It's reported that a sixth person has been arrested from the Slough A4e office in connection with the fraud investigation. All 6 are free on bail. No details of the charges have ever been given, but it's hinted that the fraud involves false job outcome claims.
And that reminds us of the investigation which is supposedly ongoing into whether there is "systemic fraud" at A4e. No news of that, but I bet it's only a matter of time before it's announced that there were only isolated cases of fraud, it's not systemic, and all sorts of procedures are in place to minimise the risk .... blah, blah. Because, as we've said before, the government can't contemplate finding A4e guilty and taking away their contracts. We know that there are allegations against other providers, so why single out A4e? It makes the Work Programme look like a row of dominoes; knock the first one down and they all fall over.
One examination that A4e has to face, along with the other primes, is an assessment of their compliance with the Merlin Standard. This guides the relationship between primes and their sub-contractors. The process runs throughout May and June, but there's no statement of when we'll hear the results.
I agree,it is a total house of cards.I know I plug on about training but it is like pulling teeth my provider(not A4E)has outright refused to state what training is available,but finally light at the end of the tunnel,their regional office want to meet face to face..great! when? where? I E-mailed..response! From the office NO from the Legal Dept,,Yes "Due to contractual agreements we will be unable to discuss or entertain any questions concerning your enquires" The only question I had is "What Training is available" Could this be a case of The Emperor has no clothes?
ReplyDeleteThe Emperor is as naked as a jay bird. The only training on offer is where the provider can make money by introducing to outside trainer (e.g. Learn Direct) and the ultimate source of the money is the European Social Fund. These people do nothing out of the goodness of their hearts - just after a quick buck (or a billion bucks).
ReplyDeleteWho pays for this scs card thing a4e offered me and is it worth it?
ReplyDeleteSee http://www.cscs.uk.com/
DeleteSince you can't work in construction without it, yes, it's worth it.
It's worth having it, if you have the skills to work or wanting to learn a trade in construction. But then it's like a4e has the licence over you for you to get work on the sites. They don't find jobs, it's up to you. If you ain't successful if finding work they want to know why, when they got you the card. They don't do ought for nought. As for the cost of the card they would probably bill the jobcentre for that.
DeleteThat's far too negative a comment. If the Work Programme has any value at all, it's in practical things like this. The card is yours, not A4e's. They don't "bill the jobcentre" as you say. The provider has to cover the cost and hope to get more than that back as a job outcome.
DeleteThe CSCS card is a good thing to have,but alas my provider will only consider this after you have been offered a job and will only "take a risk" if they feel that they can recover this by claiming a payment for a job outcome from DWP.
DeleteCan a a4e customer help me please? i'm a customer and i've been told i've got to go to a job structured search session, asked the advisor, what does this entail? don't know, just turn up, it's a 3 hours session, then you will be posted when your next appointment is to see your advisor.
ReplyDeleteMy structured is 2 and a half hours, sitting on the computer.. its using the computers to look for jobs. It isnt structured at least mine hasnt been.
DeleteJust a longer job search session. If you are lucky there might be a staff member there to say hello!!!!!
ReplyDeleteBasically it's nothing you couldn't do from home/library - or anywhere you can get access to a pc with internet access.
ReplyDeleteThere is little or no "structure" or "support" unless you count being told some site names (as if you didn't know these already) and being given some arbitary figure of jobs to apply for.
its called punishment for "the crime" of being unemployed.
ReplyDeleteI agree. My own impression is that the whole WP Idea is nonsense. My own A4E advisor told me that if I were to accept a Minimum Wage job, at a skill level far below my own, with Working Tax Credits if this job was not full-time, then I could get rid of him and the Job Centre at one fell swoop.
DeleteHe seemed to be bemused when I seemed to be unconvinced. He's very nice, so are they. The useless, boring, poorly-paid part-time job is another matter entirely, in my view. I would merely get stroppy, frankly, which would help no-one.
I refuse to be bullied and few people with a brain cell would try that idea anyway.
Personally, I don't see any point in arguing about it, though. I was not bullied. Instead. a dumb suggestion was made. The A4E guy had been given his script. If it fails to persuade me then that's just "real life," I guess
It remimds me of a "folly" a useless building the rich used to build, Why? just for a laugh.
DeleteTo all the anonymous posters!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you at least put a number at the end, so we know it is not just one or two posters posting several times.
Example: Anonymous1 - Anonymous2. You see, it's not that hard. Go on try it. It just requires a little imagination!!!!!!!
Or simply use a made up name! Noone has to find out who you really are...!
DeleteI've tried, iMatt, I've tried!
DeleteHaley Taylor goes on and on! The Fairy Job Mother USA returns to More 4 tomorrow Tuesday, 24th April 10 pm. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete