We all know by now that another shambles has occurred in Iain Duncan Smith's welfare "reforms". People on Disability Living Allowance are to be assessed for its replacement, the PIP. But instead of it going live all over the country, as it was meant to do, it will only happen for now in parts of the country. Nothing wrong with that, say ministers, we intended to do that all along, and anyway, better to go slowly and get it right.
Now, there are two contractors involved in this, Capita and Atos. In one report I saw that the places which are going ahead with the PIPs assessments are those in which Capita has the contracts. And we know that Atos was struggling to get everything in place because many of the proposed sub-contractors who were listed on its bid documents have pulled out. Does this mean that the scheme can't go ahead where Atos is the contractor because they're not ready? I don't know, but it seems likely. The DWP won't want to blame Atos because, as with all outsourcing contracts, the question would be asked, "Why did you give them the business?"
IDS seems to be keeping his head down this weekend.
Before we all rub our hands with glee, spare a thought for those amongst us who were awarded DLA for life but are concerned we may not qualify under this new system.
ReplyDeleteIt is like a child,putting his hand in an electrical socket and getting shocked..again and again,most children learn(granted I am over 50) but IDS just keeps Believing that he is right(Squeeze Eye,Click Ruby Red Slippers)
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of shambles,I have just finished the WP and will now have to report daily to the JCP. I asked what will I be doing and have been told that my"job" in order to continue to claim JSA will be 35 hours of job search activity and given a list of possible places that have internet access,some are over 60 miles away and all have a 2 hour time limit on the computers,I asked if travel costs would be covered? would travel time count towards the 35 hours? As they are mandating this and consider this a "job" who conducts the health and safety at these various locations,liability insurance ect,ect they are unsure at this time,as I said this starts Monday and yet "They are unsure at this time" As a former construction worker,the site was required to provide a toilet,running water and a lunch area will the JCP also be required?
ReplyDeleteSurely this can't be legal- how on earth can you be expected to travel all over the place (including up to 60 miles away) at your own expense just to receive what is a pathetic amount of money each week?! I would like to see someone launch a legal challenge to this kind of treatment.
DeleteAccording to this response from the DWP to a recent Freedom of Information request https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/travel_expenses_and_universal_jo
Deleteyou should be reimbursed for any travel that falls outside of your normal signing arrangements.
First day at the new JCP job,about 30 of us,signed a roster and told to report again tomorrow,with proof of job search for today,asked about computer access and given a list of "providers" only 1 available for today,we all walked over 2 computers available 0930-1100(nice people) they all ready had them booked,signed in/out,and the point is?
DeleteMore government contracts for A4e?
ReplyDeleteThe Refuted website reports that the DWP has announced a commercial competition for its Community Work Placements programme, which is scheduled to begin in April 2014:
http://refuted.org.uk/2013/10/24/workfarecompetition/
The DWP’s announcement letter contains an Annex, which states: “Only suppliers on the Employment Related Support Services (ERSS) Framework will be able to tender for the contracts”. A4e is, of course, an ERSS Framework preferred supplier:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/erss-preferred-suppliers.pdf
or
Delete"the train leaving platform a4e is the rescheduled Harrison 2014 "gravy" special bound for Sheffield"