Jobless Mark Shields, who appeared in the BBC documentary Famous, Rich and Jobless, received notification last week from the Independent Case Examiner that his complaint against Wilmslow Job Centre has been accepted.
Despite receiving a written apology in March from Jim Knight, the former work and pensions minister, Mr Shields sought an independent review because he feels Wilmslow Jobcentre Plus has failed to provide the support, advice and assistance that it should have to facilitate his return to employment.
Having lost his £35,000 job as a Regional Manager for a car valeting company in January last year, Mark sought the independent review because he felt no one was taking him or his case seriously, which has damaged his job prospects and career.
Mark explained "As soon as I go for an interview they see a gap in my CV, of over 18 months and it doesn't look good. I would find it hard in an interview situation to explain all the issues I have had, with a view to training etc. I cannot put Department of Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus Wilmslow apologies on my CV."
Mark, 35, who lives in Handforth with his wife Maria and 9 year old son Jack, feels the jobcentre failings must be put in the public arena because the common perception of the long term unemployed is that they are spongers, which he certainly doesn't want to be labelled as.
Wilmslow Jobcentre now have to provide an explanation as to why no training was received, why Mr Shields was asked to sign a declaration that he had attended a course with Standguide when he hadn't, why the periodic reviews did not take place at 3, 6 and 12 month stages, why he was not fully advised of the services available and why he was not dealt with by an experienced advisor.
Resolution Officer John Rawlins is also asking Wilmslow Jobcentre Plus to "provide details of any improvements that have been put in place following 'Mr Shields' reporting he had received poor service" and to "provide an assurance that steps will be taken to ensure that he receives an improved service in the future."
Mark said "I can only hope for improvements so other people do not suffer what I and the family have suffered. I waited for the election to pass in the hope I would see a change in the confidence of employers. I am delighted to have had two interviews in the last few weeks, which has made me feel better, but I have spent literally days waiting by the phone and it has never rung.
"I just want to get my life back to normal, taking Maria out and Jack to his football. I am trying my very best, but I have been very low recently. I am lucky I have Jack and Maria who have been fantastic."
Mark appeared on BBC Radio Manchester with Alan Beswick last week, you can listen to his interview on BBC iplayer, if you forward to 2 hours 45 seconds.
