I was just reading an update from the DWP about Work Programme providers raising compliance doubts and thought it was worth mentioning. It appears that if a participant fails to participate(FTP) then the provider has to complete form WP08 and send it to the decision maker at the benefits agency. The person speaking to the participant must not ask for a reason but simply complete and send the form and if the participant wants to give a reason then that can be included but not needed as the decision maker will be asking the participant for a good cause or reason why they failed to take part. If a sanction is given then the first is for two weeks and the second is for four weeks and even if the participant takes part these sanctions will still be upheld. The third sanction would be for twenty six weeks but this can be changed if the participant takes part although four weeks of it will still be upheld. If a participant is sanctioned then they do have the chance to apply for the jobseekers allowance hardship allowance which would be for a reduced amount. That's how it is for jobseekers allowance participants but if you are on employment support allowance (ESA) then it is a bit different. If you fail to participate while on ESA then the provider has to make sure that you are aware of the situation and to check whether you are classed in a vulnerable group. When the decision maker decides on a case they will also be aware of the attendance history of the individual and as a form WP08 must be issued for every failed to participate doubt raised it does make sense to attend when possible. I think it is natural for anyone to give a reason why they didn't attend or why they are late but if the person at the provider says that they have to raise a doubt against you then any reason or excuse is pointless as it will leave you having to justify the reason you gave when the benefits office ask you for your reason. I believe in being honest about things but if a person is trying it on then it makes sense to walk away and accept the new appointment and give yourself time to get your excuse or reason clear in your mind for when the benefits office call you and your hands won't be tied by the excuse you handed on a plate to the worker at the providers office that they might include on the WP08 form. Of course the best way to avoid any hassle is to go along with things and take the stress out of life. You might end up on a course for a week but on the whole it is going to be once or twice a week for an hour or so. If you end up being parked then it will only be an hour or so of jobsearch every fortnight. Is that too much to ask?