[Jamesy]

I've known about these targets for a while. I've actually spotted paperwork in the Jobcentre a few times that mentions Workcoach (the advisors/people who deal with claimants) targets... I think it's disgusting really. They used to have a three strikes and you're sanctioned system too, for people who turn up late or do other minor things, recently I've heard they just skip that and sanction you outright.

I'm on Jobseekers at the moment. It's funny at times when I sit in there waiting to be seen and listen to all the conversations around. It's constant threats here, threats there, threats everywhere . I've had it done to myself, I was going to be put on a 4 week classroom based course about hospitality (no qualifications or certificates gained out of it), it's not an industry I'm particularly interested in and even so I worked in hospitality a few years ago so I have experience.. so I said I'm not interested in doing it and all I got back was "if you don't do this you're not doing what I recommend you to get back into work therefore you will be sanctioned as you must do what I recommend". I was going to say well if it's a recommendation then I don't have to do it at all and you're threatening me, although I didn't bother saying anything back. Just a simple yes put me on it, it sounds great and an amazing opportunity (don't think they can sanction me for sarcasm). I'm out of that course now as instead they've put me on 8 week slave labour, oops, "voluntary work".

I assume, like many others, you just nod and say yes to everything and never argue because when unemployed and struggling to live that £57 a week is desperately needed.

I've spoken to a few people who are starting to get their phones out at appointments and recording the conversations they have. I'm considering it myself, as I am actually worried with how the more I'm there the ruder I am spoken to.

The Jobcentre needs a massive revamp. All I've had and see other people have is threats, I'm not a lazy person and have genuinely struggled to find work since graduating from uni, although I am treated like scum and honestly I feel worse and worse each time I go there.

I agree with crackdowns on the people who do nothing and do live off the state, although new systems need to be placed to sift through these people. Generally you can spot these people a mile off. I guess when the government cannot be arsed to created an organised system they just move to the cheap alternative, threaten and bully.