to expect an acknowledgement of my apology for lateness when signing on ?

[bringmeashrubbery]

Am claiming job seekers allowance. Turned up 10 mins before time and spent 10 mins trying to find a parking space - ended up parking in c*ntind Sainsburys a 5 min walk away. Whilst struggling up the hill with a double buggy I phoned to tell them I was a bit late and when I got there, apologised in person to the woman who saw me - she didn't say a word and continued to tap at her keyboard. just venting spleen really but the (mainly) women in the job centre are a bunch of sour faced harridans as far as I am concerned. Surely it won't affect their job figures that much to be polite...?

that should be c*nting btw...

It ia nice to be nice I agreed, but i dont suppose most are as plite as you were, she was probably struck dumb .. they do get a lot of grief which can make them quite thick skinned, i wouldnt take i too much to heart,

agree, not agreed

Hmmm...I don't think androids are capable of emotion or social etiquette.
Next time, pour a glass of water over her head - if she starts emitting sparks, you'll know I was right.

You're not unreasonable at all. She was very rude.

why are you on job seekers and pushing a double buggy? Surely if you have young children you should qualify for income support, or just your partner should be signing on- look into it, you shouldn't have to struggle to get to the jobcentre with two kids! JC are inconsiderate f***s

was this her?

Tbh having had the displeasure of having to sign on for jobseekers I think that they are used to being treated like scum and hence think all their 'clients' are scum. I did try to disarm them with politeness but it gets a bit much after a while.
You have my sympathies.

I am claimg jsa because I am looking for a job. My partner works so wouldn't need to claim income support.

lol south east astra - yes she does look familiar.

I thought I would be polite as poss seeing as though they probably do get a lot of difficult people through the door - will persevere.

have to disagree with the "they are used to dealing with scum" comments - I've worked in many advice centres where the majority of my customers were benefit claimants - and the vast majority of them were polite and friendly. Even if they were difficult I treated them with respect. She should treat everyone who comes in as a customer. IMO.

WeaselMum - both times so far I have been in there has been someone causing a fuss over something or other. Perhaps this is unusual but it does seem like a depressing place to work. I agree with your comment about treating everyone as a customer though.

There does seem to be a particular breed of hard-faced, shell-backed heartless bitches who gravitate towards these jobs. You come across similar specimens in doctors' surgeries and school offices as well. There's no point taking it personally. Just be thankful you haven't got to look at her in the bathroom mirror every morning, poor cow

Ooo greeves you are asking for trouble. Mind you I do know some nice dr's receptionists (my mum was one !). There is one ok woman at the job centre, but the one who did my initial interview stank of fags, had dirty bitten nails and had an attitude like this...computer sez no

I honestly think I had more obnoxious customers when I worked on the tills in M&S many years ago!

WeaselMum, obnoxious types are everywhere. I had several when working for a charity ! Mind you there were more oddballs than anything else.

yes, v true about obnoxious types being everywhere! I just hate the customers themselves being used as an excuse for poor customer service iykwim - in any sector...