Seetec/National Employment Service (NES)

Thanks, had a feeling it was the same Seetec stuff just now under the name of 'National Employment Service' but still operated by the same crowd.

Little update to anyone reading. I've been offered a job so I start soon, however still had the Seetec/NES meeting before that.

I have to say, there were rude and insisted I must tell them where exactly I'll be working and the hours etc. - I told them it's a full time job and when I start, but they wanted to know the company name, and I refused, so then he made me talk to his manager.

The manager then kind of threatened me by saying 'do you want to get paid next week' insinuating that if I don't share the details of my new job they'll get my payment stopped, However once I told her I'll do everything else - I just won't share those details, she was a bit nicer and agreed that I don't have to share the details of my new job and don't have to consent to data sharing.

So, I didn't sign the data sharing consent thing, and then in terms of the PPP, he went through all the steps and questions for it - which I answered. However at the end when it was time to give my signature I refused to sign it so he said ok and just signed the box with 'N/A'.

What I find funny is I was emailed shortly after an email containing a copy of my 'personal progression plan document' even though I didn't sign it. Funny thing is though, the PPP is password protected and I don't have the password to even read it and see what it is!

Yeah honestly! I believe what people say when they say they're bullies, they really are but I tried my best to stand my ground and at least I'll be working again so won't have to deal with them much longer

Yeah that's exactly that, couldn't believe they were so pushy and basically threatening about it when I told them I wasn't comfortable sharing the details especially since I got the job myself.

I understand it more if they helped me apply for the job or something but they didn't! They really haven't changed anything over the years, there's so many similar posts and stories like this

You'll be ok not consenting to the data sharing, my advisor was just extra rude I believe and wanted to know where I was working so he could claim commission (even though I got the job myself before ever talking to them).

Tell them you're not comfortable sharing that information as you lined up the job yourself and that you don't consent to data sharing - and then just be careful before signing anything, make sure to tick no to data consent, and don't sign the PPP

Thanks! And yeah seems like maybe all advisors aren't told how to handle a client when they don't intend on signing because he never mentioned a box, as soon as I said I won't sign he just filled in the 'N/A' thing in the signature box. But anyway, at least I'm working now and if I end up going back to them in the future I know what to do. Thanks again! And goodluck

Well done for not signing it. You're absolutely not required to legally and you cannot be penalized for not signing it as long as you still engage - e.g. attend meetings and any CV workshops or anything like that they ask you to do.

Sounds like your advisor had a similar reaction to me when I didn't sign it, I think they're used to people always signing it and not being aware that payment won't be cut if you don't sign it, the threats to the department are just threats they wont make anything happen unless you are not engaging and not attending meetings.

The Minister for social protection has said her self the PPP doesn't have to be signed for the service to still be provided - although desirable it's not required

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2023-06-21/137/