After receiving response letters fromDWP and JCP, I will provide an update on next steps.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m seeking a piece of legal advice against the Department of Work and Pensions about the incident I experienced at my local Job Centre Plus in Purley, South London.

INTRODUCTION:-

A. I am James Clarke

B. I am profoundly Deaf without speech.

C. I am a BSL, British Sign Language, user.

D. I am registered Deafblind with complex needs.

E. I am the Direct Payment user. I received this package from my local authority, Croydon Council, to employ my pool of communicator guides, personal assistants, run guides, etc.
SUMMARIES:-

1. Date of the incident = 14/02/2024

2. Location of the incident = Job Centre Plus in Purley

3. I was offered an appointment to see the Work Coach.

4. According to my Universal Credit account, under “Your accessibility needs” - I’ve requested:-

i. a quiet space
ii. a British Sign Language interpreter
iii. large print

This was edited on 20/01/2024.

5. The Work Coach failed to do a duty to provide a BSL interpreter (who ignored my accessibility needs request in my UC account) and was replaced by a “signer" who has a level 3 in British Sign Language in our appointment on 14/02/2024. My minimum requirement for my accessibility needs is a Registered Qualified BSL Interpreter who has Level 6 or more in British Sign Language and is qualified to be an interpreter.

6. I’ve sent my complaint letter(s) to the DWP and JCP with a copy to my local MP.

7. I’ve received the response letter from the DWP and they explained the guidance to book an interpreter. They apologised. They said they have updated the guidance. They offered me a compulsory payment of £XXX. They mentioned “Level 3 qualified”. They missed my point that to become an interpreter must be at the minimum of Level 6 or more. Any level under level 6 is just a qualification in British Sign Language itself, not becoming “an interpreter."

8. After careful consideration and study of their letter. I’ve decided not to accept the compulsory payment and I notified them in an email on 26/03/2024 to ask for their advice on where I can put £XXX back to them.

9. The letters from the complaints team at the DWP and the Manager at Job Centre Plus show normal-size prints, which means they have ignored my request for a large print in my Universal Credit account.

10. The Work Coach should inform me immediately that the DA Languages are not able to provide a BSL interpreter therefore I would be happy to delay the appointment as it’s very important for me to have full accessibility - with a registered qualified BSL Interpreter.

11. I am so amazed by all the letters that they did not offer me a new appointment with a registered qualified BSL Interpreter. They just apologised and sent me a compulsory payment of £XXX. By the sound of the letters, they seem to have abandoned me!

12. The payment of £XXX should well cover the cost of hiring the registered qualified BSL Interpreter. In the London area, most registered qualified BSL interpreters charge £XXX for a half-day charge.

13. I refuse to contact the ICE because it will take them up to 6 months to investigate which means it will pass a deadline date of 6 months period from the date of the incident to file an Equality Act 2010 against the DWP.

14. I have kept all communications in my file.

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