Contribution based JSA

[peekie]

I'm in a TUPE situation whereby the office is moving 30mins further away and the hours are going to be set to a time I can't make it for.

If I decline the TUPE will I be eligible for contribution based JSA while I look for something else?

My commute was already an hour and I can't leave earlier than I do already. I can't even move to the new company for a while and look for another job while there due to this.

If your company is offering redundancy they should provide all the terms and conditions, dates, amount paid to you in writing. Why can't you put in a written request for flexible working at the new location to start earlier or later ? How long have you worked for this company ? If you don't want to work in the new location, why don't you start applying for a new job now. What are the timescales for the relocation

Thanks for the reply.

I am applying for new jobs now but the new company take over 1st April so I'm not guaranteed to get anything by then.

I'm not being offered redundancy as there is a job for me.

They won't take any flexible working request until am actually working for them and as they want the cover between the set hours they hinted I'd be unlikely to get it.

So I guess my question is will I qualify for JDA I'd I've said no to the job because I can't do the hours.

The reason I can't is childcare. DH works away a lot and I can't leave before school club opens at 8am. No childminder has capacity in the area, no family help.

Outgoing employer was always flexible with start times and office much nearer.

Worked for outgoing employer for 7 years.

I used to work in a jobcentre and came across similar scenarios. TBH, I can't say 100% whether you would get JSA or not as it depends how you and your former employer word things when you apply. I think if you explain things carefully and provide evidence of no childcare, no relatives able to care for DC, attempts to resolve the situation with your employer etc. you may well qualify. It's been a while though so don't take this as professional advice!

If you claim, you'll be asked to complete a form explaining why your last job ended and it will be sent to a Decision Maker for a decision on your entitlement. They'll look at all of this and send a form to your former employer asking them to confirm why you left your job. TBH, a large percentage of the time, employers don't even reply and send the form back - many, especially large employers, have a policy of not completing these forms as they are not compulsory and just add work at no benefit to them. If the employer doesn't reply, or they reply confirming what you have said, you'll be awarded JSA (assuming you meet the other conditions!).

I would google the conditions of entitlement for JSA, have a good read and fill in any forms bearing these in mind. If turned down, appeal and also be aware you can apply for Hardship Payments if you are refused (though you won't get them if your DH works, they may pay your NI contributions while you're out of work).