To think people on JSA should be not be able to refuse a job because they don't like the uniform?

[TabithaStephens]

Long term unemployed man turns down job because of baker's hat.

Will he be sanctioned for this? Seems crazy to me. I know some will point out that it's not representative of the majority of unemployed people etc but it is still a very disturbing story.

Why do you care so much?

Because it's sheer laziness at the publics expense? The man seems to have no shame about it either.

Turn your attentions to the rich shafting you (for far more) and not the poor. It seems the establishment's game of divide and rule is succeeding with some idiots.

So what? There are always going to be people like this, why not use energy on something more positive? What a waste!

Yep, he can be sanctioned.

What's disturbing about this story is that it was published at all. Nothing like giving an incomplete picture to wind up the red-faced splutterers...

Just because you have a hard time finding work doesn't mean you should be expected to look like a twat.

Although I agree in some part that 'beggars can't be choosers' and that when seeking employment I applied to all sorts of places that made me shudder because I wanted a job.

Sometimes, it's okay to say "Actually I am worth more".

If my MD won't wear a silly uniform that makes me look a fool, then neither will I. This is something that management should always bear in mind.

I'm a bit torn.

But mostly, even if this example is one I think "FFS" to, I do not care. I care much more about respecting low paid workers, making them feel valued, and not stripping them of their pride... but hey, what choice do they have but to suck it up and expect to be made fools of?

Of course YANBU but all the bleeding hearts will tell you that it's fine for people to sit on their arses taking money from the tax payer and turn down work with spurious excuses.

"Just because you have a hard time finding work doesn't mean you should be expected to look like a twat."

Absolutely, but don't take JSA as you are clearly not a committed job seeker.

He may well be sanctioned. That's up to his adviser.

Covering hair when working in food prep or sales is a pretty standards thing. It's about hygiene, not appearance.

Agreed. There is a problem that desperation seems to make it okay to be demeaned.

This is my issue.

I would have done ANYTHING for work when I was desperate, my problem is that just because a job is low skilled and low paid doesn't mean that a person should be expected to sacrifice self esteem. Perhaps that's a different argument.

aldi So it's demeaning to wear a hat as it may mess up your hair?

If he had turned down a job dressed up as a giant condom I might have some sympathy.

Since when does wearing a hat for work mean you're being demeaned? ALL jobs that involve serving/cooking/packaging/preparing food require a hat. I think it's ridiculous that people on JSA can turn down jobs for that reason. If they refuse (without good reason - disabilities, for example) they should get their JSA docked.

livinginwonderland, they do get their JSA docked.

You're frothing about nowt. The world is already as you want it to be...

He suffers from depression also. Also reluctant to address people as 'sir' and 'madam', so maybe there's some connected self esteem issues too, if that makes sense.

I don't know enough to comment. What was his occupation before etc etc

But, y'know, don't let that stop you.

I don't think you can force someone to take a job, free will, civil rights and all that but it does certainly smack of being not entitled to Job Seekers?

(also, I quite like a man in a bakers hat )

How is it disturbing?
Guy sounds like a right slacker but he also has 2 kids to feed. Maybe chuck him out on the streets coz that would be great for his kids to see.

None of our business tbh

You people are still rambling on! Turn your attentions to the rich ffs! They shafted you (or your ancestors) for far more than this guy ever will. And I thank-you!

?If you're not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."

Malcolm X

What was the point in this article?

Just because he's on JSA doesn't mean he should be forced to take a job he doesn't want, for whatever reason. He knows full well the consequences (money taken away), he's decided he'd rather that, than have the job.

Fair enough.

JSA isn't exactly enough to live a life of luxury.

I hope he is sanctioned, stupid idiot. Over 7 years on benefits, sounds like he can't be arsed to be honest and would have made any excuse.

Can you lot really not use some imagination and come up with something other than a benefits bashing thread?

YABU - in your thread title at least. You can't "force" people to do a job.

On the other hand, what did expect applying for a job in a bakery? There are rule about food hygiene, and as for calling people "Sir" or "madam" - what did he expect to call them? Surely that's pretty standard in any retail job unless you expect customers to wear name badges as they enter so you know what to call them.