Hours cut, now need to claim JSA or something. Confused.

[WinterLover]

Will try to cover everything relevant.

Imm 15 weeks pregnant, im employed through an agency. Prior to telling the company I work for I was pregnant they wanted to increase my hours and take me on as staff. Roll on 2 weeks later and I've receved a call from the agency to say that they need to cut my hours in half. Im now only working 12 hours.

My OH is still unemployed (not by choice, made redundant) and despite looking and applying for any job possible hasnt had any luck.

The role I had been doing was a basic role, however a few months back they increased my responsibility and job load a lot. This brought a lot of stress as I had no training and had to figure it all out myself. Through worry that im doing the job right i've made myself ill the past few months. Although never had a sick day or let it affect my work.

I really dont want to go back and work there now, I didnt want to tell them but its a volotile place and for H&S reasons I thought it was best they knew I was pregnant (wish I hadnt bothered now).

I've spoken to the agency in depth and they understant how I am feeling and know I dont want to go back there. They are therefore trying to find me an alternative place to work, preferably full time.

If DP claims JSA as a couple (we have a 2 year old) would the fact i've technically handed in my notice affect his claim? Any ideas/advice on the rest would be greatly appriciated too.

I knew they wouldn't want to take me on, but wasnt expecting this as my contract with agency/them only lasts until July

I can't really help with the JSA claim stuff

But do you think it's possible they have done this to avoid paying you maternity pay?

They wouldnt had had anything to do with the Maternity pay, I would have had to claim Maternity Allowance anyway.

TBH im not sure why they've done it other than the fact im pregnant.

I'll post in Money too, to see if they can help re JSA

Ah right just seen your contract ended in July

With regards to you leaving your job affecting your claim, it all depends on the discretion of your job-search adviser. Technically, they could stop YOUR part of the JSA for up to 9wks due to you voluntarily making yourself redundant. However, if you tell them that you were promised more hours and those contract hours were cut, making it not viable for you to continue to work there, then they may well be understanding of the situation. You will need to explain that it affected your tax credits ( I assume you were receiving those?) and you did not have enough money to live on. Let them know that your rent/mortgage was too high after loss of hours, your partner on JSA etc.. Your claim will go through anyway, then they will send you out a letter after they have been in touch with your previous employer to ask you for further information regarding the circumstances surrounding you leaving the company. They will continue to pay you JSA as you have a child and legally you are entitled to a certain amount of money to live on for yourself, but most importantly, for your 2 year old.
If they then feel after investigation that you were within your rights to leave your job, the JSA will not be affected. If they rule against you, then your JSA will be suspended for however long they feel is required, but it will not affect your partners portion of the JSA. As your partner receives JSA you should both be entitled to Housing and Council Tax benefit. You need to apply for this separately via your local council. Please be aware though that the rules have now changed and you will not automatically be granted council tax benefit if you are in receipt of HB. You need to fill in a separate form which you must ask for from your local authority in order to put in a claim for CT benefit.
If you do start to claim JSA, you should also be entitled to a Sure Start Maternity Grant www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant and this may also help you with the initial costs after you give birth.
I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best. xx