ESA Medical while on Pathways to Work placement

Hi,

I'm currently on a work experience placement with a local employer .. it's due to end soon and there's little prospect of any permanent work coming out of it.

I've now been called up for an ESA assessment and was wondering because I've worked a few hours a week on the placement and done my best to co-operate with the Pathways to Work programme, so will this be held against me when I'm assessed? Has anyone had any similar experiences?

Hi rog123

I would imagine it can be used against you like many activities are in an ATOS medical assessment. However as long as the work you were doing is not incompatible with your disability you can still score the points.

Also, if you had any problem or difficulty with the work you were doing at the placement it is important to clearly state this as they are likely to assume the opposite.

Hope this helps

Derek

Thanks Derek,

That's good advice. I have that feeling myself that my participation in a placement would be likely used against me.

I was actually advised by someone else on the same programme not to mention the placement at the medical unless I was specifically asked about it by the examiner .. just wondering would the examiner even be likely to have any info on my placement?

ATOS Medical Services are informed by the DWP about claimants doing permitted work. I'm not sure about work placements under Pathways to Work.