Claiming job seekers after leaving job?

[belindarose]

I have a 2 day a week job that is on a casual basis, but is not casual as I do it every week (I think that makes sense). They won't give me a contract. This means no sick pay, maternity etc (I'm 8 weeks pregnant). The terms of the job are changing and I can't actually do it any more (in the hours they will pay me for anyway). If I just leave, will I be able to claim JSA, seeing as it's not a permanent or contracted job anyway? Thanks.

If you make yourself voluntarily unemployed (which is what you are suggeting) you would face a 26 week period in which you could not claim JSA.

Do you think that's what I'm doing, as it's not a job I can actually do? They will pay me for 14 hours, but the work required takes about 20. I don't have a spare 6 hours, so can't do it...

Yes. You have a job fir 14 hours per week. Your opinion that you can't do it in 14 hours is unlikely to hold any weight at the job centre.

Thanks.

It's not quite as simple as that.

If you make yourself voluntarily unemployed without good cause you are prevented from claiming. But if you follow this route, be prepared to argue the point with complete idiots working for the DWP.

I did this a few years ago. I had a part-time job (only 4 hours a week), over 2 nights, which was costing me more to travel to than it was paying. The DWP suggested I could stay OVERNIGHT to reduce(!) the cost..d'oh!!

They relented after reading my reply!

Firstly, just because they say it's casual does not mean it is. It is possible you should be treated as an employee.

How long have you worked there?
Do you work the same hours in the same place every week?
Can you refuse work?
Can you do the same work for someone else?

Have a look here www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Understandingyourworkstatus/Workersemployeesandselfemployment/DG_183998