Institute for Employment Studies

Hi Robert,

I would seriously consider taking part in this. The confidentiality guarantee seems to be complete and for a research organisation to breach confidentiality would be a very serious matter for them reputationally and commercially.

They seem to be a well established and reputable organisation who are unlikely to doctor evidence for a government department and if all the people who are unhappy with the way they were treated decide not to participate then the final report will suit the DWP very well.

So, do give it some thought, though I don't understand why they are giving vouchers instead of cash for participation.

Good lcuk,

Steve

The first stage of this research project was published back in March and does not hold back in describing ESA's failings. It includes some disturbing accounts and observations from claimants and Jobcentre Plus staff.

www.employment-studies.co.uk/pdflibrary/dwp631.pdf

I take back my first comment.

It may perhaps be a good thing to take part.

Though how much difference it will make at the end of the day, I don't know.
Because the Government and the media are still adamant that they are right. Even though every one else is critical of it all.

They don't take any notice of their own Committees let alone Independent Organisations.

As for giving vouchers instead of money, vouchers are easier to follow in where you use them.

Which could mean being able to follow your movements and might possibly be used against you.

Am I being too suspicious?

Re vouchers - maybe they just don't want to mess up your claim in case you put your fee in the bank and got nobbled for undeclared income? If you see what I mean.

Hi Sunnybank,

Yes, way too suspicious. I don't know what they could possibly gain by learning that you'd been to a particular shop and spent your vouchers. Apart from the fact that it would probably be an offence for that kind of data to be disclosed by the research company.

I think they issue vouchers out of some sort of misguided belief that it wouldn't be 'proper' to give claimants money but it's OK to give them vouchers. It's nonesense of course, payment in kind is exactly the same as payment in cash from a benefits point of view.

Steve

I'd be happy to give the DWP my views on the whole thing, and let them know who I am, and I don't need to be offered anything for it! In fact, I've just started writing my complaints to the DWP and ATOS about the distress the whole affair has caused me. I've also just read Citizens Advice Scotland's report 'ESA -Not Fit For Purpose.' You'll get it on-line.