Support Group, but called in for 'back to work'!

I'm in a sheer panic. I've finally recently been placed in the Support Group with PIP after a nightmare YEAR of going through the process with ATOS and Capita. I'm a 51 year old male, worked full time shift-working since school, and now in the hands of the Mental Health services and the state. I've been hospitalised several times for suicide attempts, and self harm.

After only just having been put in the Support Group after a year of battling and landing in hospital, I've today received a letter from the local Job Centre (not the normal ESA office) calling me in for interview with a view to "returning to or starting work as my "circumstances may have changed". They have not. I'm still under a psychiatrist, psychologist, and CPN, on the 'high risk' list.

It looks like a computer letter, but the envelope was hand written, strangely. I'm terrified and would definitely past myself onto the front of a train before being sent back into a work environment at this point in my life. I live close to a freight line and have been there often.

Does anyone know if this is a new government policy, or had a similar letter for Support Group claimants? I do have a malicious neighbour (I'm in a block of flats) who has made complaints just for the TV being on or even hoovering! I'm worried she may have seen me leave the flat and told them I'm fit to work.

Thank you for any advice.

andyf25 wrote: I'm in a sheer panic. I've finally recently been placed in the Support Group with PIP after a nightmare YEAR of going through the process with ATOS and Capita. I'm a 51 year old male, worked full time shift-working since school, and now in the hands of the Mental Health services and the state. I've been hospitalised several times for suicide attempts, and self harm.

After only just having been put in the Support Group after a year of battling and landing in hospital, I've today received a letter from the local Job Centre (not the normal ESA office) calling me in for interview with a view to "returning to or starting work as my "circumstances may have changed". They have not. I'm still under a psychiatrist, psychologist, and CPN, on the 'high risk' list.

It looks like a computer letter, but the envelope was hand written, strangely. I'm terrified and would definitely past myself onto the front of a train before being sent back into a work environment at this point in my life. I live close to a freight line and have been there often.

Does anyone know if this is a new government policy, or had a similar letter for Support Group claimants? I do have a malicious neighbour (I'm in a block of flats) who has made complaints just for the TV being on or even hoovering! I'm worried she may have seen me leave the flat and told them I'm fit to work.

Thank you for any advice.

Hi af25,

You are not our only member in The SG to receive a similar type of letter.

Gordon has written a post summarising information regarding this scenario in :

The Spotlight Area.

As advised, you can challenge them to ascertain exactly "what" the interview is pertaining to, and whether it is Mandatory or Voluntary.

You can then make an informed decision on whether to attend.

Further information can be seen in : This Topic and from the links included therein to other associated topics.

You will see more detail with respect to DWP Decision Makers Guidance and ESA Regulations on not having to take part in WRA/WFI if in The SG, and " Reasonable Adjustments" for disabled people as covered under The Equality Act 2010. (EA2010)

There is really not much more that we can add to what has already been written.

bro58

Thank you.

I've since seen the post you mention. Relieved it was not just me, but paranoia is part of my condition.
I called the Job Centre on the number given (Sutton Coldfield, 0121-480 3708). Initially they were adamant all SG would have to attend interviews. Once I explained I was very much in the care of mental health services and at high risk, they backed down and said I would not have to attend.

I recorded the call should they at some point deny it and sanction me!

Thank you again.

Andy

andyf25 wrote: Thank you.

I've since seen the post you mention. Relieved it was not just me, but paranoia is part of my condition.
I called the Job Centre on the number given (Sutton Coldfield, 0121-480 3708). Initially they were adamant all SG would have to attend interviews. Once I explained I was very much in the care of mental health services and at high risk, they backed down and said I would not have to attend.

I recorded the call should they at some point deny it and sanction me!

Thank you again.

Andy

Hi af25,

Glad that you cleared this up !

The vast majority of these letters that we are hearing of do seem to be in Central England.

You did right to record the conversation, keep the audio file safe, just in case.

Thanks for the update.

bro58