Finding job hunting impossible, agency?

[MrsSnape]

I'm a single parent and have been looking for work since the middle of last year and so far have managed to get ONE interview (which was obviously unsuccessful).

I'm DESPERATE for work but I have no experience (but plenty of qualifications) so am finding it almost impossible to find anyone that will take me on.

I'm seriously considering agency work, good or bad idea? just until I find something permanant...

The main thing that worries me about agency work is that the constant stopping and starting of work (which I assume it would be) would really test my relationship with the tax credit office...which is already strained.

Any experiences of this kind of thing?

It depends on what you could do, where you live etc. If you are intelligent, articulate, qualified, willing and just want to work and are prepared to start at a lowly rate to get something then you probably will get offered something.

You need to impress the agencies you register with. Make it clear you'll do anything, be aware they can decide to put you somewhere temping (lots of companies don't interview for temps, they let the agency send them someone but the agency will only send you if they think you'll represent them well).

Don't mention you're a single parent, don't mention childcare (have it lined up for if you're offered work). Many many temp jobs last AGES, I've had temps working for me for 1 year +

Some contracts/temp roles are longer, some will go on six months so I would do your best to get something, impress when you get there, hpe it gets extended and then, bingo, you've got some experience at least. Good luck

And don't worry about tax, agency will deduct PAYE, you just need to keep records for WFTC purposes and fill ni the forms correctly.

I have my RSA qualifications upto level 3 so I'm hoping to get admin work...and I would do anything

How would the tax credits thing work then? I would need to claim working tax credit in order to make ends meet as I'd then have my rent etc to pay but then if the job ends I'd have to go back to claiming income support etc...it sounds really daunting

I would definately consider temping in your situation as many temporary jobs can lead to a permanent job or at least making contacts that lead to a permanent job. It would also give you experience which you say you are lacking. I can't help with the Working Tax Credit side but it must be possible so I would just keep good records and let the Inland Revenue know what you are doing so there are no nasty surprises.

Register with as many agencies as you can and chase them every few days.

Talk to tax office about best way of keeping them informed about you working.

Keep good records of everything.

I had a temp job which lead to a job lasting 4 years, so i wish you lots of luck.