Employment and JSA

[saywhatwhatnow]

I'm currently unemployed but have interviewed for a term time only position that will be 18hours per week. I'm in receipt of JSA at the moment. I'm aware if I work under 16 hours a week I can still claim JSA, but how does this work if over the full year my hours equate to 13 hours per week and my pay is pro rata. But for 38 weeks I work 18 hours and for 12 weeks I work 0 hours. Any help would be appreciated!

Averaged out it would be just over 13 hours per week which is under the 16 hour rule so you would remain entitled but your earnings may exceed your JSA once averaged out. The disregard pw is £5 or £15 depending on your circumstances.

I've not advised for new style jsa however for the old jsa c the DWP wouldn't average out your hours. You couldn't claim when you were working 18 hours but you could claim in the holidays.

Thanks for your replies.

@carben what does the £5pw disregard mean?

@Hwory would this be even if I was still employed on a permanent contract?