Signing on during extended period of sickness

Hi, have several clients at the moment on JSA with fit notes in for EPS. Varies as to how they are being treated and some given next appointments after EPS ends but some asked to come and sign on regularly and some still being asked if they have been looking for work in this time.

Having checked the regulations seems they should be exempt from work search requirements, having to be available for work or undertake any WRA but still have to meet ‘all other JSA requirements’. Does this mean that they still need to sign on but cannot be sanctioned if they don’t do anything else?

However, seems strange that someone accepted to be sick should still be required to go and sign on…

Does anyone have any experiences of this/challenging the requirement to attend jobcentre during EPS?

Thanks in advance.

I’m not sure, but I suppose that even if you are treated as available for and actively seeking, that doesn’t end a requirement to sign on or to participate in interviews.

According to this obscure leaflet there should be a written record of agreed actions:

If you are sick and want to stay on JSA you will need to talk to your work coach.
Your work coach will discuss your sickness or health condition and agree with
you what you are able to do to look for work over the period you are sick. The
actions you agree will be recorded and your work coach will keep in touch with
you while you are sick. If you do not do the things you have agreed to do to look
for work you may lose your benefit.

Form JSA28 includes a similar statement about discussing with your work coach what you will do while sick:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/282341/response/696016/attach/4/JSA28.pdf

Thanks, that’s very helpful :)