Employment issues. Can you help?

[tefal]

I went for an interview last Monday and got a firm offer on Friday afternoon (3.50pm!) for a 9 am yesterday start.

Started yesterday morning to finally find out that the job that I thought was full time and permanent is now only temporary and may or may not last until December. There were 6 of us started yesterday and 4 of us were under the same impression.

I thought yesterday that I'd grin and bear it and that it is a foot in the door and will see what happens.

I've been claiming JSA since the end of August.

Hope you are still with me!

I don't like it and I really have concerns about working full-time. Have been part-time since DS was born 2 years ago. The thoughts of him being in nursery full-time actually reduce me to tears.

This temp job doesn't make use of my skills or qualifications either but I know I should probably be lucky that I have a position to go to allbeit for anything up to 3 months.

I'l like to see out the week and may be the following week to see how I feel but what would happen if I just said I am not coming back?

My signing on day is this Thursday and I need to update them but I am not sure what to say. Obviously, I will tell them that I have been working but that I was lead to believe it would be permanent and not temporary. I'd rather not claim JSA and at least be at home with my son most of the week and still be applying/attending interviews for something more appropriate.

Any thoughts? Do I need a kick up the arse/am I being ungrateful for not wanting the work? I am not work shy at all BTW!

hmmm! It is a real opportunity - I took job that I really didnt like when children younger - it did turn out to be a rung on the ladder - go in positive - you are sounding very negative!! Understand being torn but one day??? Plus it's only for a few months - thats going to look great on your CV no matter and you will then be able to choose your terms later!

I know I sound negative but there are not many positives about it at the moment.

The hours,
The fact it is temporary,
I have no idea how long it will last or if it will lead to something else.
I cannot attend interviews for anything during this time that is likely to be more suitable.
The biggie is that I am away from DS 5 days a week.

The positives,

It is a job albeit a crap one and as you say it will be on my CV.

I need to phone the JSA people tomorrow. If this ends in a few weeks time I need to know I can still claim if I need to which is likely given I can't get time off for possibly interviews/better roles while in this temporary position.

Bollocks! I just don't know what to think.

I am honestly not trying to talk myself out of it but I need to be talked into it!

Thanks for responding.

I think I'd agree with JETS.

It's usually easier to find a job when you're in a job.

The fact that this is employment and will be on your CV in a major issue. It's a stepping stone to help you on your way to the job that you do want. It's only till December at the longest.

It's easier to get a job while you're employed.

Work out what is in your contract with regards to sick pay etc and then use them for everything whilst doing interviews for other places.

It's cheeky but they lied to get you in the door in the first place!

Thing is I don't even have a contract as being Agency. I think I can walk and they can shove as and when it pleases!

Why can't you take time off for interviews while doing this job?

You are entitled to statutory paid holidays even in a temp job and can take a sickie if need be. I would echo bethjeff that you should look after yourself in this period and get what you can from the job. Don't worry about not being straight with them, they have not been straight with you.

It IS a positive step forward as it is getting you good work experience, you are earning some money and it could lead to better things. And it is only temp so you can look around for one with better hours in the meantime.

Really, any job is better than no job.

I know what you are saying. They just made it clear that if you are off sick or have an absence they reserve the right to terminate without notice.

So I take a sickie for an interview and they ask me to leave....so they say.

Thanks everyone. Feeling a bit better about things today.

Well, things are not looking any brighter. Got a call from DS nursery to collect him. Hand, foot and mouth going round and it looks like he has it. I'll see how he is in the morning but if that's definate he's looking at 7-10 days recovery!