, which is to give you the opportunity to practise your interview technique and get some work experience. If you go with your plan, you'll just set yourself up to fail and waste the opportunity. You may as well give it your all, even if it does later turn out you can't cope with the hours.

[Jannih]

Be very careful. To deliberately sabotage an interview, can be classed as "Refusal of employment" and could lead to suspension of your JSA.

 

Check your Job Seekers Agreement as this is a legally binding contract which outlines the minimum steps you have agreed to look for work. As a person with a disability you can agrree to work as little as 16 hours per week but if it says 40 hours then you have signed it and agreed that you would work full time. You can ask for your hours to be reduced on health grounds. Likewise if you have agreed on the length of time for travelling to and from the job then that is also legally binding if you refuse a job for those reasons.

 

As Tally says , it might better if you explain to the JC adviser that you find his/her presence off- putting and explain why.

 

Can you not get someone to act as an advocate for you ?

 

 

[dana]

Hi,

I just wonder have you tried Disability Student Allowance (DSA)?

 

Danaxxx

[trekster]

Glad you've got a smart outfit sorted.

 

It sounds like they may be trying to support you by attending the interview with you. Maybe if you explained that you'd actually prefer them not to do this, they will understand that this is not helpful and leave you to go by yourself instead.

 

I don't think it's helpful to tell the shop manager you plan not to put in any effort and threaten to work to rule during your interview. He does not know anything about you and how much money you get or how long it takes you to get to work, he has just agreed to offer you work experience because the Job Centre have asked him to. This will completely defeat the point of the exercise, which is to give you the opportunity to practise your interview technique and get some work experience. If you go with your plan, you'll just set yourself up to fail and waste the opportunity. You may as well give it your all, even if it does later turn out you can't cope with the hours.

 

Im with tally on this one, the job centre should be complained to not the potential employer. i got some news from the NAS and they told me;

 

The usual chain of command for complaints regarding service at a Jobcentre Plus office is a complaint to the individual officer or their office manager, if not resolved then the District Manager, then the Chief Executive and finally the Independent Case Examiner, see http://www.ind-case-exam.org.uk/, though you would need to exhaust the other channels first.

 

A letter to each of the above will be sufficient but there is a standard form too, which also explains the complaints procedure, see:

 

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stelle.../dev_015485.pdf

 

Can also involve local MP for support, though they wouldn't normally have any direct influence, they can if they feel it is appropriate refer to the Ombudsman.

 

HTH

 

Alexis

[casesensitive]

Im with tally on this one, the job centre should be complained to not the potential employer. i got some news from the NAS and they told me;

 

The usual chain of command for complaints regarding service at a Jobcentre Plus office is a complaint to the individual officer or their office manager, if not resolved then the District Manager, then the Chief Executive and finally the Independent Case Examiner, see http://www.ind-case-exam.org.uk/, though you would need to exhaust the other channels first.

 

A letter to each of the above will be sufficient but there is a standard form too, which also explains the complaints procedure, see:

 

http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/stelle.../dev_015485.pdf

 

Can also involve local MP for support, though they wouldn't normally have any direct influence, they can if they feel it is appropriate refer to the Ombudsman.

 

HTH

 

Alexis

 

 

Decided not to go in and texted the woman and got bombared with phone calls saying I have let her down and I am being lazy.

 

It wasnt that I didnt want an interview but as I say I didnt want full time, and realised I had a importantn psychologist interview that wouldnt of finished till 1.30 and I have to visit a dying relative and go to parents Saturday and we will be staying in a bed and breakfast Monday visiting relative Tuesday and coming back Wednesday.

 

Didnt want that hanging over my head and also because I have exams and assignments due in the next 2 weeks, not ruining my chance of going back to uni just to do a placement that I am not paid for at the busiest time of year.

[trekster]

Hello casesensitive

 

Does the job centre (local charity scheme) know that a relative of yours is dying?

 

Hours of contract can be negotiated after you get the placement.

i helped out at an office and mentioned to them "i can only do about 1 afternoon a week". They were happy to have me on these terms.

 

Could you volunteer for your local autistic society? Mine is excellent in Nth Somerset and allows me to be on the committee

despite not being a parent. i am their minutes secretary and im just as valued and respected as any other member of the

committee.

 

Did the psychologists report include the areas you were strong in? If you let us know what areas they are we can help you

decide which charities to approach yourself for help.

 

I've heard rumours that the Shaw Trust have been forcing people into placements that aren't suited to them.

The NAS news is about complaining to your job centre about unfair treatment.

 

Alexis

 

 

[NobbyNobbs]

i would think if you continue to refuse to work with the job centre towards getting a job you will find your JSA stopped. they would be well within their rights if your agreement says that you will attend interviews, work full time etc.

 

i fully understand how difficult these things are, and it may not be intentional but it does sound like you are being delibrately obstructive to the jobseeking process and not seeking to correct any misunderstandings about the work you are able to do. i would hate for you to lose the money you get so i think the best thing would be to go to your DEA and say you want a review of your agreement. i think they dont have to agree to things if they think you are capable of more though (i keep mine on my side by applying for lots of jobs... none of which i ever hear back from although thats not deliberate)

 

if you use your academic commitments to refuse work they will also use that against you, as part of being entitled to JSA is that you are ready and willing to take up employment within your agreed hours/travel distance.

[trekster]

i would think if you continue to refuse to work with the job centre towards getting a job you will find your JSA stopped. they would be well within their rights if your agreement says that you will attend interviews, work full time etc.

 

i fully understand how difficult these things are, and it may not be intentional but it does sound like you are being delibrately obstructive to the jobseeking process and not seeking to correct any misunderstandings about the work you are able to do. i would hate for you to lose the money you get so i think the best thing would be to go to your DEA and say you want a review of your agreement. i think they dont have to agree to things if they think you are capable of more though (i keep mine on my side by applying for lots of jobs... none of which i ever hear back from although thats not deliberate)

 

if you use your academic commitments to refuse work they will also use that against you, as part of being entitled to JSA is that you are ready and willing to take up employment within your agreed hours/travel distance.

 

He has medical evidence to proove he cannot manage full time work which isnt being taken seriously enough. Personally i dont feel JSA is an autistic suitable benefit, employment and support allowance, DLA and income support are better suited to being unable to work.

 

He was expected to walk 30mins each way to work full time in a shop during overloadingly busy hours. i also had a problem with being turned down for job interviews and the so called guaranteed interview scheme is currently unforcable.

 

My brother (not rec as having any disability) was told the other day "i dont care if you are on a course". He is doing it very part time 1 day 1 evening including a English gcse retake. But the JSA system is too unfair and too strict for autistics or other disabled folk to cope with.

 

Alexis (who can help you with your DLA application)

[casesensitive]

i would think if you continue to refuse to work with the job centre towards getting a job you will find your JSA stopped. they would be well within their rights if your agreement says that you will attend interviews, work full time etc.

 

i fully understand how difficult these things are, and it may not be intentional but it does sound like you are being delibrately obstructive to the jobseeking process and not seeking to correct any misunderstandings about the work you are able to do. i would hate for you to lose the money you get so i think the best thing would be to go to your DEA and say you want a review of your agreement. i think they dont have to agree to things if they think you are capable of more though (i keep mine on my side by applying for lots of jobs... none of which i ever hear back from although thats not deliberate)

 

if you use your academic commitments to refuse work they will also use that against you, as part of being entitled to JSA is that you are ready and willing to take up employment within your agreed hours/travel distance.

 

I dont think that is the case, as if means they lied when they said going to the local trust was voluntary plus they told me it was a 6 week course not 6 weeks work placement.

 

The interview was nothing to do with the jobcentre and nothing to do with getting a job so unless they try and twist it, and I dont put it past them then it should be fine.

 

The person admitted to me when I went to the charity that there was zero prospect of a job out of it so it is a case of simply putting me in a postition that wont help me.

 

My problems are social interaction and not job skills, I am an excellent worker when I have a job and can handle bullying(which I had in 2 out the last 3 jobs I had for being different and some quiet serious bullying including from the owner of a convenience store I worked in)

 

More work experience wouldnt help me find work, I need to build up my interaction skills as I say.

[trekster]

casesensitive could you ask for help from the NAS? i mean to find a social group in your area where you can share your experiences with those that know what it's like to be misunderstood.

 

Alexis

[Aeolienne]

Employers should be paying for you to attend courses such as the "anxiety in the workplace" run by the Prospects branch of the NAS. London, Glasgow and Manchester run Prospects employment schemes which are NAS based. Success is varied depending on what type of role you would like to do.

But how long is the waiting list for that, typically?

[Sally44]

I know this is an old post, but as it has been bumped up again I thought I would add the following.

 

If you have a disability [and an ASD classes as a disability], you can claim for Disability Living Allowance. You really need someone to help you fill it in because there is a certain technique to form filling. Citizens Advice should be able to help, or give you the contact details of another person or organisation that can help with form filling.

 

Once you receive DLA it gives you access to other benefits. Such as if you are working you maybe entitled to Disabled Tax Credit. You may entitled to Council Tax Benefit as well.

 

Also, if you receive DLA it is something you should tell any potential employer.

 

The Disability Discrimination Act has been replaced by the Equality at Work Act [or something that sounds similar to that]. You would need to inform your employer [in writing - usually to personnel or human resources department] that you consider that you have a Disability [and also any supporting documents from your GP/Consultants/Reports/DLA etc]. Every employer needs to be aware of this Act, and to know their responsibilities to employees under this act - such as having to make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable a disabled person to do the job.

 

These reasonable adjustments are tailored to the individual. So, for example, if someone has severe problems with getting to sleep and staying asleep, a reasonable adjustment might be to work regular daytime hours and not nights or a shift pattern.

Edited March 5, 2012 by Sally44

[trekster]

Why should you tell any potential employer that you claim DLA? i thought you only had to tell them if you got the job that you wanted to claim tax credits?

 

Council tax benefit is not reliant on claiming DLA but the discounts on the council and housing bills are reliant on you being classed as disabled.

 

i would apply for DLA and ESA at the same time and see which one happens 1st.

 

casesensitive you mentioned that 'more work experience wouldn't help you find a job', that depends on what you are applying for, better paid jobs are offered to those with more experience or qualifications.