To sign on.....

[LEMisdisappointed]

I am a SAHM but im desperately looking for a job, i have been at home for about 5 years apart from odd bits of employment. Was speaking to some friends today and they suggested that i should sign on as i need to do this in order to have NI contributions made and that there may be some help in terms of job hunting. Maybe the possibility of attending courses which may be of use to me. Obviously i wouldnt be entitled to any benefits but should i do this?

if you claim child benefit, that covers you NI contributions.

oh, i didn't know that - thanks hpsaucy :)

I wonder if there is any point to it then? Would they send me on any courses etc? specifically for women/men returning to work after a break

They could definitely point you in the right direction of suitable courses if you're not entirely sure where to start yourself.

It wouldn't do any harm to ask at the job centre? I signed on when I was looking for a job after being a sahm for 3 months until I found a job. It is called jobseekers and that's what I was doing.

I think there are some courses and things now too, worth a try?

It's what they are there for, to help you back into work. Be as willing/ flexible/ helpful as you can and they can be a really good resource

Thanks guys i think i will talk to them, i am certainly not up to date in my skills so would very much like to make myself more employable, i have very specific qualifications so want to be able to apply myself to a broader range of jobs.

If your NI conts are up to date then you may also be entitled to contribution based JSA for 6 months so definitely worth doing!