Introduction
A visit to a DWP Job Centre can be a depressing experience. There is little in the way of Pastoral support. Indeed if a Job seeker is Sanctioned there is little signposting support. Should that worry us? YesAt a very basic level attending a Job centre is not a pleasent experience. In most cases it will be undertaken on a fortnightly basis. The staff at a Jobcentre have a very limited time for each job seeker.
A job seeker is required to sign a Job seeker agreement to obtain benefit money. If they do not undertake the requirements of the agreement then this can cause issue.
Why is there a need for Job Centre or Job Seeker Pastors
DWP statistics indicate that sanctions are placed on many JSA and ESA claiments. Job seekers find the sanctions system a tough system. If you have been informed that you have lost Welfare Benefit payments for a period of 12 weeks you may easily face feelings of despair. You may need to find a listening ear
Statistics show that Sanctions are a common issue throughout the U.K. DWP do not have the time or the manpower to support, guide or signpost attendees and listen to the issues.
At the time of writing this post there is little support for Job seekers in terms of online support, signposting or information on community support.
The Street Pastor movement set up a number of years has reached out to communities throughout the U.K. They have been a visible presence of the local Town Centre engaging with late night drinkers reducing the numbers of Police hours spent simply listening to those facing challenges.
Local Church volunteers patrol cities on a Friday and Saturday night and engage with many...often just a listening ear.
A listening ear with leaflets and support information may make a massive difference to so many accessing a Job centre in your area.
Here is a quote from a Linked in article highlighting the issues that are faced.
At the time of writing this post there is little support for Job seekers in terms of online support, signposting or information on community support.
The Street Pastor movement set up a number of years has reached out to communities throughout the U.K. They have been a visible presence of the local Town Centre engaging with late night drinkers reducing the numbers of Police hours spent simply listening to those facing challenges.
Local Church volunteers patrol cities on a Friday and Saturday night and engage with many...often just a listening ear.
A listening ear with leaflets and support information may make a massive difference to so many accessing a Job centre in your area.
Here is a quote from a Linked in article highlighting the issues that are faced.
A recent Linkedin article from a Support manager tells a story
"Tenant visited JCP on a Friday, the systems were down and he was advised to call back Monday or use his own PC to make a claim on line. Claimant advised he did not have his “own” PC. He attempted to use the JCP telephone but the systems were unavailable. He left the building and was asked to return Monday.
My advisor actually made the hour long claim using company telephone on the Friday, to prevent a delay in claim.
The interview at JCP
• The interview took over 1 hour, mainly as the start of the interview involved the advisor taking copies of identification, stamping every page of the telephone transcript, and asking the claimant to sign every page.
• The claimant was not directly asked Tier 1 or Tier 2 questions.
• An APA was explained but never offered.
• The claimant was asked who the landlord was but not asked if there were current rent arrears, and was not advised to supply a copy of the tenancy agreement/rent statement.
• The telephone number was given to the claimant for a budgeting advance, but the claimant was told he could not apply for one for at least 24 hours. *
• It was very much like a JSA interview but with contracts drawn up.
Other points of interest:
• The JCP advisor only has read only access to the UC claim account, ALL changes have to be made by ringing the service centre ( even small changes i.e. telephone numbers)*
• Sanctions were briefly explained
• The JCP coach has no access to payment information, dates or amounts, this is all done by ringing the service centre. (if the coach/advisor can get through). *
My advisor actually made the hour long claim using company telephone on the Friday, to prevent a delay in claim.
The interview at JCP
• The interview took over 1 hour, mainly as the start of the interview involved the advisor taking copies of identification, stamping every page of the telephone transcript, and asking the claimant to sign every page.
• The claimant was not directly asked Tier 1 or Tier 2 questions.
• An APA was explained but never offered.
• The claimant was asked who the landlord was but not asked if there were current rent arrears, and was not advised to supply a copy of the tenancy agreement/rent statement.
• The telephone number was given to the claimant for a budgeting advance, but the claimant was told he could not apply for one for at least 24 hours. *
• It was very much like a JSA interview but with contracts drawn up.
Other points of interest:
• The JCP advisor only has read only access to the UC claim account, ALL changes have to be made by ringing the service centre ( even small changes i.e. telephone numbers)*
• Sanctions were briefly explained
• The JCP coach has no access to payment information, dates or amounts, this is all done by ringing the service centre. (if the coach/advisor can get through). *
* These are areas where a Tenant can be let down by DWP and feel frustrated
This gives you an example of the challenge and indication of the needs
This gives you an example of the challenge and indication of the needs
How
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1525809011042796/
A group page has been set up to encourage discussion of the concept and for people to share the idea of the Pastors with each other.
From my experience 30 mins or more outside a local job centre can make a difference. Engagement can make a massive difference
Is this a concept that might work in your area?
Is it a concept that your local Church could pray into and discuss
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