It's been an odd week with a number of websites that inform the unemployed of their rights being offline.  A couple of years ago a number of websites had their accounts suspended and although never proved it was thought that companies with contracts for the new deal schemes had something to do with it.  I guess when you are making millions then you can influence anyone but it really is sad that websites that are just giving people advice on their rights are prevented from doing so.

The stakes are high with contracts for the work programme bringing in vast amounts such as working links receiving 115 million pounds for a seven year contract in Wales.

Working Links doesn't provide any detailed documentation to inform the individual of their rights.  The thought of sanctions and raising doubts will probably make most people compliant and they will accept whatever fate Working Links has in mind for them.

I had attended a number of appointments at Working Links and the woman who saw me said she was going on holiday and I would be contacted about my next appointment.  I waited two weeks and with no contact I thought I had better phone up Working Links to check when my next appointment was.  I was given a date and that was three weeks after my latest appointment.  I attended that appointment on friday and was again told I would be contacted concerning my next appointment.  This kind of behaviour I feel is wrong and if they were more organised they would be able to give me my next appointment date before I left their offices.  As a sanction could be incurred if you miss an appointment you are always concerned in case a letter has gone astray or a phone call missed.

Always remember, never give them a reason to sanction you and if they bring up any doubts then always respond in a controlled and polite manner.