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DWP dispute - audio recording evidence???

Posted , 9 users are following.

kevin56505
kevin56505

Can anyone offer any advise regarding my dilemma:

I made a claim for Job Seekers allowance several months ago. Without going into too much detail, I was basically turned away and was told I was not eligible to claim when I went for interview at Job Center.

After doing a bit of research I realized that the information I had been given by the two members of staff I had dealt with that afternoon was wrong and I was eligible for benefit. I made a complaint about the two members of staff and how they gave me the wrong information and treated me in a rude and unhelpful manner and was awarded entitlement to benefit but was told that the members of staff advised me correctly and I had misunderstood the information I had been told..... I was also told that the two members of staff did not recognize many of the complaints that I had made about them and they made several other comments which were lies.

I made a second tier complaint against the DWP staff members and was basically told that it was my word against the theirs, although they did admit correct procedures were not followed.

I have now submitted the complaint to 3rd tier level (ICE) and have again basically been told nothing can be proved, but have been offered a small sum of money as way of compensation and the offer of an apology from the Jobcentre. However, what I have not revealed to the investigators is that I recorded the entire conversation and can prove the unprofessional and bullying attempts of DWP staff to deny me access to benefits.

I know recording conversations in such a way is illegal, however, I am not prepared to allow the DWP staff to get away with lying and bullying claimants.

Anyone have any thoughts as to what might happen if I inform the investigation team that I have an audio recording proving that the DWP staff members are unprofessional, liars and bullies...... or should I just let the matter rest and accept their apology?

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • deborah29205
    deborah29205 kevin56505

    Posted

    HI KEV

    I would imagine that the recording would not help your case at all.

    You recorded it without the permission of the people involved therefore your recording would not be allowed as evidence.

  • wendy17594
    wendy17594 kevin56505

    Posted

    Kev

    I believe you have acted outside the law and may leave yourself open to action by DWP as you did not have permission to record you have violated their rights.

    What's the point in risking it ?

    Wendy

  • denise15811
    denise15811 kevin56505

    Posted

    Hi,

    You can't use the recording, which you knew anyway otherwise you would have told DWP to start with that you recorded it. Put yourself in their shoes...what would you say if they secretly recorded you? I'm sure you wouldn't like it either. You can't just record something secretly like that.

    I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve here but you're claiming the benefit you applied for, been offered compensation and an offer of an apology. My advice, take that offer and put the whole thing behind you.

    • kevin56505
      kevin56505 denise15811

      Posted

      You ask what I am trying to achieve??? Well, I am attempting to make the point that it is unacceptable for DWP staff to conspire with each other and tell blatant lies. It frustrates me that some other person in a similar position to myself might have taken DWP staff's words at face value and and not contested their decision and be effectively denied access to benefit.

      I am thinking of putting the audio up on YouTube (and other online sources) and be damned with the consequences.

  • tina1148
    tina1148 kevin56505

    Posted

    When you telephone the DWP you are informed that the call is being recorded. They do not ask your permission. This means that you are being forced to allow the recording as you would not be able to contact them at all if you did not. You have just done the same as they do lol so it would be hypocritical of them. I record all telephone conversations with them on my phone and have emailed these call to them as evidence as part of complaints. these calls are always taken seriously as part of my complaint. I would send your recordings as you are not at fault as you are protecting yourself as they would be exposed.

  • andrew1906
    andrew1906 kevin56505

    Posted

    I would write in all future correspondence or form filling with DWP that any and all contact will be audio recorded so they have your written statement telling them what you intend to do. I already know a good few people that do this.

  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo kevin56505

    Posted

    Hi Kevin i agree with Denise and a couple of others in this instance, if you intended to record the conversation you should have informed them, if you didn't then you don't have their signature to prove it was those people who interviewed you, again your word against theirs.

    As far i your concerned you have got what you feel you are entitled too

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