Jobseekers and applying for jobs

[justahotchocolate]

I’m claiming JSA, and I haven’t been given loads of info so wondered if anyone could help.

I’m a qualified teacher and also have young children so I can’t really do any temporary and agency work where it’s ad hoc as this would have childcare implications.

Once I’ve been offered a job, do I still need to keep applying for jobs until I start the job - bit muddled but you probably see what I’m getting at! I suppose what I mean is can I just apply for a few random jobs as a tick box exercise?

[Ostryga]

No, once you apply for a job and have been offered a position you just need to let them know that.

You only need to continue applying if you haven’t been offered a job. Hope that helps!

[justahotchocolate]

Hmm but the advisor said to only contact them when I actually start the job. So that’s why I’m confused!

[justahotchocolate]

Thanks for replying though!

[Eew2007]

Once you’ve started the job - ring your local job centre. It’s because your still unemployed and claiming, the job offer may fall through etc unfortunately you’ll still need to apply for jobs until you start. Good luck in your new job

[justahotchocolate]

Thanks - so do I apply for them and then decline if I’m invited for interview? It’s confusing!

[Eew2007]

The job centre at the moment are your “employer” so you need to do what is highlighted in your agreement. If you get offered an interview then yes you’ll need to attend. Until your start date your still unemployed and need to seek work.

[squiddylama]

@justahotchocolate

Thanks - so do I apply for them and then decline if I’m invited for interview? It’s confusing!

That is playing the system

[justahotchocolate]

Well, what am I supposed to do then squiddy, very genuinely?

[JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn]

Only apply for jobs you could actually take if it was offered.

[Tulips2019]

I was on an interview panel a few times where we had people that were unemployed, likely on JSA and just going through the motions and clearly didn’t want the job but had to apply for things to be compliant. I felt bad for them as it was so obvious, and the job was fairly niche. I suspect they thought they wouldn’t get invited to the interview!

[justahotchocolate]

@JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn

Only apply for jobs you could actually take if it was offered.

Hmm but I can’t really take any and I do have to apply for some!

[Chewbecca]

What sort of job are you actually looking for?

In the initial period, you are ok to limit apps to ones you really want (not the right terminology).

Or are you actually not wanting a job at all?

[carolinesbaby]

If you are on JSA you need to be "available for and actively seeking employment" s per your claimant commitment.

You need to be available for other work and applying for other jobs, such as temporary jobs, until you actually start the job you have been offered, then ring up and close your claim.
In theory.

In practice people don't, which is fine, and your work coach will understand. They'll usually only say anything if your doesn't start for ages. So as a teacher, say, you might be offered a job in June that doesn't start until September. Your work coach might ask you to register with a supply agency or consider tutoring to cover the three months gap.

The JSA will be paid to the the day before you start the job.

[justahotchocolate]

Have you read my OP? I have a job but it doesn’t start for a while.

[carolinesbaby]

@Chewbecca

What sort of job are you actually looking for?

In the initial period, you are ok to limit apps to ones you really want (not the right terminology).

Or are you actually not wanting a job at all?

It's called a Permitted Period, and it must be agreed in writing for set dates in the Claimant Commitment.

[carolinesbaby]

@justahotchocolate

Have you read my OP? I have a job but it doesn’t start for a while.

Yes, I have.
Does your claimant commitment cover your childcare issues and availability? There's a section about how much notice you need to start a job.

[Chewbecca]

Where does your OP state that you have secured a job?

(If you have one, there is no need to keep applying, clearly).

[justahotchocolate]

You’re right chewbaca - I didn’t! Sorry!

But I do need to keep applying to claim, it’s a bit confusing!

[JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn]

When I claimed JSA and secured a job, I just told them my start date and that was it. I got paid JSA up to my start date.