To wonder what help I can expect?

[Jaquez]

DH lost his job 2 weeks ago, he has another lined up but obviously the lack of earnings is going to affect us. Are we entitled to anything? How long do you have to put of work etc? I’ve never claimed anything before so do not want to be getting into trouble. We are hoping DH will be starting his new job in a few weeks.

I really don’t want to borrow money if I can help it, I always said I would never do that.

His new boss was a twat and he didn’t pass his probation, he took an instant dislike to him and used that to get rid of him, he really struggled making the decision to leave his old company but this job was a bit more money.

It was mean

@nancydroo I know 😀😂 just couldn't be fucked with argument with that kind of person

Do you pay a mortgage. You can get a mortgage holiday for up to three months and they stick it on the end

😂

We have looked into a mortgage break but bills and shopping etc, it will still be tight.

Have you got things you can sell? My dh had some old gaming stuff and went through it to sell he made over £700 whic we really weren't expecting!

I don't know about benefits but if he's on that salary he is probably a professional or has particular skills. Has he looked into one-off consulting or office temp work? Has he got a network of contacts that he could find some short term work through? Can you also look for part time temp work this month? If not I wouldn't worry too much about taking on a small amount of debt this month (try to find a 0% interest credit card) or borrow from family if possible, provided you will be in surplus when he starts his new job.

He is just waiting for the contract to be sent to him but it is dragging on due to being approved etc. He is an operations manager.

There's very little help available for people in your position unfortunately. It's slightly better on UC because they look at it month to month so if you're going to have more than a week or two without him receiving a salary, you might qualify for something, but he will also be expected to look for work.

What skills/experience does he have and are there any agencies that he can find work with? Any chance of doing restaurant/bar type work, over Christmas period at least?

I know you don't want to borrow money, but if it comes to it, that's what you might have to do. If you applied for a 0% purchase credit card, you could use it to buy food and other essentials and pay it off over time when he is working again.

Can you also cut right back on Christmas? Very simple meal - or go to family? No more presents or paid activities, just do things that are free or very cheap? Anything you can return or sell? Can you work more while he's off work?

The other thing you could do is review your budget. See what you can cut back on or make extra money on, eg if you change your bank account you can get £1-200 free money, which will pay for a week or two's groceries.

Have a look at Moneysaving Expert and do everything that is relevant.

www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/money-help/

www.reed.co.uk/jobs/operations-manager-jobs?temp=True

As a pp said it will be quicker to try and get casual work than to claim benefits for a short period. Look for retail, pub shifts etc. Garden centres/christmas tree sellers will have a lot of work the next couple of weeks. If you are already in a job it might be faster for you to pick up extra hours?

This is why if you possibly can, try to save a nest egg in the future that doesn't get touched, even if it means saving longer for other things eg new kitchen. You want to have 2-3 months worth of bills money put aside.

this is seriously patronising.

OP I’m sorry you are in this position so close to Christmas. Could he/you get temp Royal Mail jobs etc ?

I disagree. She has only said that he's looked for delivery work. He would be better off looking for fewer hours but higher paid work if he can find it, and there appear to be temporary hourly jobs available. I have assumed that the OP would have said if he had already looked for those roles.

But to the OP: My intention was not to be patronising (apologies if it came across that way). I was trying to help

Perhaps he could go round the local bars and restaurants offering casual work?

Sorry this has happened to your family at this time of year OP.

Retail, bars and restaurants are all taking people on for temp jobs at moment. He could probably start right away. They'll mostly pay weekly and he could be earning over £400 a week right away which is far better than £77 jobseekers!
Hopefully by January he'll have another job lined up.

Op just do a 0% credit card and be Done with it. All the stress and worry over a couple of grand or so isn't really worth this fuss. Or ask parents family etc to help out. I'm sure you'll be able to pay the debt back as quickly as possible as you seem responsible enough having had savings until very recently.

To add money supermarket is good for finding the right card. I believe MBNA/Virgin still offer 0% money transfer cards.

Apply for UC. They can give you an advance payment which you pay back at an affordable rate each month. Get online and do it today.