Sent to us by a Benefits Adviser. We would be interested to hear your views on this letter(click here) received by a client with mental health problems on ESA-
'Just received this appointment letter for one of our vulnerable clients for a group practice WFI at a JCP just wondered if you have encountered this practice as we think it is deplorable and unworkable for most of our clients. Our problem will be the sanctioning that may occur when vulnerable people in the community who have no help with their benefits will not be able to sit with a group of strangers to discuss their illnesses and needs.
We would like to have your views on this practice. '
'Client on ESA since 2014 and has only had 2, 1-2-1 assessments in this time with an advisor at the JCP and it’s the first time she was asked to attend a group assessment which she would not do even if it affected her benefit. Client on a 2 year intensive therapy program attending 4 days a week and the DWP are aware of this but now we have asked for a re-consideration of her placement. From what I could get from the JCP this group practice will become more common as they do not have the staff for 1-2-1’s with so many people on ESA and the cut backs on staffing levels at DWP/JCP’s.'
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