Letter received while in Support Group.

I received a letter last week (don't know access to copier so will try to explain) - it was from jobcentreplus. At the top of the letter it says 'The Future - NEXT EXIT - with an arrow pointing upwards and to the right.

Then it goes on:
Looking Forward Newsletter - for People claiming ESA
Helping you back into work

Research shows that people are better off in work.
Work has many advantages-it is better for you financially, and for your health and well-being, your self-esteem and the future prospects of you and your family.
If you would like to return to work now or in the future, jobcentre Plus is here to help.

MAKING WORK PAY

One of the aims of Employment and Support Allowance is to help you be better off in work than on benefit. There are schemes to help you get back to work and be better off than on benefit.
* Housing Benefit extended payments
* Training
* Working Tax Credit
You many also be able to apply for a reduction in your Council Tax

HOW WE CAN HELP

BETTER OFF IN WORK?
We can help you work out how much better off you would be.

DON'T KNOW WHAT SORT JOB YOU WANT? (Yes, they missed the 'of' out)
We can arrange for you to get tailored careers advice

IS YOUR CV UP TO DATE
Give you great advice on writing a CV and applying for jobs.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Help you try out work and get an up-to-date reference

SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Support you in setting up your own business

DIGITAL SERVICES
Access to computers with support to use them if required

WANT EXTRA SUPPORT
A jobclub just for people claiming Employment and Support Allowance.

NOT READY TO CONSIDER PAID WORK YET?
We can still support you to move forward. You may want to do some training or voluntary work.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Please contact us on ............................. (and it gives local jobcentre number).

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

______________ end of letter_________________

I don't know what to do now. Do I have to contact them? If I don't and ignore it as my (grown up) child told me to do (they said file it under BIN) - will I get in trouble?

Thanks for any advice.

flo1 wrote: I received a letter last week (don't know access to copier so will try to explain) - it was from jobcentreplus. At the top of the letter it says 'The Future - NEXT EXIT - with an arrow pointing upwards and to the right.

Then it goes on:
Looking Forward Newsletter - for People claiming ESA
Helping you back into work

Research shows that people are better off in work.
Work has many advantages-it is better for you financially, and for your health and well-being, your self-esteem and the future prospects of you and your family.
If you would like to return to work now or in the future, jobcentre Plus is here to help.

MAKING WORK PAY

One of the aims of Employment and Support Allowance is to help you be better off in work than on benefit. There are schemes to help you get back to work and be better off than on benefit.
* Housing Benefit extended payments
* Training
* Working Tax Credit
You many also be able to apply for a reduction in your Council Tax

HOW WE CAN HELP

BETTER OFF IN WORK?
We can help you work out how much better off you would be.

DON'T KNOW WHAT SORT JOB YOU WANT? (Yes, they missed the 'of' out)
We can arrange for you to get tailored careers advice

IS YOUR CV UP TO DATE
Give you great advice on writing a CV and applying for jobs.

WORK EXPERIENCE
Help you try out work and get an up-to-date reference

SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Support you in setting up your own business

DIGITAL SERVICES
Access to computers with support to use them if required

WANT EXTRA SUPPORT
A jobclub just for people claiming Employment and Support Allowance.

NOT READY TO CONSIDER PAID WORK YET?
We can still support you to move forward. You may want to do some training or voluntary work.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Please contact us on ............................. (and it gives local jobcentre number).

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.

______________ end of letter_________________

I don't know what to do now. Do I have to contact them? If I don't and ignore it as my (grown up) child told me to do (they said file it under BIN) - will I get in trouble?

Thanks for any advice.

Hi f1,

As you are in The Support Group (SG) you do not have to do anything, unless you wish to.

The ESA Legislation and rules have not changed, claimants in The SG do not have to take part in any form of Work Related Activity unless they wish to voluntarily.

There is no mention of an appointment for an interview, etc, it simply looks like a new form of "fishing exercise"/DWP propaganda.

Could be tied to IDS's announcement of today :

www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/i...-costs-10468503.html

Even if it was an appointment for an interview, which it isn't, you could challenge it as advised in : This Post.

I wouldn't worry about it, unfortunately it seems that it has already had the desired effect in that you do seem worried, don't be !!

bro58

Thank you Bro58, you've put my mind at rest. I feel sick that this is the start of a slippery slope though. It's so cynical and manipulative. But thank you again.