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Ten minutes early.. go away and come back.. Long Universal Credit waits. Speak poor English.. given a telephone number to phone instead of help. Nothing unusual but this shouldn’t be happening. Today’s demo.

Hi readers, sorry for being late in posting today, we had a mini meeting after the demo and as a result I haven’t had time to write the blog.

Anyway todays demo was a hard one as usual. The weather was awful yet again and we were busy from the offset. Every week its different and I never know what to expect and it would be wrong to expect anything wouldn’t it. Every person is an individual and their problems and worries are different as a result. Also every advisor is different, some are harsher than others, much harsher. Some have got a good reputation so far and yes I know who you are.

 

 

As I arrived I was stopped by a man straight away. He’s in an awful situation, his ESA was stopped and he’s now awaiting his first JSA payment to be made. Because he is appealing the ESA decision he can do this and he is getting help with this also.

He just wanted to chat etc and his girlfriend needed a little help also. He was left waiting for her outside the Jobcentre with us and waited for well over a hour. They really interrogated her today about several back to work courses, which as we know are mostly farcical. I hope she does start a course thats actually going to help her, there is one that does so fingers crossed. I won’t get started on The Workprogramme because it makes me irate and I could write a full blog on that subject. Let me know if you want to hear about that.

 

 

I then had to help a lady who’s second language is English with a telephone call to the DWP. I mean for gods sake she had to come out of the Jobcentre to make the telephone call and was told to do so by her advisor. She couldn’t understand the person on the other end of the telephone line so I helped her. Come on Jobcentre staff! This lady spoke poor English, not her fault and you should know better. It’s almost as if you are setting her up to fail (which you are aren’t you). If I hadn’t had helped her she wouldn’t have got the information that she needed. The information that she needed was the freepost address to send her sicknote to. This should have been given to her at the counter, failing that they should have supported her needs and made the telephone call for her. They really are despicable aren’t they.

 

 

We were then joined by Gerry, Malcom and Jill from Castleton Labour Club Rochdale. Can I say that I have the upmost respect for Castleton Labour Club, they are fab, really supportive of the campaign and myself and seeing them really cheered me up. They also brought some food to go into the food parcels which was amazing. Thank you!

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I then spoke to a man who had been turned away from the Jobcentre on more than one occasion. They kept telling him that he was too early. Ok the first time he was 15 minutes early, so he went for a walk in the cold and rain. He returned and was told that he was now 10 minutes too early so he had to leave again. This is common practice, its all part of the DWPs scheme to remind people who their master is (them) and how they must remember their place. Let’s grind people down until they are completely subservient to the DWPs bullying ways. It’s actions like this that can push someone over the edge and it often does.

 

 

I then had a chat with a man that just likes to come over for a chat. He isn’t having it easy, his living conditions aren’t ideal and he struggles with this at times. We had a good chat and he said that this makes his day a lot easier, that was nice.

 

 

I then spoke to a lady who had been transferred from Stalybridge Jobcentre and as a result she has to walk a few miles to attend her appointments at the Jobcentre. She is finding this hard, really hard and also has children to look after. She had recently had to wait 9 weeks for her first Universal Credit payment to start and as a result she had gone through only what I can describe as hell. She managed though, she didnt say how but she did say it was awful. As a result of having to wait this long she had to take a loan from the DWP to help her out. Upon recieving her first payment they took 40% of her money and will continue to do so until she has paid it back.

We had a chat, and she took a food parcel. I can’t reiterate to you how hard it is to accept a food parcel let alone ask for one. It’s like admitting that you are failing both your children and yourself and its always a very last resort. Today she just wanted to get home but she was given a copy of our survival guide, as was everyone that we spoke to. She also took a food parcel so that they could eat.

 

 

We are the 5th richest country in the world, yet we are treating our most vulnerable like this. It’s obscene but happens all the time. The budget yesterday did little to reassure anyone claiming Universal Credit. They’ll reduce the waiting time by a week. Yep right that won’t make a jot of difference because we can already effectively double the waiting time because I’ve never known a claim for Universal Credit to go through in 6 weeks. It was also announced that they will reduce the repayment amounts but this money should not have to be repaid. It’s money that they are entitled to receive to survive on. It’s disgusting. And yes I already know all of this I’m just reiterating a point, Universal Credit is a monster that I know well and despise.

 

 

We spoke to many people today, all with different needs. We provide help and support when a person is at their lowest and that does make a massive difference. Please don’t underestimate the need for this. It’s hard work, when I talk about some of the experiences that we’ve had, the suicides, the people going hungry, children eating out of tins, people crying, running off and saying that they can’t take any more it upsets me. By the way I always catch up with a person who is in that state. 1 in 5 benefit related deaths are a result of suicides, often after an unfair ESA decision or after being ill treated by a Jobcentre Advisor. This government has blood on its hands and lots of it, and one day they will be made accountable for this and I will be waiting for them.

 

We also handed out 6 food parcels today and I have to respect their request for confidentiality. Their needs come first I’m afraid.

 

We are holding a special day of action against Universal Credit alongside Unite The Union on the 2nd of December. We will be meeting outside the Jobcentre for 10 and walking around with leaflets etc. Please join us it would be fab if there are lots of us doing this.

 

Also our special Christmas Demonstration will be held on the 21st of December, the last Thursday before Christmas outside Ashton Under Lyne Jobcentre  10-12. We will be handing out Mince pies and warm drinks. The theme will be ‘A Universal Credit Christmas’. Please come and join us we might also have some music.

 

A big shoutout to Roy who was feeling out of sorts today and my thoughts are with you.

Also a reminder to join my sister page The Poor Side Of Life on Facebook, and Tameside Against The Cuts on Facebook. Thank you!

 

Please read, share, email, talk about my blog. We need to continue the conversation. let’s not fall into the pattern of thinking that any of this cruelty metered out by the DWP is normal. It isn’t it’s conscious cruelty at its worst.

 

Also please donate if possible. My paypal add is seercharlotte@gmail.com

My donate button is no longer working because WordPress have changed the settings to only paid WordPress Blogs can have one. I can’t afford to pay so this is the next best thing. I can’t change my platform because people known where to find me etc. Sorry!

Thank you to everyone that has and does support us. Thank you to everyone that reads the blog also. I have still got a long way to go with this campaign and the battle continues. Thank you again!

I have also been extremely busy this week a campaign doesnt just finish on a Thursday afternoon. It continues continuously so if I am delayed responding to anyone this is why. Sorry!

38 thoughts on “Ten minutes early.. go away and come back.. Long Universal Credit waits. Speak poor English.. given a telephone number to phone instead of help. Nothing unusual but this shouldn’t be happening. Today’s demo.”

  1. One aspect of the debilitating effect of poverty that doesnt get discussed much is the effects on your self esteem. By that i mean how it makes you feel to be reliant on others. I’m a independent minded person by nature & I hate being dependant on the State or having to rely on the good will of others. As a man I am programmed by society, or by nature, to be a ‘Provider’, not that I have aNyone to provide for other than myself & two cats, am divorced & no kids, but if I can’t even provide for myself it makes you feel like a failure. People who depend on charity/foodbanks might feel the same, & those on the streets having to ask for spare change. It is an humbling experience to receive the generosity of others, but is also very difficult to accept. I ended up having to borrow £20 from my sister so I can make it thru the week, which means I am already twenty quid down on my next dole payment. And I just returned home to find a food parcel on my doorstep from a very kind woman who is a nun at the local Buddhist centre. I am overwhelmed by the generous help I receive. It would be nice though if I were in a position to not need it, & to be able to help others. I feel very emotional right now as I write this. Thank God for the kindness of others.

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  2. Yes I have not found any problems there. They do try and get you in and out as quickly as possible. They have plenty of computers, you can also use them to access your personal emails and there is no time outs built in. You may be asked give up your computer if people are waiting. That has never happened to me. My location well on footie days, I will just say Norwich City’s Rival. And No I don’t drive a tractor 😉 xx

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    2. Hi all, if anyone who is visually impaired and require help with their pIP form please contact Bredley Fields on 01512210888. Paul who offers a great service / support in coming to your home complete the form, send to DWP, follow up if DWP received your PIP form and attends any face to face assessments at a centre or at your home. During the assessment Paul checks over the assessor comments / what’s been entered.
      They do have a high rate of visually impaired getting their reward.
      Please all share my blog as I try my best to update with useful information.

      https://thegovernmentscuts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/press-reports.html

      Regards,
      Alan

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      1. Dear Ms Hughes,

        There are 3 toilets on the ground floor. 1 for male and 1 female. The disabled toilet even has baby changing facilities in it as well. There is no need for asking if you can go and use them. You can go in before or after your appointment. If you are ther just to do the jobsearch, you can use them at anytime. No Permission Required.

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      2. OMG sounds heavenly. Are there any photos and evidence of these 5* facilities? This is totally alien to the rest of the country and if there is evidence I and others can indeed use this to shame all the other Jobcentres that don’t have these facilities or the kindness that you express. Do they make a cuppa for you as well!? Heavenly indeed! Your location however will have a lot to do with this of course.

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      3. Dear Charlotte.

        Unable to take photos. But these facilities are at the back of the ground floor. On the inside there is even an inspection tick off list that you find in other ”public useable facilities”. No tea. but if you have a cough like I do. Thats the reason I am appealing my esa decision amongst other things. They will offer you water.

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      4. Wow. In most Jobecentres people are never allowed to take a drink inside the building ever. They have to leave them outside. And people never get offered water etc. Your Jobcentre is certainly a one off.

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      5. I asked to use the disabled loo, idiot security guard says you’re not disabled (I am, it#s an “invisible” one). I turned to my friend who dealing with me at the time, and , ” Can you show the paperwork or shall I show him mine?”. Mike Drop…….

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    2. Hi all, if anyone who is visually impaired and require help with their pIP form please contact Bredley Fields on 01512210888. Paul who offers a great service / support in coming to your home complete the form, send to DWP, follow up if DWP received your PIP form and attends any face to face assessments at a centre or at your home. During the assessment Paul checks over the assessor comments / what’s been entered.
      They do have a high rate of visually impaired getting their reward.
      Please all share my blog as I try my best to update with useful information.

      https://thegovernmentscuts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/press-reports.html

      Regards,
      Alan

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      Reply

    1. The security guards getting above themselves at my local JC gave them caurse to call the Police out, all due to me stamping my feet at them for sticking their noses in where not wanted in my affairs. Nothing but STORMTROOPERS FOR THE STATE. Only doing my job Sir tripe.

      The Police BTW were very understanding in my predicament. Gave me a lift to the local supermarket to get my shopping done.

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  6. This is sort of how my trouble with the jobcentre started they said I was late as I handed over my booklet, and I let rip on the person collecting them, then the security person. They look at the time on the booklet to see if you’re on time, too early or late, that day I entered just 2 minutes before my signing on time. This was mid to late 2008, they often had little digs at people but bit off more than they could chew with me. I would take calls in there read texts rather than look at the job point, and they weren’t job offers. A tribunal screwed me over, so this was payback and then some. No wonder they don’t want me in the jobcentre I am a nightmare.

    Liked by 1 person

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    2. Hi all, if anyone who is visually impaired and require help with their pIP form please contact Bredley Fields on 01512210888. Paul who offers a great service / support in coming to your home complete the form, send to DWP, follow up if DWP received your PIP form and attends any face to face assessments at a centre or at your home. During the assessment Paul checks over the assessor comments / what’s been entered.
      The Tories are also planning to force 1M disabled people back into paid work, however I do know employers won’t take disabled people but do offer them a interview. However it doesn’t matter how many interviews a disabled attend these no job.

      They do have a high rate of visually impaired getting their reward.
      Please all share my blog as I try my best to update with useful information.

      https://thegovernmentscuts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/press-reports.html

      Regards,
      Alan

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      Reply

    1. Hello all, question time was again a big JOKE where they didn’t even talk about the issues around regarding the cuts to sick, disabled people or unemployed. There was only one Labour member to support us people who are affected by Tories reforms. The Tories are now from the budget going to hit us even harder and line their pockets once again. The program is FIXED were the company who owns question Time do select the people who take part within the show. I won’t be listening to this bad run show anymore. I do ask all to watch RT instead of BCC.

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      2. The BBC is essentialy an Establishment mouthpiece. They throw in a few leftfield programmes to give the impression of being unbiased, & hence the Right wing accuse them of being too Left wing, profs. such as Have I Got News For You & The Now Show on radio 4, for example. But I have it on good authority that one of the Dimbelbys is actually an MI5 agent. Might sound far fetched but why wouldnt Intelligence make use of public broadcasting?

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  9. Pingback: “Ten minutes early…Go away and come back…Long Universal Credit waits. Speak poor English…Given a telephone number to phone instead of help. Nothing unusual but this shouldn’t be happening. Today’s demo” | The Poor

  10. Hello, I am a blind person / have depression and on DLA where I had to make that call Monday got to claim PIzp. I do know how Tories work toward people with a disability in stripping away benefits, I am waiting for the form to come than get filled and see what happens than. I have email my MP but no reply as yet.
    Can link up your site to mine?
    Could you please share my blog with others?
    https://thegovernmentscuts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/hay-cheack-out-trhe-new-smartphone-cick.html

    Alan

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    1. Seriously, get some help filling your from in. You may find someone at one of The National Organisations for The Sight Impaired. IF not look up and see if you have a branch of FED near you. They were diamonds with their help in Brighton.

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  11. Strange that Ashton Jobcentre don’t let claimants wait inside the Jobcentre. At our local JC you can wait inside all day if you want. They have a special corner with computer terminals for jobsearching, magazines about training courses etc.

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    3. in my Jobcentre you can sit & wait at the computers but no magazines or owt like that. When I was signing at Bradford a couple of years ago they used to make you wait out in the rain.

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      1. Same at mine (Midlands). You can wait inside all day if you want, plus the computers for jobsearch leaflets and stuff. Only thing is people don’t really like doing jobsearch with the work coaches looking on.
        They can see what you are doing, so if someone is just going through sites without much happening it doesn’t look good.

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    4. Hi all, if anyone who is visually impaired and require help with their pIP form please contact Bredley Fields on 01512210888. Paul who offers a great service / support in coming to your home complete the form, send to DWP, follow up if DWP received your PIP form and attends any face to face assessments at a centre or at your home. During the assessment Paul checks over the assessor comments / what’s been entered.
      The Tories are also planning to force 1M disabled people back into paid work, however I do know employers won’t take disabled people but do offer them a interview. However it doesn’t matter how many interviews a disabled attend these no job.

      They do have a high rate of visually impaired getting their reward.
      Please all share my blog as I try my best to update with useful information.

      https://thegovernmentscuts.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/press-reports.html

      Regards,
      Alan

      Like

      Reply

  12. I agree with you about the weather today, awful. I got a lift home from the foodbank but we got a puncture on the way so I foun d myself laying in the road trying to get a jack under a VW, got s oaked & filthy. Got one week to next JSA payment, only 7 quid left in bank, water payment of £9 is due, got very little food, not enough cat food, no roll ups, run out of bread, milk, bog rolls. I’ll have to make cat food priority, if there’s owt left summat for me even if it’s only a loaf, water will have to wait another week, I’ll have to drink black tea/coffee, & if I crave a rolly I’ll have to root thru bin for dog ends. As for bog roll, necessity is the mother of invention (I’m sure theres a mucky old J cloth somewhere under the sink). Isn’t Britain Great?

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      1. yep, the situation is dire, though there are others even worse off than me. What I want to know is, how does living like this improve anyone’s employability?

        Liked by 1 person

    2. And always remember to tug your forelock in gratitude for something, for which, you’ve paid National insurance. The Tories are culling us. 😦

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