Course April refered by work coach?

Hello all been a while just wondering has anyone been told of any course's starting in April?

My work coach has sent me message saying that he is referring me to a course for (long term unemployed)
that starts Face to face in April


I don't think in the current situation a face to face course would be in the best interest of any person.

I have asked is it mandatory and awaiting reply.

Many thanks

Do you know the name of the course provider? If so, have you checked their website / made contact to see if courses are taking place?

They may not be.  

Currently allowed

gov.uk wrote:Business events
Permitted venues, including exhibition and conference centres, can hire out function and event spaces for essential work, education and training purposes, where these events cannot reasonably be conducted from home. However, they must not host conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, private dining events or banquets.

Meetings for work, training or education purposes should not take place unless the event cannot be delayed, where it cannot reasonably be conducted from home, and if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate it has followed COVID-19 guidance.

Event spaces, including in conference centres and exhibition halls, can also be used to provide socially beneficial public services such as Nightingale hospitals or food banks. People can only mix between households if an exemption applies - for example, if it is for work purposes, or voluntary or charitable purposes.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/closing-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england

gov.uk wrote:Step 3 - no earlier than 17 May
Following the move to Step 3, further settings will be permitted to open. Unless a specific exemption exists, these must only be attended/used in line with the wider social contact limits at this stage - in a group of 6 people or 2 households indoors; or in a group of no more than 30 people outdoors.

Indoor areas of hospitality venues will reopen. As outdoors, table service will be required. Venues will be prohibited from providing shared smoking equipment such as shisha pipes.

Indoor entertainment and visitor attractions will reopen. This will include:

cinemas
theatres
concert halls
museums and galleries
adventure playgrounds and activities
amusement arcades and adult gaming centres
bingo halls
casinos
bowling alleys
skating rinks
games, recreation and entertainment venues such as escape rooms and laser quest
play areas (including soft play centres and inflatable parks)
model villages
snooker and pool halls
trampolining parks
water and aqua parks
indoor visitor attractions at theme parks and film studios
indoor attractions at zoos, safari parks, aquariums and other animal attractions
indoor attractions at botanical gardens, greenhouses and biomes
indoor attractions at sculpture parks
indoor attractions at landmarks including observation wheels or viewing platforms
indoor attractions at stately or historic homes, castles, or other heritage sites
conference centres and exhibition halls, including for the purposes of business events (subject to the capacity limits set out below)

Remaining outdoor entertainment events, such as cinemas, theatres, and other performance events will also be permitted.

Remaining holiday accommodation can reopen, as can saunas and steam rooms. Indoor team sport and group exercise classes will return.

At this step, both outdoor and indoor gatherings or events, organised by a business, charity, public body or similar organisation, can be organised, subject to specific conditions: that they comply with COVID-Secure guidance including taking reasonable steps to limit the risk of transmission, complete a related risk assessment; and ensure that those attending do not mix beyond what is permitted by the social contact limits (unless another exemption exists, such as for organised sport or exercise, supervised activities for children or a significant life event).

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reopening-businesses-and-venues-in-england

Hi Caker thanks for the reply

No the work coach just said they are referring me to a course that starts in April
for long term unemployed and it is face to face.

He has Given me no name of course or company which I have asked them for and today it seems they have avoided naming the company or course when he has replied to me which I find strange.

So I messaged them on the Online journal and said is it mandatory the course face to face etc with the current pandemic?

And he replied today saying this.

(Work Coach)
(All working search, skill learning is mandatory.)
But don't worry there is no date scheduled it is just a list at the moment and the company is saying face to face but maybe it will be online.

I am coming back to every person before I am submitting so don't worry.)



Thank you for them links and info I have a feeling I may have to quote that in the future.

BLACKBEARD wrote:Hello all been a while just wondering has anyone been told of any course's starting in April?

My work coach has sent me message saying that he is referring me to a course for (long term unemployed)
that starts Face to face in April


I don't think in the current situation a face to face course would be in the best interest of any person.

I have asked is it mandatory and awaiting reply.

Many thanks

Its not the work and health programme, is it?

How long have you been claiming and are you JSA or UC?

That's what I thought it sounded like the (work and health programme)
I am on UC just over 2 years now. I never been on the work and health programme before  but did read about it as in the past work coach hinted to me about it and I just said I have been on 20 odd courses that I self funded so this progamme is  not going to be much use to me and I never heard anything more then.

So maybe they are thinking about the above course again but not wanting to tell me more info about it.
Just a little strange how the Work coach is referring me to a course that he won't name or give me any info about but saying don't worry it is just a list and he will get back to me before submitting.

Now I have PTSD so little stuff like this makes my anxiety increase.

From what I have read in the past there is no way out of the work and health programme is there?

BLACKBEARD wrote:From what I have read in the past there is no way out of the work and health programme is there?

Other members with more knowledge may be able to advise different but as far as I can tell; no there isnt a way out unfortunately.

It’s voluntary - unless you’ve been out of work and claiming unemployment benefits for 24 months. Then youre classed as LTU (long term unemployed) and can be mandated. Then failure to comply will lead to a sanction.

I could be wrong but I think your work coach must be referring to the WHP - it sounds too random to be anything else. Especially in this Covid lockdown world we're living in right now.

Whatever it turns out to be, seeing as Jobcentres wont even be opening their doors to most claimants in April and we're quite a long way from the Governments proposed date of June 21 for all Covid restrictions to end, I'm sure it will be a course done remotely. Just in time for your laptops webcam to malfunction and not be in working order?

Find out more info and plan your tactics accordingly. If it isnt remote maybe you develop Covid symptoms a few days before the course date and you need to self isolate pending the result of your test (take your time sending it off of course).

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1020/pdfs/uksiod_20171020_en.pdf

Love that parker123. Doing a sicky and repeatedly, screws up their admin side and causes a further headache for those lovely provider companies aka, 'we will get you back into work for longer.All total crap as we know.

I am also surprised they can still afford to run these circuses. But guess gov have just thrown millions at them for the sake of it. Far easier to force people into effectively inappropriate 'training' for most. They have had the same approach decade in decade out.

Don't forget the "health" part of the WHP includes them having to follow the Equality Act 2010. That Act can't be over-written by any other Act, and that includes the covid ones and the DWP ones.

They tried 3 times to send me on the WHP even though the provider location was outside my claimant commitment travel distance. I eventually had to mention the EA 2010. At the very least they have to "make reasonable adjustments" or face getting sued (legal aid is still available in disability discrimination cases).

Hi Blackbeard ,

I'm half asleep and just notice you refer to PTSD. That would send me straight to GP for repeated fit notes. ASAP. You have serious anxiety illness and a Dr will see it like that. Hope the info I and Absolut post, steers you in the right direction and out of the WHP man hole. Gallazz was well up on WHP, maybe pm him too.

Cheers Absolut. Nice info for people to file as is highly important and will become even more so with post covid-19 climate. They will use the idea of WHP as an idealism again. Another one. This time. They know best, 'how to overcome peoples health issues'. The magical circus awaits. Roll up, roll up, roll up to the WHP.

They can try and throw anyone onto any of their cat sat on the mat programmes but ultimately, will have to "take anyone's dissibilities into full account or, any ongoing medical conditions" of which could prevent them from participating for the required time.

There is specific information this person should have sent blackbeard. The WHP training manual for roaches is on-line somewhere. Find the appropriate section and send it back to this very helpful person. I think this issue is covered somewhere on this forum as I and a few others were nearly sent to the slaughter. Correct procedure for referral. Roach shops hope we don't know about this as saves them paper work and time.

From my experience when roach club are being evasive with something like, 'don't know what course,' where or when, can lead to an unpleasant surprise. Its also a method of sheep hurding for provider companies. Bums on seats = £.

******If you have any particular conditions Bkackbeard you feel,  could make things difficult for you participating I'd make it crystal to the roach through your journal.****

I think a lot of people see this circus for what it is:Dressed up as effectively getting people into  work. The statistics pre Covid were always diabolical and will sure as hell be even worse now. Just giving this a new title for the big top won't change the behaviour of the spectator's.

Hi all update

My work coach phoned me last week
said she had referred me to this course when I asked for the name she said she was not sure of the info but she will be in touch.

So I said my PTSD is playing up and I am a germephoba which is true to be honest so if possible could I do it over the internet instead of face to face.

she said she did not know the details of the course but will probably be over the internet.

I told her I have had to phone docs for some more anti depressants tablets which is true I stopped taking them
and not been on them for over a year I could never get a appointment for more tablets so I just gave up taking them and tried to cope but I am feeling down and I need them again.

anyway the work coach said well lets see how you are mentally when the course starts if you are still bad by then you wont be going on it (The Course) until a later date.

so I felt a little reassured after phone call should of knew better.

Now on Friday I got a email from a private company
saying I have to attend the work and health pro on 12th or contact the roach center if I have problems etc.



Now do I ignore the email and and wait for roach center to contact me
unsure what to do

Absolut wrote:Don't forget the "health" part of the WHP includes them having to follow the Equality Act 2010. That Act can't be over-written by any other Act, and that includes the covid ones and the DWP ones.

They tried 3 times to send me on the WHP even though the provider location was outside my claimant commitment travel distance. I eventually had to mention the EA 2010. At the very least they have to "make reasonable adjustments" or face getting sued (legal aid is still available in disability discrimination cases).

Thank you Absolut
the thing that annoyed me is the work coach was really evasive I knew it would be the work and Health so I asked her what is name of course and she kept avoiding naming it I am unsure weather to respond to the course provider saying I am not attending they have even put on the email how they provide face mask and PPE and do social distancing and are risk assessment Covid secure.

jobberpw wrote:Hi Blackbeard ,

I'm half asleep and just notice you refer to PTSD. That would send me straight to GP for repeated fit notes. ASSP. You have serious anxiety illness and a Dr will see it like that. Hope the info I and Absolut post, steers you in the right direction and out of the WHP man hole. Gallazz was well up on WHP, maybe pm him too.

Cheers Absolut. Nice info for people to file as is highly important and will become even more so with post covid-19 climate. They will use the idea of WHP as an idealism again. Another one. This time. They know best how to "overcome" peoples health issues. The magical circus awaits. Roll up, roll up, roll up.

They can try and throw anyone onto any of their cat sat on the mat programmes but ultimately, will have to "take anyone's dissibilities into full account or, any ongoing medical conditions" of which could prevent them from participating for the required time.

There is specific information this person should have sent blackbeard. The WHP training manual for roaches is on-line somewhere. Find the appropriate section and send it back to this very helpful person. I think this issue is covered somewhere on this forum as I and a few others were nearly sent to the slaughter. Correct procedure for reffereal. Roach shops hope we don't know about this as saves them paper work.

From my experience when roach club are being evasive with something like, don't know what course, where and when can lead to an unpleasant surprise. Its also a method of sheep hurding for provider. Bums on seats = £.

******If you have any particular conditions Bkackbeard you feel,  could make things difficult for you participating I'd make it crystal to the roach through your journal.****

I think a lot of people see this circus for what it is:Dressed up as effectively getting people into  work. The statistics pre Covid were always diabolical and will sure as hell be even worse now. Just giving this a new title for the big top won't change the behaviour of the spectator's.

Some of my Doctors are useless last time they gave me fit note for 2 week and roach center kept saying I still had to attend
roach center.

It can be so hard to get a doctors appointment had to wait 3 week for my last appointment.


From what I have read if been out of work for so long they can force you on W&H program hope I am wrong and there is no way out.

I was on anti depressants and beta blockers because they said if my heart beats to fast I could have heart attack with stress etc.

To be honest I have been a idiot as when I run out of my tabs I tried to get a repeat prescription but could never get a appointment with doctor so I tried to cope without tabs then the pandemic came along.

(My phone appointment)
The work coach said if I still felt bad when the course starts I wont be going on it until a later date
but she would be in touch with all the info about the course she has not been in touch as yet.

Then I get a email from course provider this week saying attend the (New Beginnings Course) course on the 12th

This is what course provider has on the email I got
Not sure if this is for my benefit as I told work roach I was germerphobe.

This is a 3-week course, running Monday to Thursday – 10:00am to 14:30pm.


(Course provider) would like to assure you that a Covid Risk Assessment has been carried out at all of our Delivery Sites. If you do not have your own face mask PPE will be provided. All our delivery sites have Sanitizer Stations and appropriate Social Distancing will be enforced.



If you are unable to attend then please contact your Job Centre or if you require any further information, then please contact (Course Provider) directly.

On what you describe about your history with current Dr's. I would change asap. You should be able to request a med 3 on-line after having phone chat with Dr. I know it's more difficult because of covid but I'd get the ball rolling.

The good news is 'your roach accepts you will likely not finish the course due to your health? '

Make sure they agree and confirm to that statement in your journal. if you haven't already got written confirmation of.

Do not agree to anything on phone. If you do, follow that discussion up in journal. Preferably on the same day.

I am suspicious of roach as don't feel they would make a space on the course if the provider has been prewarned you may not complete it. Although as its relatively a short course to some. For others with a disability of any kind could be a nightmare.

A friend of mine had a similar situation. Roach shop was asked "have you made provider company aware of my conditions. " yes! said roach. When friend arrived at provider premises, no such conversation had taken place.

Good luck

Blackbeard: ""anyway the work coach said well lets see how you are mentally when the course starts if you are still bad by then you wont be going on it (The Course) until a later date.

That statement screams out to me Blackbeard their taking the piss big time here. Want you on that course one way or another. I'd ask a Dr's opinion about their stupid suggestion. Or, anyone who's qualified within NHS on mental health.

They or the semi pro employees at WHP, won't be qualified to comment on your mental state either before the course.....or during. And that goes for roach shop as well.

What they should be doing is, LISTENING closely to your concerns NOW. Taking your well being into account before sending you.

Their clearly not. You will need to explain all this to a Dr over the phone if you feel up to it.

Also, tell these clever people at WHP, email the provider. "Your condition is not a 5 minute event and, is historic and ongoing. "

Like, what miraculous thing in medical science has evolved to instantly cure someone with mental health issues etc in the past for month's= Morons.

If you want to beat them down at their own game you will have to be proactive. Or, just go along and jump through the hoops.

[quote="jobberpw"]On what you describe about your history with current Dr's. I would change asap.


Yer my docs is useless even before the pandemic it was a 6 week wait for appointments phone every day at 8am they tell you
to try get a appointment but you never can the waiting times are 4-6weeks now with pandemic even worse.

The interesting part of the course provider email
it calls the course (New Beginnings Course)
so is this a new name for the work and health or a different course?

Also does not say I must attend only this
( If you are unable to attend then please contact your Job Center or course provider for more info)

I am expecting a message from my work roach though soon now I have that email.


When I asked roach if this course was mandatory she messaged me in journal saying all work advancement was mandatory yet she still has not told me name of course or any type of info relating to it only that it started on the 12th.


My roach plays the friendly friend type game acting like she understands etc.

I did H&S consulting jobs so my roach knows I know a little about H&S laws etc so not sure if the part about PPE and mask wearing was just for my benefit on the course email.

I think maybe the best thing to do is ignore the course provider wait until roach contacts me and say my Ptsd is playing up
so I will not be attending the course guessing they will sanction me.

I have had that in the past they say something on the phone then deny it later lucky my phone has a app that records my calls soon as phone starts ringing handy for remembering stuff I always end up forgetting what was said on call or cant hear what was said so have to play it back.

Dr sounds a nightmare.

Phone recorder is great for future evidence. But for what your currently dealing with admin is best.

Still record the phone conversation. Just clearly refer to any conversation through the journal. If you haven't. Repeatedly make your health matters crystal to them in journal. Once it's in the system their be screwed. Also, take a snap shot of any journal message you feel is important. They have nasty habit of pressing delete or edit button.

Trying to do a he said she said argument by phone getting out of this will be very very difficult. Unless they just happen to back down.

I would change your Dr's surgery if you have one nearby. If not phone and speak with receptionist. I've had 2 appointments recently and no problem. They will phone back. Request fit note on-line. You should have a portal to do this.

Good luck

[quote="jobberpw"]Blackbeard: ""anyway the work coach said well lets see how you are mentally when the course starts if you are still bad by then you wont be going on it (The Course) until a later date.

That statement screams out to me Blackbeard their taking the piss big time here. Want you on that course one way or another. I'd ask a Dr's about their stupid suggestion.

I agree I think they want me on this course to be honest even if they sanction me I will not attend it it will be pointless never mind the fact that I will sit there during a pandemic.

Just unsure weather to email the course provider saying i am not attending or ignore and wait for roach to contact me as I am due a phone call 2 days before course starts and say not attending.

This is what I would do.

Email course provider. Tell them of your concerns exactly how you told the roach and add additional comments .

Once you've given the heads up to WHP send a copy of your email to roach through your journal.

Update us when you've sent your email and got a reply.

Just don't say your not going point blank as could bring on a sanction.

Good luck

Who is the provider company?

Also, leave your actual cancellation until 48 hrs.just watch your back all the time and don't give these people an inch. If they see a way of sanctioning people...they will .

Good luck

Blackbeard I don't know your whole situation financially speaking and guessing you maybe living at home? It's not easy for them to sanction claimants as long as the claimant knows the a yo z so to speak of how and why.

Your medical conditions sound serious enough to me to make a mockery of these scumbags if you had to.
For instance, no MP in the uk will want Any press how roach shop decided to pressurise a vulnerable person into a negative position clearly likely to have an adverse effect on their mental health.

jobberpw wrote:Who is the provider company?

Also, leave your actual cancellation until 48 hrs would be good or even as close as 24 .just watch your back all the time and don't give these people an inch. If they see a way of sanctioning people...they will.

Good luck

Standguide Ltd
(course name)
New Beginnings

Not heard of them. No doubt many companies.
"professional specialist companies " will be springing up everywhere after the great rishi sunak wheelbarrow cash handout. All to help unemployed back into all the jobs And remember people: ''of which they will remain in.....for longer!''