Check out our links page for further information.
The Jobcentre adviser has no power to just tell you that you have to create a Universal Jobmatch account. Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty have supported several unemployed claimants who have successfully declined to create a Universal Jobmatch account, without suffering any sanctions.
You can only be forced to create a Universal Jobmatch account if Jobcentre Plus issue you with a written Jobseeker’s Direction –without such a written instruction they cannot force you onto Universal Jobmatch and they cannot sanction you.
Before a jobcentre adviser can issue a Jobseeker’s Direction forcing you to create a Universal Jobmatch account, they have to consider if it would be appropriate in your circumstances. For example if English is your second language or if you have difficulty with literacy then it may not be reasonable to issue such a Jobseeker’s Direction. The adviser must consider the following questions:
1. Do you have a health related condition?
2. Is English a second language?
3. Do you have a problem with literacy and/or numeracy?
4. You do not have a computer or internet access device (IAD) OR cannot afford to access the internet?
5. You live in area with poor internet service?
6. You do not have reasonable access to a computer?
7. Does your jobcentre have a computer you can use?
8. You have a computer or internet access device (IAD) but wish to exercise your right not to allow cookies?
A Jobseeker’s Direction only applies to a jobcentre computer, you cannot be forced to create the Universal Jobmatch account on YOUR own computer. SEE 8 ABOVE
If you do create a Universal Jobmatch account, make sure you do not tick the box consenting to Jobcentre Plus accessing your account. That way you can prevent the Jobcentre from checking your online jobsearch activity.
Due to data protection legislation your jobcentre adviser cannot issue a Jobseekers’ Direction allowing them to access and view your Universal Jobmatch account.
If you have already created a Universal Jobmatch account the DWP have confirmed you can revoke consent by un-ticking the above boxes at any time, via your Account Profile https://jobsearch.direct.gov.uk/Account/Account.aspx
You can also shut down your Universal Jobmatch account completely – though if you were instructed to create the account via a Jobseekers’ Direction this may lead to a sanction. The DWP have stated “if you wish to completely close down your UJ account you will need to use the Contact Us facility within the service and ask for your account to be terminated”.
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Evidence is now appearing that there are thousands of fake jobs on the Universal Jobmatch site. This is a strong argument against being forced ro register for UJM by the Jobcentre.
http://www.channel4.com/news/why-is-government-website-carrying-fake-jobs?x
To further strengthen the argument, the site declares govt will NOT compensate users for any loss:
Section 5 – Disclaimer says:
“5.1 While we make every effort to keep the Universal Jobmatch website up
to date, we don’t provide any guarantees, conditions or warranties as to
the accuracy of the information on the site.
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. This includes loss of:
– income or revenue
– business
– profits or contracts
– anticipated savings
– data
– goodwill
– tangible property
or wasted management or office time in connection with our site or in
connection with the use, inability to use, or results of the use of our
site, any websites linked to it and any materials posted on it. This
condition shall not prevent claims for loss of or damage to your tangible
property or any other claims for direct financial loss that are not
excluded by any of the categories set out above.”
For more information read online or download the DWP documents. Links below
Universal Jobmatch – Your Rights (2013) – PDF
Universal Jobmatch – What you need to know about cookies – PDF
Guide to DWP mandating JSA claimants to create a profile and public CV in Universal Jobmatch
DWP GUIDE TO BACK TO WORK SCHEMES (THEY MEAN WORKFARE)
For automated Job Searches click here
Call in at our support sessions every Tuesday 12-3pm at ACE.
