Work Focused interview

hels78

Hi all,
Has anyone had one of these? I had put this in working matters but no-one was able to help so thought I would try here instaed!
I received a letter this week telling me I have to go for one in 2 weeks time and am not sure what to expect.
I was also a little suprised as I recently had my I.B awarded until March 2010 so I would have thought that if I had to have one it would be nearer the end date of my award, not now??
I'm getting stressed already, are they going to force me into applying for work/training when I'm not well enough to do so??
Any help or advice would be gratefully received.

elnafinn

Hi Hels

I am sure they will not be forcing you to do anything and I would try to stop stressing about it. Easier said than done, I know. That is not going to do anyone any good especially you. You know best, your own body and your limitations. You are not well enough, you have nothing to hide,so try to answer all their questions to the best of your ability and they will see for themselves.

I had a quick google in case you have not and came up with this from a job centre site ....

"Attending and taking part in an interview
Claimants who are required to attend work focused interviews must also "take part" in them. This means being prepared to answer questions (if asked) about matters such as:

educational qualifications/ vocational training
employment history and work related skills
any current paid / unpaid work
caring responsibilities
any medical conditions which may make it more difficult to get or stay in work
Claimants must also be prepared to discuss their "employability" and whether they are doing anything towards "obtaining employment"."

I hope this helps a little and if you at least know what may be asked of you, you can go prepared. I don't know if any letters in your file at the gp's may aid you in this instance.

Luv
Elna x

hels78

Thanks Elna, thats a great help. You are right it is easier said than done not worrying but at least with the info you have given me I can do some prep work beforehand. Its is much appreciated. Fingers crossed (as best as I can ) for a good result! Hels x

elnafinn

Hiya Hels

You have made me happy today, if I have helped you one tiny jot to feel more in control when you go for this "interview". You will be nervous, it is only natural, but hopefully now you will feel more in control during your time there.

I suppose they have to have some kind of check but I am sure when you inform them how it is and emphasise the bad days and time taken in attending appointments, plus flares etc, etc, they will leave you alone after that.

Please let us know how it goes.

I wish you well,

Luv
Elna x

hels78

Hi, well I had my interview! I was worrying about nothing! It turns out that all they wanted to do was to explain that that if/when I am able to go to work again they are able to offer me support in doing so. The lady I saw was really lovely and it turns out her husband has RA too so she knew exactly where I was coming from. As I have been awarded IB until Dec 2010 I don't have to see them again unless at the review I am awarded it for a further period, and then I will have another interview.
She is happy for me to continue with the little bit of voluntary youth work I do and also has encouraged me to do an NVQ in youth work that I am looking into.
We also discovered towards the end of the interview that she used to work with my late mother in law so it was nice being able to chat about her too. All in all, it went well and I need to learn to worry less! Thanks for the support Helen x