Pathways to Work interview confusion

I had my ESA medical on 17/12 and the doctor told me not to worry as I had enough points. I asked if this meant I would be put into the support group (I have multiple sclerosis). He said it didnt work like that any more. I got confused and started to cry. He said I hadnt understood and said again not to worry I was going to be OK. I asked did this mean I wouldnt be made to get a job. He said yes. So I was hopeful I was going to be put into the support group and left in peace.
However today I have received a letter telling me I have an appointment with a Job centre plus Pathways to Work interviewer for 18/1. I havent heard yet about the decision re my medical ie how many points I have scored and which group I have been put into.
Does the interview mean that I havent been put into the support group?
Could they have got their wires crossed or one dept hasnt caught up with the other?
I am confused. Can someone explain to me what might be happening.
I am wondering if the Christmas and new yr hols has affected the process for me.
Many thanks

Don't worry you will be as they say parked after 5 or 6 interviews ... you cant work so that's that...

Hi Butterfly12

It's normal practice for claimants to attend one Pathways to Work interview before receiving the results of the medical. If the doctor said that you scored enough points, I would surmise that means that he's recommending you for the Work-Related Activities Group.

Please be reassured that being in the WRAG does not mean that you will me made to get a job. You would be required to attend six interviews to (supposedly) help you towards getting a job.

The first PWI is usually conducted by JCP, and from many peoples experiences, can be an unplesant experience. You can read about my first PWI experience here , but any further PWIs will be conducted by a private sector company who are likely to be much more down to earth. At my second PWI with a private sector company, my adviser decided to defer the interviews for three months without hesitation.

If you are placed in the WRAG, you have the right to appeal. Please read the ESA appeal guide in the members' area.

Good luck, hope you make it into the support group.

Derek

Hiya Butterfly.
I wanted to reassure you with regards to possibly being placed in the WRAG.

Really it is no bother and after the 5 WFIs you will never hear from them again for six months when you will be summoned back for a Pathways To Work Review. (My review is on the 14th.)

Apparently i have received support from them and they just want to check if they can be of further assistance! Its all a big waste of time and they know it but the 2 ladies at the centre are both nice so i just flirt with them and nod when required.

Try not to worry, it is only 5 appearances for the WFis and then the six monthly review.

All the best
Ranald

Thanks for that. I rang the ESA people today to find out when a decision would be made about which group I will be put into and the lady says the decisions are taking between 3-4 months! Can you believe it. She was apologetic once I explained I have an appt for an interview as it does seem total madness to interview someone if they eventually end up in the support group. A waste of tax payers money too.
So at least I still can hope I will be put in the right group and left alone.
I will take letters from my MS nurse etc to the interview as I notice they can decide whether or not they want you to return for the 5 other interviews.
Cheers

Hi. Thanks. I rang the ESA people today and the DMs are taking 3-4 months which is madness. She was apologetic once I told her re the interview. I think its crazy and such a waste of money and resources to interview people who might end up in the support group anyway.
If I get put into the WRAG I will definitley appeal. I joined the RBLI workstep prog (which aims to help disabled people stay in work) about 18 months ago. They did help me wiht reasonable adjustments but in the end my employer still made me redundant. I went thro hell trying to stay in work which affecting my health v badly so I am not prepared to put myself thro all that again. Anyway, doubt there is anyone out there who would employ me!!
Thanks for your reply
I will use this websites info to deal wiht the appeal. Medics will assist me.
Cheers