• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

WORK PROGRAMME & DiABETICS

L

LondonBoy999

Newbie
Messages
2
Hi all

I'm Type 2 - oral. Been Diabetic since 1987 - self employed and governed my own hours to work etc. Now because business collapsed - I've been on Job Seekers now about to be put on the Work programme. Does anyone have experience of the Work programme as it relates to Diabetics. This programme seems to push people into any old job THEY deem fit.

Having paid all my 31 years NI - I'm dreading the Programme which seems to treat people like pigs. Any thoughts please. I get so tired and at 56 not inclined to be pushed about and made to do some job which is not suitable.
 
Its the usual jobcentre stuff, you will be pressured to apply for everything going as they dont give a stuff about your health/wellbeing, they just want you off benefits asap. Work programme are slightly different, they will push you to apply for everything going as they want you back at work asap so they can get paid by the government.

Of course you could go dont the ESA route, and you will be sent for an ATOS medical assessment where they will ignore all your health issues and say you are fit to work and they will put you on JSA.

As far as jobcentre plus is concerned, expect the worst and you wont be disappointed.
 
Hi Gaz

Well after a year on JSA - I know how they don't operate - hopeless. With the Work Programme - it's new. I'll let post how I get on. If they push I'll just tell the truth that I need to be near a loo and to do blood tests etc. I'll also put on application forms my condition, medication and tiredness. See how it goes. ESA maybe an option.

Cheers
 
All depends on who your work programme provider is, Im with Ingeus and they arent bad but like I say, they want to get paid at teh end of the day, so they will push all kinds your way.
 
Diabetes in itself isn't a reason not to be able to work, or to go on any work programme schemes the same as anybody else. If, however, your diabetes has led to complications that prevent you from attending, you should tell them.
 
You may find that you need to work a regular pattern ie not a job where you are working nights or irregular shifts as this can really play havoc with bg control. I suggest if you explain this and the reasons why they will be able to 'reasonably adjust'
 
Hi there I was on Income support and then Jobseekers. I went on a computer programme to update my knowledge of computers. I didn't do anything on the Diabetes issue. They knew I had it, Type1 for over 20 years, but I was looking for school work, office work, shop work, catering and working with animals, my 1st love. I eventually got a job last year by myself sending out CV's to local companies. Do you mind if I ask if you have a disability, eyesight,hearing, mobility etc? I dont want to pry though. JS will get people back to work ASAP I even went to see someone to get my CV checked over. JS is not a good place at all :( Good luck with finding employment. Best wishes RRB
 
Demoralising. It must be even more so after having run your own business, unfortunately the benefits agency as a whole are no respecter of an individuals circumstances.

Here's the bumph about the Work Programme http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ ... /DG_197781, you may notice that even those on ESA (wrag) can be put on this programme. It does say that it will be tailored to your own circumstances so they may try and take the diabetes into account but I don't think it will make a whole heap of difference I'm afraid.

The sad fact is that many, many people who are physically or mentally incapable of holding down a job are being forced into programmes of this type so I think you will have to go along with what they say.

To be honest, I would forget ESA as I doubt very much if you would be eligible, unless of course you do have other medical problems as a direct result of the diabetes and can provide documentary evidence from a healthcare provider to prove it. Tiredness and needing the loo a lot won't affect your ability to do a job but then again, if your GP/DSN says it does, then try ESA by all means.

I wish you luck.
 
Back
Top