A 57-year-old man from Wrexham was told to leave a new job after just a week because the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) mistakenly placed him on a training programme intended for people aged 16 to 30.
John Colamatheo, who has been out of work for a year after an ankle injury ended his construction career, had bought new clothes for the role as a universal credit agent with the DWP. He was delighted to have the opportunity, saying he needed it for his mental health.
Training scheme error
Mr Colamatheo was assured a job would be waiting after training. But on the Monday of the second week, he was taken aside and told there had been a mistake: the scheme was only open to people aged 30 or under.
He said: "I didn't understand it. Firstly they had all my details and knew exactly how old I was at the start but it wasn't flagged." He added that the job advert did not indicate an age restriction, and questioned why a desk job advising people should be age-limited.
Confidence destroyed
The experience has "destroyed" his confidence. He said: "I was willing to share my life experience, something that people who have to claim benefits might have valued because I have been where they are."
The DWP confirmed the error, saying Mr Colamatheo was mistakenly placed into the Movement to Work programme, a national charity supporting 16-to-30-year-olds into employment. A spokesperson said: "We sincerely apologise for this error and are in contact with Mr Colamatheo to discuss other job support available, as we help him to explore further employment opportunities."
