How it really is
So just before the ConDem Govt got in there was a project due to go live that finally got Job Centres off the mainframes, the project was scrapped without reason, same reason as the school improvement projects and all the others. Govt wanted to say "we did this"
So in a job centre when someone signs on they still key the data into the mainframe and another system, any cock up on data entry on either and you do not get paid.
I was speaking to some people in the DWP who were telling me of the nightmare this new system is. First things first, you want to MIGRATE a number of systems into one, first thing you need is a data dictionary from all the disparate system #fail , so historical data from claimants would be lost if they transferred to Universal Credit.
Mostly it just does not work, staff report entering staff data on the initial 0800 claim line and not being able to save data due to an "application error", when this happens they are supposed to email IT but they can't carry on, one said was near the end of the day and had to log out, data lost.
This was just the initial data collection required to get a form, it took 2 months to get a form sent manually.
I did an calculation for a few friends who are on ESA and PIP, one was in a supported living accomodation, calculator made no allowance for the fact that they were disabled and supported living is one step from a care home. So it wanted to cut their money because it went over the benefits cap.
For the other it said they would be £20 better off a month on Universal Credit??
Why??
I thought this was an IT system that brought together different systems from DWP and Local Authorities, so how come you get more money if you go on this, is it a bribe to get people on and then to screw them later?
I know people who are on ESA and PIP and BOTH, as it is we are paying two different 3rd parties (ATOS and MAXIMUS) to medically assess them, WHY? Especially when GP is ignored.
I just do not see any "benefit" to the state in this system.
Just another doomed Government IT project where the most basic things have not been done