Job seekers help

bugalugs45 · 2025-02-27T12:58:19+00:00

So I got made redundant at Christmas . Did get a pay out from my previous company so can comfortably live for a year or so , luckily mortgage free with no dependant children . I am however claiming new style JSA as it covers my NI contributions for a max of 6 months . I've only claimed for a month and had 2 appointments so far . I am fulfilling commitments regarding job searching , but it's tedious . I have been offered a job but the hours just don't suit , it's nights in a supermarket. It said various contracts when I applied so I didn't really know what to expect. I'm can't take it as have 2 dogs that I can't leave for 12 hours or get taken care of overnight , even if it was possible I'd probably be paying out all I'm earning . I live alone . I also only need /want to work part time , 25 hours max but my work coach has said I need to apply for ' everything ' up to 40 hours with a travel time of 90 minutes each way . I just left it as I'm very much a fan of avoiding conflict as much as possible Does anyone have any experience of this and if I turn down this job what happens ? I haven't replied to the email offering me a the job as yet, as just received the email this morning . It feels like there's no flexibility and I'm half tempted to withdraw my claim . I don't really know what I'm asking , I just feel better writing this all down & if you've got this far, thank you. I appreciate it !

EmmaMaria · 27/02/2025 13:15

If you turn down a job and they find out, then you will be sanctioned. I am sorry that you were made redundant, but finding job search "tedious", not wanting to leave your dogs, restricting the hours you will work, or not wanting full time work are personal choices and not what unemployment benefits are for. The purpose of unemployment benefits is to provide a safety net for people who are out of work and are looking to get another job - any job, not just a job that they like. You are correct - there is no flexibilty, and without good grounds (e.g. health conditions) nor should there be. You either want work or you aren't fussed about working - and if it is the latter then you support yourself out of work. Since you are able to do that and happy to do that, then yes, it would be best to withdraw your claim.

Original poster

bugalugs45 · 27/02/2025 13:22

EmmaMaria · 27/02/2025 13:15

If you turn down a job and they find out, then you will be sanctioned. I am sorry that you were made redundant, but finding job search "tedious", not wanting to leave your dogs, restricting the hours you will work, or not wanting full time work are personal choices and not what unemployment benefits are for. The purpose of unemployment benefits is to provide a safety net for people who are out of work and are looking to get another job - any job, not just a job that they like. You are correct - there is no flexibilty, and without good grounds (e.g. health conditions) nor should there be. You either want work or you aren't fussed about working - and if it is the latter then you support yourself out of work. Since you are able to do that and happy to do that, then yes, it would be best to withdraw your claim.

Thanks for your input . I'm happy to work , want to work , but can't leave dogs 13 + hours overnight .
I do however disagree that it's safety net , it's not means tested so anyone that's paid NI contributions for 3 years can claim , rightly or wrongly , but i don't make the rules , I'm just trying to follow them .

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watchuswreckthemic · 27/02/2025 13:36

I think you've nailed it- there isn't any flexibility. The expectation is that you claim the benefit in return for searching for a full time job, applying for any suitable job within an hour and a half.

Original poster

bugalugs45 · 27/02/2025 13:42

watchuswreckthemic · 27/02/2025 13:36

I think you've nailed it- there isn't any flexibility. The expectation is that you claim the benefit in return for searching for a full time job, applying for any suitable job within an hour and a half.

Agree , and I'm not fussy re jobs , I'm not qualified for anything per se so am aware I'll be working for minimum wage , not a problem .
The job search websites seem very vague so you're applying semi blind , no mention of hours or shifts on most adverts .
I think my issue is that it very much feels like a tick box exercise, with quantity over quality .
Missing the point of getting people back into work in my opinion .
The system just seems very flawed & I'm obviously only just noticing it having worked continually since leaving school 35 years ago .

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EmmaMaria · 27/02/2025 13:44

bugalugs45 · 27/02/2025 13:22

Thanks for your input . I'm happy to work , want to work , but can't leave dogs 13 + hours overnight .
I do however disagree that it's safety net , it's not means tested so anyone that's paid NI contributions for 3 years can claim , rightly or wrongly , but i don't make the rules , I'm just trying to follow them .

Show quote history

It is a safety net. Anyone that has paid the required NI may be eligible to claim it but only if they comply with the conditions placed upon them. It is not a blanket right. I am not saying you should leave your dogs (I have a dog myself) - I am saying that the DWP do not accept those arguments as valid reasons for refusing work. Those are also the rules.

sugarspiceandeverythingnice12 · 27/02/2025 13:55

You have to comply with the contract you signed with DWP. However, would DWP know that you turned down the job?

Original poster

bugalugs45 · 27/02/2025 13:59

sugarspiceandeverythingnice12 · 27/02/2025 13:55

You have to comply with the contract you signed with DWP. However, would DWP know that you turned down the job?

I don't know,
I just feel deflated , as happens all too often in this life you seem to be penalised for being honest 🤷‍♀️

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HarrietofFire · 27/02/2025 14:07

The system is terrible. I got sanctioned for not looking for work when I had accepted a job and I was waiting for my start date. It makes no sense until you realise that they are not aiming to help you at all, they are trying to see how to stop paying you any benefits.

Reply to the supermarket accepting the job but tell them you can only work your specific hours and then allow them to turn you down rather than you rejecting the offer.

Original poster

bugalugs45 · 03/03/2025 19:26

HarrietofFire · 27/02/2025 14:07

The system is terrible. I got sanctioned for not looking for work when I had accepted a job and I was waiting for my start date. It makes no sense until you realise that they are not aiming to help you at all, they are trying to see how to stop paying you any benefits.

Reply to the supermarket accepting the job but tell them you can only work your specific hours and then allow them to turn you down rather than you rejecting the offer.

Absolutely this !
Today I had an interview , they still wanted to see me at job centre, so I went first thing , I was in and out in less than 2 minutes and my job coach wished me luck for my interview ( which was in the opposite direction from my home ? Over an hours driving and parking charges .
Total waste of time and energy - and now I have to have weekly appointments.
I've had 2 payments , 1 was only part payment , not the full 2 week amount .
I've jumped through hoops for less than £300 . I'm out

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