Friday 1 March 2013

Universal Jobmatch mandatory from Monday 4 March

Thanks to the poster who pointed us to this on the PCS union site.  From next Monday, 4 March, it will be compulsory to sign up to Universal Jobmatch.  The DWP is supposed to be announcing it today.  You should note the following:

  • It is supposed to be at the discretion of the adviser rather than a blanket approach.  But you can be punished if you "unreasonably refuse", so assume that every claimant will be forced to sign up.
  • Because of EU laws on cookies, you cannot be forced to sign up on your own home computer - so don't.  Use the computers in the Jobcentre, the WP provider office or a public access place such as a library.  The PCS says that fixes are being worked out to enable cookies to be removed from home computers, and when that's done they will make it compulsory to register there (assuming you have a computer at home).
  • It is still the case that you don't have to give your adviser access to your account.  Don't tick the box.  You are allowed to provide alternative proof of sign-up and jobsearch, such as screenprints.
If you are going to be affected by this, I recommend printing off the PCS page.

76 comments:

  1. The Teflon Don1 March 2013 at 09:11

    Does this mean when I next sign on the jobcentre adviser will swivel their PC round for me to use to create a UJ account?

    The only other computers in my jobcentre are the job search terminals - which you stand inf front of to use. Or perhaps I will find they have been replaced with a few PCs with chairs

    On the issue of compulsion, not sure if that extends to using UJ. As the emphasis seems to be on only creating an account.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's a single computer in my JC for people to use for UJ. It was new last time I went in

      Delete
    2. The Teflon Don1 March 2013 at 13:42

      Thanks, Polly. If I see a long queue at my jobcentre when I sign on this week I'll know they've only got one too.

      Delete
    3. Hmmm. I wonder what would happen if everyone nationwide turned up at their local JCP on a daily basis. Surely if the DWP are insisting that people use this system then it is their responsiblty to provide adequate facilities for people to access it?

      Delete
    4. The Teflon Don6 March 2013 at 07:24

      Well, I signed on today at Leith jobcentre. Apart from a few more posters for UJM it was just the same as last time. The adviser made no mention of UJM.

      Delete
  2. When I last logged on to the UJM website a notice came up similar to a terms and conditions(should of printed it off) the gist of it was the DWP and affiliates are not responsible for loss of data or any losses(money,Id theft,Ect) incurred by the user,but they are still liable for any deaths that may occur(not verbatim)did anybody else see this? Also has anybody had any luck securing an interview or an actual job?

    ReplyDelete
  3. The problem with UJ is that it assumes that you are the problem i.e. if you just look a little bit harder you will find work. It is nonsense of course. The problem is a lack of jobs - something the Tories are unwilling to admit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree with you, the UJM website being told to use it is done at an advisers discretion! id like them to show me what skills they have in using that discretion as its my experience they haven't a clue who does what in a skills capacity so how the hell can they advise.

      See this information from the DWP F.O.I requests it covers this and more."claimants can choose to allow
      DWP access their account on a purely voluntary basis by ticking a box within their UJ profile. "

      https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/152092/response/369795/attach/html/3/1042%20Response.pdf.html

      Delete
  4. Ill take this to court. its against the darta protection act of 1998.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Not a chance im signing up to this. Bring on the courts.

    ReplyDelete
  6. How does this agree with DPA rights to the security of personal data?Who will be liable if data posted through the use of UJ site is used to create stolen identities and the subsequent fraud?At the moment none of this effects me but when i does, im not happy about the failings of this site recently shown to be insecure and open to abuse.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I was forced onto this before Christmas, my adviser threatened me with sanctions, he even expects me to apply for things that say "Company Confidential" and that don't give out anything like company name or location.

    UJ is a pathetic excuse to spy on people, there was nothing wrong with the old site at all.

    Also I like how every 2 week signing I see new people behind the desks, it's like they've got jobs available and don't even tell you that they have their own.

    Only people that can help us get work is ourselves, the JCP Is a waste, they deserve to close down not good decent companies that have gone into liquidation on the high street recently.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't wish for the end of JCP. The alternative, very much on the cards, is for it to be contracted out to the likes of A4e.

      Delete
    2. It more or less already has, now people who are on the WP are expected to sign on at the place of their WP providers. Although, going by what I was told when I last signed on, someone from the JC goes to the WP provider to pick up the signing on evidence to make sure it gets put on the JCP+ system so that people get their money. Seems like a lot of hassle if you ask me. It might save JC staff time by dealing only with those not on the WP, but those on the WP will only have their WP advisor for support and we all know how "well" they are doing with that task.

      Delete
  8. Im already seeking legal advice on mandatory joining of universal jobmatch on any computer. i have enough saving to go private not cheap but i feel so satrongly about this ill fight it all the way.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Refuse to use your home computer for universal jobmatch within your legal rights. what then use a libary computer an internet cafe computer? so the jobcenter will pay for this then? or... use the jobcenters computers? wont that overcrowd jobcenters even if say 1 in 10 use the jobcenters computers. Mr duncan smith universal jobmatch is a very silly idea isnt it now? i think you should reconsider it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Use the jobcenters computers if you refuse to use your home commputer for universal jobmatch? er wont this put a great strain on jobcenters? so many people so few computers?

    ReplyDelete
  11. e-petition:

    Scrap Universal Jobmatch:

    http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/42705

    ReplyDelete
  12. Well signed on at eastgate jobcenter this morning. no mention of universal jobmatch.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon (4 Mar 2013 02.22) Not Eastgate in Leeds by any chance???

      Delete
    2. Thats the one yes. to be fair some nice people work there, many agree with what i say about universal jobmatch in a negative aspect.

      Delete
  13. Universal Jobmatch – Privacy Policy – Update

    Privacy policy as of March 1st 2013


    http://consent.me.uk/universaljobmatch/privacypolicy/

    ReplyDelete
  14. JCP and WP providers are supposed to encrypt all emails containing personal data relating to customers. Their systems are also very difficult to access and involve protected networks. Will the same security measure be applied to PCs for general clamaint use with the Jobcentres?

    ReplyDelete
  15. DWP UJM UPDATE:

    4 March 2013 – Jobseekers required to use Universal Jobmatch.

    http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2013/mar-2013/dwp030-13.shtml

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What's interesting about that press release is what's missing from it - all of the advice to staff by their union. This is what will be told to claimants - use it or be made destitute.

      Delete
    2. I've printed a copy of the PCS Union one from 1st March - the one that's issued to Jobcentre staff - there is a fair bit missing from today's realease.

      Delete
    3. Some of the stuff coming from the DWP sounds very Orwellian like the phrase from the above link, 'Jobseekers who are serious about looking for work will get all the support they need from us.'

      You could just imagine being told that whilst being interrogated in a dingy basement by a few heavies whilst sitting, tied up, in a chair.

      Delete
    4. The One True Elg4 March 2013 at 21:18

      I despise the subtext in this announcement, brazenly suggesting that if you don't use UJ you're not serious about finding work.

      Delete
  16. So if I sign up (under duress) for UJM the site is then conducting a never ending 24x7 automated jobsearch on my behalf and (presumably) e-mailing me any job matches (no matter how dubious). If this is the case I do not need to login to the site to do any jobsearching - because this is already being done automatically. All I need to do is check my e-mail on a regular basis (twice a week should suffice) and respond to any suitable vacancy notifications.
    Why would anyone be forced to do "up to 35 hours a week" on the site when the whole thing is automated? Am I missing something?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Strictly yes, all you have to do is what you say, but the site is useless. It sends automated emails when there are jobs available (since Jan I have had 10), and not a single one of them can I get to. So yes, it sends job matches, but all they match is the type of job you are looking for, not how many miles away from you it is. So I am expected to apply for a job at the other end of the country because UJM has put it in my inbox. Even my WP advisor has the sense not to ask me to do that.

      Delete
    2. .. it can be a bit more sinister than that.

      from a recent foi request:

      "Advisers need to proactively support and encourage our claimants to set up an account and give DWP access to view the account via a tick box on the service. They can do this at any time and once access is granted it will remain in place and provide a view of the jobseeker’s account. Advisers will have the same view of the account as the jobseeker, once access has been given. Advisers can carry out a more ‘diagnostic’ intervention by looking at the CV and the jobs the customer has been matched against. With more information at their disposal, advisers can decide on whether more regular interventions are needed with some jobseekers.
      Advisers can use interventions to discuss the matches the jobseeker has received and any action the jobseeker has taken on these matches. Advisers can do a jobsearch and link a job to a jobseeker’s account for them to apply. If a job is linked, it is possible to direct the jobseeker to apply for this, noting their action on LMS, and take DMA action if the jobseeker does not submit an application."

      Delete
    3. Yes Insider - but all of that depends on ticking the box to give the adviser access - something which no one in their right mind would do!
      I think my tactic will be to open a UJM account ()but only if I'm given a correctly worded JSD), to put in a very skeletal and truthful CV (no phone no.). and then to monitor the e-mail account that I give them (one set up especially for the UJM).
      My guess is that I will receive very few job leads and, since the JCP do not have access, I won't be bothered too much by them.

      Delete
    4. Gissajob,after some thought I opened a UJM account,put in a reasonable CV and went on to submit over 300 applications..result? SWA. Not even a rejection letter,let alone an acknowledgement that anybody received my app,disappointed? Yes,surprised?...No,WP reply,call and ask for feedback...can I use your phone? ..no we do not have the facilities,ask the JCP. Arrived at the JCP,all 2 computers down and to use the phone you must book an appointment,10 minute time limit,unless you are talking with the DWP..pointless.

      Delete
    5. Gissajob, that's what I have done - dedicated email address only for UJM, and as I said only 10 emails of potential jobs in 2 months, no jobs that I can do in my immediate area (I always fill out the little tick boxes to explain why I don't want a job - too far away or not my skill area, for which read it requires a qualification I don't have).

      Delete
    6. The Teflon Don6 March 2013 at 07:30

      I would suggest everybody set up a separate email account just for UJM. Otherwise you risk having your normal email account getting even more spam than you usually do.

      Delete
  17. Obi Wan Kenobi6 March 2013 at 03:22

    DWP press release: “Jobseekers required to use Universal Jobmatch”

    “From March 1 Jobcentre advisers can require Jobseekers Allowance claimants to use the site through a Jobseeker Direction”

    Crucially it only says “use” of Universal Jobmatch, which could suggest that registration/account creation has not been mandated, awaiting for copies of an actual Jobseeker’s Direction to understand what is or is not mandatory.

    http://consent.me.uk/2013/03/04/required/

    ReplyDelete
  18. Different JCPs seem to be doing different things. When I signed on at the JCP in Southampton last Friday, I asked about UJ and the adviser said that it is not mandatory and that he knows of no plans to make it mandatory.

    However, he explained that the signing on arrangements will change wef Monday 11 March 2013. The jobsearch forms have been redesigned (for the umpteenth time during the last few months) and these forms now contain a “self-declaration” that the claimant’s circumstances have not changed during the previous fortnight etc.

    Apparently, I am now required to sign on during Friday mornings every other week and it will now just be a matter of handing in my two jobsearch forms from the previous fortnight (one form for each week) to someone who will be based downstairs in the JCP office. It will all be much faster and more streamlined than the JCP’s arrangements hitherto, I gather.

    I am next due to sign on on Friday 15 March and the new jobsearch form says that I must hand in a copy of the “Action Plan” that I have agreed with my Work Programme provider (which happens to be A4E.)

    Therefore I have arranged to see my A4E adviser on Thursday 14 March, so that he and I can put together whatever document the JCP in Southampton will be willing to accept the following day. He (my A4E adviser) said that he will contact the JCP himself in the meantime and find out exactly what this latest idea from the DWP/JCP is about, then he and I can take it from there.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thanks to I.U.A. for this:

    BBC Documentary Asks For Our Opinions on Benefits.


    http://intensiveactivity.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/bbc-documentary-asks-for-our-opinions-on-benefits/#comment-16010

    ReplyDelete
  20. On the subject of job search, are A4e and/or the JCP allowed to contact employers to find out if what's in your job log is valid or not? I'm pretty sure they're not legally allowed to do so, but I thought it was worth asking.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Chris,
      I think the position is:
      1. A4e (and others)cannot contact anyone on your job log to discuss your application IF YOU HAVEN'T SIGNED THE DATA WAIVER (SO DON'T!). A possible exception may be where they have given you the lead to the vacancy and arranged an interview for you. It would then be reasonable for them to contact the employer (this doesn't happen much!).
      2. I think the same situation applies to the DWP i.e. they need your permission to contact people. I am open to correction!

      Delete
    2. Ugh, data waivers. :( I can't remember whether I signed that or not, then again, I've not been contacted by every Tom, Dick or Harry offering me a job. Don't worry, even though job search sucks, I'm not overly tempted to make it up. I'm too worried about someone finding out to do that anyway.

      Thanks for the info, I'm sure you're not wrong.

      Delete
  21. ... they are able to direct ("mandate") you to apply for a job and then check if you've done so with the employer over the phone... and once the IT fix is built into UJM (see PCS link above) they will be able to track such applications through the system.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, but if the employer shares any information with the DWP about the application without the consent of the jobseeker, that employer is in breach of data protection.

      Delete
    2. The One True Elg7 March 2013 at 12:09

      I don't see how they can phone employers without your consent, I doubt it's within the law and I doubt business is actually up for it.

      As for them tracking the applications through the system, surely they can't do that if you don't consent to give DWP access to information.

      Delete
    3. ... when an employer places a vacancy on the UJM system they are, legally speaking, instructing jcp (their "agent") to fill the vacancy. so jcp (and, once they are given access to UJM, wp providers) can follow-up applications because they have the implied consent of the employer to share information relating to that instruction.

      vacancies which are not on the system are a different matter. that's why wp providers and jcp will nearly always confine their jobseeker directions to those which are trackable through UJM.

      multiple applications using a "skeletal" or generic cv will increasingly not be enough to satisfy wp advisers that you are "serious about getting work". they will be minded to insist that you tailor your cv to the requirement of each individual vacancy and sanction when you refuse to do this over and over again.

      so, jobseeking really could become a 35 hrs pw job in itself.

      in theory, this "support" could be delivered remotely, by advisers based in a call centre, where they each could peruse 10 or so accounts per hour and issue a steam of directions along the way.

      it's cheap. it's agressive. and if you could sign-on on-line, there'd be no need for jcp.

      Delete
    4. But that is assuming that everybody has access to the internet.

      If you don't have access to the internet at home then they have to supply all the job seekers with internet access, and as we saw on the new deal, that was physically impossible.

      My A4E office appears to have reduced the numbers of computers available for job search as well.

      Delete
  22. I attended a so-called job club at my work programme provider. It started with booklets of printouts from the Universal Jobmatch being brought into a room and placed in the middle of a table.

    I combed through them and found seven jobs that fitted my work experience. When I logged onto a computer I logged onto the website of the organisation that the Jobmatch advert said had a post. Out of these seven jobs only one was listed on the employers own website.

    Later the adviser spoke to me when I said that the jobs listed on the Jobmatch site were not listed on the organisations own web sites. I was told this was because the employers had not advertised them on their own websites but only on the Jobmatch site.

    Soon I know that I will have no choice other than to spend many, many hours sitting in front of the Universal Jobmatch filling in application forms for jobs that don't exit. If I don't then I'll be sanctioned for three years, and will have to walk for six miles to a food bank, in all weathers. The food bank may, or may not, have food when I get there.

    So now people are going to be reduced to starvation for three years, because they haven't applied for jobs that don't exist. This is the sort of thing that used to happen in Russia under the Communists.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "and will have to walk for six miles to a food bank, in all weathers. "
      Don't worry you won't have to do this often as food banks are only for One-off type of emergency help. So routine visits are out of the question. Conserve your energy and starve more slowly.

      Delete
  23. I have issues with any job search and matching system.

    ID Theft, one should never upload a CV onto a website were the potential empoyer can read it directly without your express permission. If an employer requires a CV then it should only be sent to them when you are happy with their identity. This saves hackers or false entrys on the employers side by criminals from gain personal details.

    JCP/A4e advisor access , they should have their own login and password so you dont reveal yours. Any access they make should be logged so YOU can see when they did. Any transactions they do will be in their name and not yours.If you have opted out of letting them see your record then that must be lawfully adhered to. You have a right to privacy and in many cases your future employer may wish a non-disclosure agreement on any issues discussed during a engagement process. If you are being potentially engadged in new product development the employer may not wish a third party to have access to commercially sensitive communications.

    Is the Government trying to create a monopoly on the job search processing and if so does this not breach EU state monopoly rules ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let me first say. I do hope your CV/cover letter does not contain the amount of spelling mistakes / grammatical errors your comment contains. (I know, does and not is grammatically incorrect), however it fits this comment.
      I struggle to see the relevance of your comments.
      If you could enlighten me, that would be appreciated.

      Delete
    2. I've allowed this comment because I would like to know what it relates to. If it's the comment immediately above yours, then I can spot 3 spelling errors (so what?); the construction of some sentences is a bit clunky, but again, so what? He's not writing a CV or covering letter. As for the relevance, it's a direct comment on the topic of the whole thread.
      So, to put it in common parlance, what are you on about?

      Delete
  24. The Hygienic Dress Collective8 March 2013 at 06:36

    I have been trying to use UJM since its inception.
    I am now getting increasing amounts of spam from companies wanting to update my C.V. On a commercial basis.
    These are the only UJM related emails I have ever received.
    Applications seem to dissapear into the ether.

    It seems to me these companies have a way of trawling the UJM site.
    Anyone else getting this?

    ReplyDelete
  25. The Teflon Don8 March 2013 at 15:17

    I would suggest everyone who has signed up to UJM read the Disclaimer in Section 5.2.

    "5.2 We don’t accept liability for loss or damage incurred by users of the website, whether direct, indirect or consequential, whether caused by tort, breach of contract or otherwise". Continues...
    https://jobsearch.direct.gov.uk/Account/InfoTermsConditions.aspx

    Q: If the DWP do not accept liability I'm not sure it can be legal to force jobseekers to use it.

    For consent to be valid, it has to be freely given. And having read Section 5.2 would you freely give consent to use UJM? However, if you signed up voluntarily, and aware of the risks. then that's a different matter!

    ReplyDelete
  26. New:

    Frank Zola FOI:

    Universal Jobmatch Toolkit Chapters 1, 2, 3 and all others Update 8th March 2013:

    Issuing a Jobseeker’s Direction to mandate JSA claimants to create a profile and public CV in Universal Jobmatch.

    Pay close attention to numbers 51, 52, 53 on Chapter 3.

    http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/151933/response/367730/attach/html/3/Universal%20Jobmatch%20Toolkit%20as%20at%2005%2003%2013.pdf.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ... well spotted. but those paras will be changed once the cookie IT fix is in. my guess would be that it won't take them long!


      Delete
  27. And don't forget to look at number 82 as this seems to contradict the need for UJM at all.

    ReplyDelete
  28. ... if only it did. when the cookie fix is in, they'll insist that you give them access. the eu directive will no longer apply. the problem for them isn't uk data protection law, it the eu directive on cookies.

    anyway, in the interim, they'll ask for screen-dumps etc and direct you to the library for access. that's what they are doing for jsa on line.

    the potential savings for the gov are huge if they can close the jobcentres = so, they'll do it for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Do they pay for the use of libarary computers? which after an hour are not free? or an internet cafe more expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I was told today that they can issue a Direction to make it mandatory for me to give them access if they decide I'm not using UJM enough/as agreed. I think my advisor has just got the new mandatory account guidance wrong. It's been showing me the same two banking call centre jobs for weeks, that I can't apply for because of previous bankruptcy. He also more or less told me I should be taking any job to get off benefits.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I was put onto UJM in December 2012 but never use it, I was told by work programme adviser as I'm a postal signer , it won't really matter due to the job log I send in once a fortnight and not to worry about it, however I do get jobmatch vacancies sent to me every Wednesday on my home computer , none which are relevant ( distances to far away to get to or don't meet the jobspec I have been marked down for )

    However today I have just received some letter from my local Jobcentre ( not the work programme adviser) about Important changes to Jobseekers Allownace Sanctions from Monday October 2012?.(now March 2013)
    To which it then goes on to tell how the law is changing etc and how some can be effected ?

    What I would like to know please , can the jobcentre turn around and say , that as I am not using this jobmatch rubbish (well not applying through it anyway ) that I am somehow not doing enough to look for work? and could be sanctioned ?

    ADD: I do look for work, as I have always done , via other means local paper , internet, spec letters and put this in my joblog when I send off my coupon once a fortnight. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Say no to UJM by signing this petition
    http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/49607

    ReplyDelete
  33. It's a long story, but I have avoided UJM registration until last week, when forced into it by my new "provider" advisor. Please can anyone tell me if it is mandatory to put a C.V.on UJM? This may be a silly question, but then the whole business is idiotic.

    I have seen quite a few advisors at JCP and the providers as I am long-term unemployed (the lowest-of-the low!). They all have their own interpretation of the facts. I appreciate that they have a difficult job, but some certainly abuse their position and have way too much power to make job seekers' lives hell. My last advisor was lovely and had that rare quality found in the "system" nowadays...COMMON SENSE. Think my new advisor is a bully and that worries me. Not the first one I've met, but getting a bit too old to jump through hoops!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If pushed, put on a CV which has no contact details other than an email address created specially for the purpose.

      Delete
  34. This regime makes one feel as though one has commited a crime. One wonders where is the tipping point, when will going to prison be the more desirable option. One feels we are very close.

    ReplyDelete
  35. We will all be put in a workhouse before long. This is complete victimisation.
    I have just been sanctioned for not signing up to UJM. I have actually, but am locked out of the system and have been waiting for them to delete my account since early March so that I can reregister. My crime is to refuse to open up yet another email account. My argument is the proliferation of data junk is not sensible and if they cannot arrange deletion of a user address then they cannot be trusted with my log in.

    Please tell everyone to sign the petition above (15 May). We need the power to stop this.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Was told friday that even though my jobsearch was satisfactory, I WILL be issued a direction to sign up for a government gateway account. I am waiting for it in writing. I know there are many problems with the site including some potentially dangerous ones, Identity theft being one of them however small a chance it may be, and possibility of fraudulent jobs being offered and the forcing of the unemployed to apply for them. If I am forced to apply for a "dodgy" job I will first make my solicitor know about the situation for the record, then with their advice contact the police. I know this may be unlikely but If I can think of a way how this can be used for fraud i am sure there are more ways I can't think of but others may.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have yet to be put forward for this website .
    A4E did mention that it would become mandatory eventually but i got kicked out of there in january of this year so i guess im 1 of the lucky ones 8o)
    Sooo far

    ReplyDelete
  38. Here's something for the masses to consider ... most, if not all of these companies (a4e, working links, ingeous libraries, internet cafes, etc) use various security methods to monitor client activity. These will include possibily screenshot monitoring (depending on the organisation and their associated setup) but definitely "packet analysis" for monitoring traffic, and quality of service and the like. So my point is ... why would anyone want to use their systems or network to login to UJ you would be just as well to give the employees of these companies your login details, which i hasen to add the dwp claims should be kept secret!

    DO NOT USE THESE COMPANIES SYSTEMS TO LOGIN TO ANYTHING!

    Anyone who has a UJ account and has used these systems should change their password as a matter of urgency.

    Packet Analysis is what administrators and IT pros use to catch their employees or unsuspecting members of the public out ... google the term for the full implications of "packet analysis" sometimes referred to as packet management.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I asked to be removed after I got locked out. This has not happened and now they say there is an error and I will have to wait another three weeks.

    Once signed up it seems that they cannot work out how to delete. To my mind this means don't sign up.

    Please keep signing this petition http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/49607
    - and tell others it needs loads of signatures.

    ReplyDelete
  40. economic dictatorship... I will refuse to sign up I will refuse to be monitored survailled studied co-erced, forced. For all of humanity one day soon will have to come to a point where they either allow themselves to be manipulated spied on and forced to do what they would rather not or make a stand and face the consiquences.... this is my stand, this is my time I wont allow the new world order to control me economically or otherwise. I wont take your UJM and I wont take your microchip sanction me and you think I am going to sit back and let you starve my 2yr old child... think again!!!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have just come off the two year work programme and had an interview at JCP. My adviser asked me to let her/JCP have access to my UJM account. I do not wish to let Job Centre Plus see this. Any advice please?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As the original post explains, you cannot be forced to give them access to your account, but you can be obliged to let them see what you've done on the site.

      Delete
  42. Thanks. A lot of the jobs on UJM take you to other sites anyway and don't show up in the list of jobs I have applied for but they show in the email I use for UJM. I suppose I am being a little paranoid about all this and in reality they may not be that bothered anyway, but could make life more difficult if I don't allow access. The adviser was impressed that I knew my UJM id number by heart though. She seemed to be going through the motions with the interview. I am supposed to be on daily attendance but she said to come in on Tuesday. I will be seeing someone else who will look at my job search form. Will play it by ear.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Does anyone know if, by law, it's mandatory to use UJM on a weekly basis? I've been told that I need to apply for at least one job a week through this site and either allow them access to my account or bring in a print of the site application. I can't find any confirmation either way as to the mandatory requirement of this.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Not sure whether it is mandatory to use it but you must register. Applying for one job a week from that site is nothing to worry about. I've found a lot of the jobs on UJM take you to another place to apply so they won't show up on your account anyway, but would they want evidence of the application from the external site? I would just apply for one job which is solely on UJM, preferably one where you send a CV so you don't have to mess about completing forms. That way you will hopefully keep your adviser on side.

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  45. UJM is a waste of time and space and appears to be design as a means for people to more or less sanction themselves. There is a petition to scrap it, before it scraps you.

    http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-department-of-work-pensions-scrap-the-mandatory-universal-jobmatch-website-enforced-upon-job-seekers

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