I've been reading through the Code of Appeals Procedure issued to Decision Makers and came across this instruction:

"Liaison with TAS

Appeal campaigns
If you suspect a case is part of a late appeals campaign or Welfare Rights campaign:

Step 1: consult TAS

Step 2: send the appeal to the tribunal Chairman in the same way as a non-supported appeal"

I'm not really sure what to make of it, but I don't like the idea of some sort of behind the scenes consultation going on between TAS and DWP - what would they be consulting about and why would an appeal be treated differently if it was suspected of being part of a campaign?

Anyone any idea?

Steve

Smells very iffy to me. Are they inplying that any cases arising out of a "welfare rights campaign" are automatically without merit? Don't like it. Don't like it all.

Sorry steve, I have no idea what it is about. Do you have a date for the instruction?

having read research report no. 313 on JSA sanctions -
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rports2005-2006/rrep313.pdf

(Quick review - 17 shades of appalling!!)

-a JSA sanctions appeal campaign sounds like a very good idea indeed.

and i agree with SLloyd. i would be very unhappy to think the DWP attempted to interfere with the tribunal's judgement on admitting late appeals, especially if the reason for lateness is official misdirection.

if the DWP had any shame it would fund appeals take -up campaigns!
(it could take it out the training budget savings column)
jj