The British Government has changed the rules regarding incapacity, sickness and limited ability to work so that an estimated 40% of the 2 million people previously regarded as unfit for work are now to be re-classified as fit for work under the Work Capability Assessment, which is based on the UNUM sponsored bio-psycho-social model of disability. This has already or will leave many thousands of people with chronic illness and disability having to try to meet the conditionality requirements of job seeker's allowance or have no income what so ever.
As I myself am facing this situation I decided to see just exactly what, realistically are my prospects for obtaining paid employment. I approached two employment agencies in the town where I live and asked each the following question; “Realistically speaking , what are my prospects for getting a job?”. Both were told that I have been on Incapacity Benefit for approximately 10 years with a number of conditions that would affect my capacity for work.
The first agency was IRWEB trading as Interaction Recruitment, the agency was entered by a narrow doorway between two shops, and required me to negotiate 3 flights of stairs to reach the office, there was no lift. I walk using a cane, and have COPD. I arrived eventually at the top floor, breathless and in pain. Had I been in a wheelchair it would NOT have been possible for me to reach the office at all. When I was able I explained briefly my situation and asked them the question ‘what realistically are my prospects of getting a job’. This is the reply I got (paraphrased) “We require references that aren’t family or friends for the last five years, you don’t have any so we wouldn’t put you on our books”, I asked if that was a legal requirement and was told “Sorry those are the rules,” I expressed the opinion that this was discriminatory and was told “it’s like you just came out of prison” . I did not leave my name.
The second agency I approached was ADECCO, which I also approached on the same date, 25th September 2012. Their office was fortunately on the ground floor, with street access. However the reception area was small and filled with a table and 3 chairs, anyone attempting to enter with a wheelchair would have no choice but to block the entrance. I explained my situation to them, that I was on IB and expected to lose my benefit and asked the same question ‘what realistically are my prospects for paid employment’. I was told that they would be happy to look at my CV, when I asked about references they allowed that I could cite my doctor as a referee however they did state that some employers did require recent experience and that they felt that this was not discrimination. I sent my CV by email that evening, this is the response I received:
“Thank you for sending us your Curriculum Vitae.
At present we have no vacancies relevant to your requirements. However, we will keep your details on file and, should any suitable vacancies arise, we will contact you.
We wish you every success in your search for employment and would like to thank you for thinking of Adecco.
Regards,”
Two days later I received the following letter from the Dept. of Work and Pensions ;
“Date 25/09/2012 THE BENEFIT YOU RECEIVE IS CHANGING” ,.. please note the date of this letter as I think it is significant, I am now to be re-assessed.
Subsequently I had a look at Adecco’s website and found three vacancies I was interested in, as I felt I had relevant experience, all be it that this experience was more than 10 years previously. I wrote an email to the local agency person I had spoken to previously expressing an interest in the 3 vacancies and received the following in reply;
“I do not believe you will be suitable for the jobs as they require recent experience but if that is not the case one of my colleagues will contact you should you be suitable for the position.”
In conclusion then it is very clear to me now just what the barriers are to sick and disabled people returning to work, firstly agencies and employers know that being passed ‘Fit for work’ under the WCA does not in any way guarantee that a person is actually capable of working. The practice of requiring recent experience is of itself discriminatory against sick and disabled people returning to work, this practice completely disregards any wealth of past work experience, and of life experience a disabled person may have and any qualifications they may have obtained. Disabled access to many premises is simply non existent and agencies are as guilty as employers of failing to provide such access. And lastly but perhaps most significantly the prejudices promoted against sick and disabled people by this governments propaganda and ‘scrounger’ rhetoric have condemned us to life on the dole with no prospect of paid employment, or to work unpaid at whatever menial post the DWP and their agents demand of us, otherwise to have no income what so ever. This is unacceptable, and we will fight!
