Jobcentre training and childcare crisis

[luxuryhunter]

Hi

I have name changed for this post....

I was made redudant just under a year ago. After six months of unemployment I had to go onto one the skills training things that the Jobcentre insist you go on for 13 weeks. Now I've been told I have to go on another one for two full days every week.

I cannot do this as I can't afford childcare for my children before and after school or during school holidays.

I can't get DH to look after the kids as he has no annual leave left.

Anyone else in this position or any advice? I let the JS know when I first signed on that I had parental responsibilities...

Have you asked if they provide childcare?

Yes I did and got the impression that you don't get childcare or help towards childcare costs.

I think I am meant to start next week which is in the school holidays and christmas holiday childcare does not exist to my knowledge and even if it does don't think I could get anything arranged at such short notice.

I cannot be the only person in this situation....

I dont understand why you are getting JSA after 6 months if your DH works. Contribution based JSA only lasts for 6 months and after that you only get income based if basically no other household earner.

If you are just signing on for your stamp, then perhaps you would be better signing off as your basic stamp is paid if you claim cb anyway.

You can state part time only hours if you have children but you still have to meet all other rules.

Funnily enough just been onto CAB about this and they suggested the same as I am only getting NI contributions.

I always worked full-time but had a salary to cover childcare costs...