Okay, so this post is mainly for the benefit of fellow Sparticans.
Over a month ago I recieved a letter saying I'd been placed in the Work-Focused Activity Group. No medical, presumably because on the form I told them to put me in WFAG. Why did I do that? I'm very able in some areas (as I hope the existence of this website proves) and I hate medicals (who doesn't?). Figured I could save them a few quid on that one.
Since then I've been waiting patiently. I've heard nothing. I decided I'd give the DWP a call. The guy on the phone was very reassuring that I shouldn't worry, and they'd be in touch all in good time... somewhat missing the point of my call.
I'm in the Work-Focused Activity Group. Case closed. Shall we crack on with it, then?
He was absolutely gobsmacked that I was pressing him impatiently as to what happens next. When asked how long this part of the process normally takes, he said excitedly "I've never heard anyone say they actually WANT to go for the interview before!". I was clearly pushing boundaries. A disabled person who wants to work. Imagine. He typed excitedly as I told him that I felt positive about what I might be able to do, and that I wanted support in getting work. Why is this a big deal? They're supposed to be helping us, aren't they?
They're going to call me today. How long would I have waited if I hadn't called them?
My point is this; we're all being made to feel that we're going to be forced to go out to work at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, the Job Centre aren't rushing. This could have been months in limbo, had I not pushed them. Is the gap between the ESA claim and WFAG interviews just another place to be left waiting on benefits? If the dwp and the government are so keen to help us work, perhaps they should start delivering on that, yeah?
>>>UPDATED<<<
They just called me back. Apparently if I want an appointment I need to call my local Jobcentre; they don't actually book them. Sorry; if I want an appointment then I need to book one? WTF?
[...] Just to recap; I’ve been put in the Work Focused Activity Group, meaning I was told I’d be expected to work. I was put in this group (I think) because I asked to be. Here’s my earlier blog post on the first part of the process. [...]
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