The job is now to discourage as many people as possible & harass them into signing off, not try to get them a job

From the facebook page ‘Atos Miracles’, 24th Jan 2014:

“”As a Jobcentre worker who took early retirement last year to get away from the pressures & stress I can confirm what many contributors are saying. Since the change of government in 2010 there was a total shift in emphasis in what we are there for. It is now to “police” the benefit system, “protect the public purse” & deter people from claiming anything. We are NOT there to help or advise people anymore.

We had a mystery shopper process where we would be rung up & visited several times a year & mystery shoppers would ask questions about claiming, ask for leaflets etc. This was fed back to offices & used to improve the service. The new government scrapped it. Staff now know that they can say any old rubbish to customers, forget to mention things that can be claimed for & no one is going to challenge them. We were even told by management that “x” was available but that we were not to tell claimants & only discuss if asked by them.

The job is now to discourage as many people as possible & harass them into signing off, not try to get them a job or what they are entitled to. Claimants are referred to pointless courses in the hope that they won’t go….so then we can stop their money.

It does not matter if anything we do is of use to claimants. If staff don’t do this they are threatened with disciplinary action & possible dismissal. Staff are left with a” them or us” attitude. Many of my ex colleagues have mortgages & kids & are trapped. As jobcentre workers they know how hard it is to get a job & no one wants ex Jobcentre staff!”


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