to think this is akin to slave labour.

[northernsoul78]

A friend on JSA is expected to do 30 hours mandatory (voluntary) work in a charity shop for 30 hours per week and apply for at least 10 jobs per week. It wouldn't be so bad if the voluntary work wouldbe likely to lead to a job but ofcourse it won't.
Aibu

WHY IS THE NI HE HAS PAID WORTH LESS THAN YOURS?

Its not 1965 anymore sharon. Of course one reference is enough where hes held down the same job for 35 years Simply not true, sorry.

WHY IS THE NI HE HAS PAID WORTH LESS THAN YOURS? it isn't, who said it was?

Actually, more people than ever move to find work - it was pretty unusual to do so even 50 years ago.

And I hope that your teaching job, which I'm sure you are not only doing because no-one else would employ you, doesn't involve recruitment if you think that a reference spanning a 35 year period 'isn't enough'.

Dont be so bloody stupid. it is stupid NOT to move to where the work is

You think he should be doing workfare to get his JSA So by that very dint you are saying all the NI he has paid over 35 years doesnt count.

if you think that a reference spanning a 35 year period 'isn't enough'. nothing to do with what I think, it is a fact of life, one reference isn't enough, that's all there is to it. Plus the fact that the first 30 years wouldn't count anyway. Two references from the last 5 years is the standard requirement, although it may be more.

You think he should be doing workfare to get his JSA So by that very dint you are saying all the NI he has paid over 35 years doesnt count.

No I'm not. I'm saying it is perfectly fair and reasonable to be expected to do something in return for JSA

You need to secure the job first before you move. The rules on housing have changed.

Gaslight much?

It is a little unrealistic to expect someone getting £73 a week to be able to shoulder the cost of moving (last time we did it it set us back £350 and that was a local move), the associated financial costs eg a month's rent in advance, a deposit on a new place, probably having to pay two lots of rent for at least a week and then tie themselves into an agreement where they will meet six months' rent for the sake of 'securing' a job with no guaranteed hours and no guaranteed pay.

HE HAS PAID FOR THE JSA ALREADY THROUGH HIS NI CONTRIBUTIONS. SO HE IS EFFECTIVELY PAYING TWICE

it is a fact of life, one reference isn't enough, that's all there is to it. Plus the fact that the first 30 years wouldn't count anyway. Two references from the last 5 years is the standard requirement, although it may be more.

Please tell me you're not really a teacher.

The reference thing is a red herring. He was already volunteering at the same shop before being told that he must do 30 hours. My sister, who volunteers with him was very nearly sanctioned because they felt she was doing too many hours. She does betwwen 10 and 15 depending on demand.

What is your problem Cruikshank? I'm telling you the facts of life. Not much I can do if you don't like it I'm afraid. it is what it is.

Helenadove, I'm not bothering to plough through any more posts in capital letters.

It costs to move house well, yeah, but I would question anyone's commitment to finding work if they are not prepared to move.

How do you propose they pay for the moving costs? And for no guarantee of getting work.

You know you can't rent a new place without an employer's reference, right?

So that just might be a bit of a Catch 22 if moving to look for work, right?

Plus funding the cost of your move, deposit, rent in advance and living costs while looking for the job. Unlikely you'll have saved a few grand out of your £73 a week, right?

As a member of your quoted older generation, I did move for work (to London) and squatted for the first six months. That option's no longer available. After the six months I was able to get a 100% mortgage and buy a flat on the strength of my new job. That option is definitely not available.

Where do you teach? La-La Land Primary?

The first 30 years of working life doesnt count?! Does that include the junior doctors who YOU brought up in the thread earlier sharon? Im sure they will be very pleased with your kind of support.

Sharon. Enlighten me please. Why is one reference not enough if he has been in the job for 35 years. Does working for a company for that long not display an excellent work ethic loyalty and commitment.
35 years of paying taxes. I think he's earned every penny of his JSA pittance.!!!.

I'm saying it is perfectly fair and reasonable to be expected to do something in return for JSA

He has already done the thing in return for his JSA- he paid his NI for 35 years. In fact the JSA is what is being paid in return for his insurance payments.

My mind is actually boggling at the thought of 30 years' work experience and a reference spanning 35 years being useless.

Do you have theories about the moon landing as well, sharon? The world trade centre attack?

Are you friends with Shergar?

cruik

It's good work experience for her.

But also why should she get the JSA for nothing?

I smell sock puppetry.

Two references from the last 5 years is the standard requirement, although it may be more

So how does that work if you've only had the one job for the last 5 years? (And the 30 before that?) how are you supposed to get a second reference for a job youve never had?