Decided to write this because I can – I went to the Forest Hill jobcentre in Lewisham earlier this week with someone who had a signon appointment. We got the jobcentre early – probably about 15 minutes before the appointment time (the person I was with didn’t want to be late in case they got in trouble, etc).
Anyway, Security wouldn’t let us wait inside the jobcentre – you know, on the seats in the waiting area. They said we couldn’t come in until about the time of the appointment. I have to say that this got on my nerves very badly, because it was so cold outside. I know people who’ve been banned from jobcentres, but they’re still allowed into other ones to sign on, and anyway – nobody has the right to deepfreeze other people. Life is uncomfortable enough for people at the moment without forcing them to wait outside in the middle of a very cold winter. Thought that was a bit shit.
I can only imagine the questions at interview for Jobcentre security staff: “Did you pull the wings off flies when you were a kid?” “Yes.” “Shove a banger up a cat’s arse on Bonfire Night?” “Yes.” “Do you push women off the pavement on a busy main road?” “I do.” “Great! Start on Monday.” What a nice man he must be.
Jobcentres have never been particularly hospitable, nowadays they are positively rude and hostile places. It’s like they don’t want to help anyone at all.
From other blog:
Elderly incontinent sick disabled not given access to toilets for hours demanded to be in Jobcentres:
http://www.katebelgrave.com/2015/01/now-for-our-next-trick-making-elderly-jsa-claimants-grovel-to-use-toilets-at-jobcentres/comment-page-1/#comment-178516
This will be the fate of the old denied state pension for life, with no other income but benefit in life.
See WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT under my petition at:
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/state-pension-at-60-now