6 December 2007
Benefits and Work wants to examine the promotional material being sent to disabled claimants by Pathways to Work providers now that the private sector has begun delivering services. We also want to hear from people who have Pathways interviews
We want to look at what is being offered to claimants and how clear the information is. For example, do they tell you that you may be eligible for a £40 a week Return to Work credit but neglect to mention that this stops completely after one year. Or do they offer you therapy but fail to make it clear whether it is group or one-to-one sessions?
If you've received any promotional material we'd love to hear from you and, if it's something we haven't already seen, we'll be happy to pay the cost of postage if you're able to send us a copy.
Please contact us before sending anything.
In addition, we'd very much like to hear about your experiences if you have a compulsory interview with a private sector provider. We'd like to hear about the kind of promises they make, whether they give you a written better-off calculation or just a verbal estimate and whether they attempt to apply any pressure on you to do things you'd rather not do. All communications will be treated with absolute confidentiality.
© 2007 Steve Donnison