Could You Treat People This Way?

[bainbrig]

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/04/jobcentre-adviser-play-benefit-sanctions-angela-neville

“We were given lists of customers to call immediately and get them on to the Work Programme,” she recalls. “I said, ‘I’m sorry this can’t happen, this man is in hospital.’ I was told [by my boss]: ‘No, you’ve got to phone him and you’ve got to put this to him and he may be sanctioned.’ I said I’m not doing it.”

I suppose it’s possible that conditions have changed since the above interview was published, but from all accounts they have not.

Who could, who does, who is “only following orders”, in what passes for our compassionate society? Anyone here?

[Togo]

//Could You Treat People This Way?//


No I don't think I could. Then again I couldn't encourage a recovering alcoholic to take a drink.

[THECORBYLOON]

Jobcentre staff do not impose sanctions. They make referrals to Decision Makers (DM) who then look at the evidence provided by the claimant (they need to be given the chance to comment)and the Jobcentre.

[THECORBYLOON]

The report is nearly four years old by the way.

[Rockrose]

Corby don’t let facts get in the way of ill informed rants

[bainbrig]

As I wrote in my first post, if you'd read it...

I suppose it’s possible that conditions have changed since the above interview was published

B

[mushroom25]

//Jobcentre staff do not impose sanctions.//

they don't. but at every level the system incentivises the cutting of expenditure and it's only human nature that operatives will seek to improve their own position, or that of their department. if unchecked it can grow to extremes - as evidenced by the Stafford hospital scandal. tickbox cultures take no prisoners, or hold much compassion.

[emmie]

compassion or common sense seem to play no part in many of their decisions.

[THECORBYLOON]

My answer applied back in 2015.

[Rockrose]

No emmie and neither should it. If I let every person off an overpayment or a tax debt that gave me a sob story I’d be jobless

[wolf63]

Jobcentre workers are normal human beings like the rest of us. They stick to the law regarding benefits and sanctions - compassion and common sense don't factor into it to any great extent. Sticking to the law is really the fairest way to run such a system.

Sometimes things go wrong, somebody suffers and this is unfortunate but to tarnish the whole system because of this is unfair.

[THECORBYLOON]

Claimants can ask for a decision to be looked at again and there is also the chance to appeal.

If sanctions or disallowances are made inappropriate they will be reversed on reconsideration or appeal.

Benefit incorrectly withheld will be paid plus there is the cost involved in the reconsideration or appeal.

Is it likely DWP would support DMs consistently making wrong decisions, knowing there will be additional costs in correcting them?

[Spicerack]

Nobody would argue that the benefits system hasn't been abused for years, would they?

[Spicerack]

I do know that some claimants are poorly treated, mind.

[Kathyan]

I had been claiming DLA for over 13 years and getting the higher rate for mobility. I was then told to apply for PIP. I di and went for an assessment. I went in my wheelchair which I need to get around outside. The woman at the assessment asked me if I had bought the wheelchair myself (which I had about three years before). I was turned down for higher rate mobility and put on low rate, even though I had been getting higher rate for over 13 years previously. I applied for a Mandatory Reconsideration accompanied by letters from my Doctor and MP. Within 4 weeks my claim had been approved to higher rate mobility. I wondered why I was asked the question about buying the wheelchair myself, now I know why!

[bainbrig]

The corbyloon repeats the old lie “If sanctions or disallowances are made inappropriate they will be reversed on reconsideration or appeal.“

Nonsense. Less than a third of appeals are upheld. Do you you REALLY two-thirds are phoney?

[Rockrose]

Bainbrig have you ever worked in this sector?

[THECORBYLOON]

BAINBRIG which figures and benefits are you talking about? What percentage of total decisions are overturnt in the claimants favour?

For example say there are a thousand decisions made. A hundred claimants ask that they be looked at again and 75% are changed in their favour. That sounds high but it's only 7.5% of the 1,000 made.

[Deskdiary]

Why the use of the word "customer"?

A customer is somebody who buys goods or services - claimants are not customers.

[emmie]

deskdiary
it's what i have been called, not a claimant, strange thinking on their part.

[murraymints]

as a member of benefit staff for many, many years, I can say that the emphasis moved from helping people into work and assisting financially whilst it was needed..to a "prevent claims being pursued and don't tell if not asked " attitude....I effectively became a police officer of the state..and saw many people suffer or punished unfairly as a consequence...although I did my best to apply common sense and fair reasoning and judgement, many didn't and don't.... one of the reasons I moved on....