JSA and market research sessions

[Soopermum1]

Hoping I could check out this situation with you lovely ladies. Have just started claiming contributions based JSA and am considering joining one of these market research sessions where you sit around talking about washing powder or something like that, and get £50 or so. It would, most likely be a one off. Would I have to declare that?

I suppose it depends on how you're paid. If it's cheque or via bank account it's traceable; if cash, then I suppose it's between you and your conscience!! I would, personally, even if it's deducted from your JSA.

I work in market research, and we usually pay people who attend the focus groups in cash. The company line is that we would ask the participants to declare the money, but as it is such a relatively small amount of cash I would imagine very few do (not that I am condoning that!).
Also most companies only let people take part in a discussion once every 6 months - so it is not exactly a way to make loads of extra money.

No you won't have to pay tax on it. HMRC have agreed that the money you get for participating is a gift, not revenue.

But as Isthreetoomany says, you're unlikely to make much out of it as most (reputable) market research agencies will only allow you to take part in a group once every 6 months.

You might be better off signing up to an agency as a mystery shopper?

Sorry - I didn't read the OP properly - but I can't see that an incentive for taking part in a group would affect your JSA. (But I'm not an expert, just a market researcher!)