Hi, for the unfortunates who have to sign on the dole every two weeks (me included) what do you think of the actual experience?

I find the people very nice at the office I go to. However, I strongly object to being asked 'what have you been doing to look for work over the last two weeks?'

They make me feel as though I'm on the dole through choice. I have to explain that I am doing everything I can to find work and I am not there to make a career from the £60.50 allowance. Unfortunately I have been claiming for over six months and so far I have been offered a 'bribe' of £25 per week to go back to work and a training trial at a company. This essentially means that I work for nothing for two weeks but can claim bus fares and lunches. Fine said I, please find me a free trial.

It was not to be though as I have to find my own trial with a company.

I'm struggling to understand what the 'plus' is for in the Job Centre Plus offices.

What are members experiences of Job Centre Plus?

I'm signing on for the second time tomorrow, i left my job of 3 years as it was making me ill. You're right about them treating you like you don't want a job but the sad fact is that so many people signing on choose to live that way, the people at the jobcentre are just doing their job.
I have had to send them a page long statement explaining my situation, i hope that they don't reject my claim. Still have no idea of when they are planning to pay me and my money has run out now. I just don't understand how they let the people who aren't bothered about working get any money- They seem to manage whilst other respectable people are being messed around with a load of paperwork. Also, how do people claim jobseekers for such a long time? I paid my taxes for 3 years and i'm only entitled to 6 months on benefits. It is unfair that people who haven't contributed a penny are allowed to sign on for seemingly as long as they like. After a year or so they get put on New Deal which has many jobs that i would love to do but they are reserved for the people that will stay there a couple of weeks then go back on the dole.
Another thing, after i left college when i was 18 i was unemployed for about 4 or 5 months. Went to the jobcentre, signed on twice before i got a letter in the post telling me that i was 'Still in education until the end of October' and could not sign on. Couldn't they have just told me when i first went instead of going through paperwork and wasting all of our time? The new term starts in september aswell so how did they work out i was still in education? I left around may/june.
It all makes me pretty angry, but i am just trying to focus all my energy on getting a job. The staff at the jobcentre are alright and personally i think the work trials thing isnt such a bad idea- i have pretty specialist qualifications and no other work history really so struggle with jobs that need experienced people. At least they pay for you to get there and you can sign on straight away if you're not very good at it rather than having to go through all the hassle again.

Hi, re getting JSA for six months only, I believe that after the six months you will automatically move to another system which is also called Jobs Seekers Allowance(!), it's got something to do with National Insurance contributions I think. So try not to worry too much about that.

Re the worktrials, I initially thought this a good idea until the Job Cetntre said that they don't place people on the trials. So personally, I don't see the point in them.

I employed someone on one of these trials and it was a good way of him getting into work however he told me about the companies that take the **** with it

some just take people on for two weeks of free labour then let them go

I have signed on and of twice in the past 5 months, was made redundant, signed on, got a job, hated it, then signed on again, got a temp job the other day so thought it would be better to do that for 4 weeks then sign on, rung the telephone call centre yesterday to confirm that I wouldnt be signing on, and she was so miserable, she had a right attitude problem, I tried saying to her can I sign on after this temp work again if I havent found a permanent job, at least I am doing what work I can get, she just made me feel guilty for even signing on in the first place.

I think going to the job centre every 2 weeks to sign on is a joke, yeah the staff are really nice but useless, not once did they say do I need any help looking for work, the last time I went which was 2 weeks ago I said to him I was getting really worried that I was still out of work and he just showed me the screen and said 'have you applied for any of these jobs?' I just thought is that it? Is that all the help your gonna give me, what about advising me on training courses or something, surley they can help in some way.

Its new deal that you have to go on after 6 months, dont know much about it though, I also dont understand how us that have put tax and NI in for god knows how many years can only apparantly claim for 6 months.

Fine said I, please find me a free trial.

It was not to be though as I have to find my own trial with a company.

You going to need to be a bit more assertive than that!

These people who are looking for work suffer and I feel sorry for them, because they don't know the benefit system like these chavs, makes me sick, anyway an old friend of mine told me say to job centre you have a job starting, end claim, then say it fell through and do a rapid reclaim, should stop the 3 or 6 months interigation at the job centre for at least 3 months - what have you done to look for a job...etc

I have signed on and of twice in the past 5 months, was made redundant, signed on, got a job, hated it, then signed on again, got a temp job the other day so thought it would be better to do that for 4 weeks then sign on, rung the telephone call centre yesterday to confirm that I wouldnt be signing on, and she was so miserable, she had a right attitude problem, I tried saying to her can I sign on after this temp work again if I havent found a permanent job, at least I am doing what work I can get, she just made me feel guilty for even signing on in the first place.

I think going to the job centre every 2 weeks to sign on is a joke, yeah the staff are really nice but useless, not once did they say do I need any help looking for work, the last time I went which was 2 weeks ago I said to him I was getting really worried that I was still out of work and he just showed me the screen and said 'have you applied for any of these jobs?' I just thought is that it? Is that all the help your gonna give me, what about advising me on training courses or something, surley they can help in some way.

Its new deal that you have to go on after 6 months, dont know much about it though, I also dont understand how us that have put tax and NI in for god knows how many years can only apparantly claim for 6 months.


Well thats what job agencies are for. You'd think that the government could act as an employment agency, but NOOOO, that would be 'interfering with the private sector'

I am not on the 'Dole' and can't understand why so many people are! Excuses I've heard is ''I have kids so can't work'', ''not enough jobs'' .. WHAT a load of rubbish. I was a pregnant 16 schoolgirl, went to school til 8 months pregnant, returned to school 4 days after giving birth to sit exams. BTW I was a single mum, I went to college, worked part time earning £61 a week, paying £200 a week childcare costs. NOW i own severasl businesses WHICH I SET UP ON MY OWN. If I was PM, I'd banish dole money, no excuse for not working.

well unlike you busineddwoma alot of ppl have been laid of and cannot find work. i think its very hard for ppl when they have been in a company for years then get laid of because the company went bust. if ll your buiness went bust what would you do if you couldnt get work???? good luck to you with all the work you have done but get your head out of the sand its not always that easy for some people

I am not on the 'Dole' and can't understand why so many people are! Excuses I've heard is ''I have kids so can't work'', ''not enough jobs'' .. WHAT a load of rubbish. I was a pregnant 16 schoolgirl, went to school til 8 months pregnant, returned to school 4 days after giving birth to sit exams. BTW I was a single mum, I went to college, worked part time earning £61 a week, paying £200 a week childcare costs. NOW i own severasl businesses WHICH I SET UP ON MY OWN. If I was PM, I'd banish dole money, no excuse for not working.

How did you pay £200 a week childcare with only £61 a week wages?

My head is not in the sand hunni, there are loads of jobs out there! But some people let pride take over i.e An accountant may go bust and won't take on a cleaning job ''just because they are worth more than that''.. you need to see reality , get out there and look for work properly instead of browsing the internet where only a minority of jobs are posted.#
As for paying £200 in childcare, I had to get CCTC.. If my businesses went bust, I've already got back up in place, it's a case of seeing whats happening in the real world and being in front with whats happening, predicting I guess.. I see no excuse in being out of work, my kid's dad has NEVER paid his way nor seen his 12 yr old daughter, he's never worked in his life and claims EVERY benefit existant.. Only 1 word for these people S*******R

As for paying £200 in childcare, I had to get CCTC.. I

What is CCTC?

Child Care Tax Credit, the Inland Revenue pay so much of the bill and I had to pay the rest. Supposed to help those with children in order to return to work

Hi, for the unfortunates who have to sign on the dole every two weeks (me included) what do you think of the actual experience?
It sounds crap which is why I've made sure I've never had to do it and never will.

Child Care Tax Credit, the Inland Revenue pay so much of the bill and I had to pay the rest. Supposed to help those with children in order to return to work

Ah right, so it's ok for the state to give you assistance under one name because you got pregnant when you had no way to support yourself and a child, but it's not ok for them to give other people assistance under another name when through no fault of their own they have lost their job?

Its not their fault they lost their job but it is their fault for not looking for work. Dole money is totally different from CCTC, CCTC means I WAS/AM working, DOLE means you're not working.. completely different, I did everything I could to work i.e I got a mortgage, bought my home to have equity in which I could use to build up a business, hence my 1st business, then when that was established, I put money into a 2nd business, then a 3rd. People want life easily handed on a plate and aren't prepared to sacrifice. I now have 3 daughters, look after them myself as well as running 3 businesses. I claim NO benefits and more people should take this leaf from my book and stop relying on the state. GET A JOB guys

Its not their fault they lost their job but it is their fault for not looking for work. Dole money is totally different from CCTC, CCTC means I WAS/AM working, DOLE means you're not working.. completely different, I did everything I could to work i.e I got a mortgage, bought my home to have equity in which I could use to build up a business, hence my 1st business, then when that was established, I put money into a 2nd business, then a 3rd. People want life easily handed on a plate and aren't prepared to sacrifice. I now have 3 daughters, look after them myself as well as running 3 businesses. I claim NO benefits and more people should take this leaf from my book and stop relying on the state. GET A JOB guys

I guess you managed to get a job (and state support) at a time that wasn't the worst economically since the 1930's?

well said little buzz. so you think thats ok then buinness????? what gives you the right to think you can claim for children but not others when there struggling with work you have totally contradicted yourself.

whats that got to do with it? I set up my 1st business a few years ago! The recession probably just beginning then! I still had to get off my a** and be actively out there to build it up.. There's people with half of bodies, in wheelchairs etc who can work, it shows they LOOK for it and not wait for it to look for them.

well said little buzz. so you think thats ok then buinness????? what gives you the right to think you can claim for children but not others when there struggling with work you have totally contradicted yourself.

I have the right because I WAS / AM WORKING

get of your high horse so what youve got your own business how many times do you have to say it?? i work but i no alot of ppl whos just lost there jobs and i feel very sorry for them. but for you to think just cos u got knocked up at 16 and claimed then why shouldnt other tax payers do the same when they are unimployed???

THERE'S PEOPLE (like Jodie) probably not working, sat on Sheffield Forum arguing about scrounging, shouldn't these peoplle be going round nursing homes, shops, factories looking for work.. THIS IS WHAT I MEAN when I say they are waiting for a job to knock on their doors.. THIS IS WHY i have no sympathy for them having no job. AFTER ALL, you only get what you give

i do work im a hairdresser actually buinesswoma i did my training at 16 working 40hours a week for 50quid and also did another job to pay my bills. so not like me i have the week of and thats why im sat on ere. i hope your buiness fails so you can see where ppl are coming from!!!!!

i've have businesses fail, but AGAIN i had back up plans.. I didnt say you WASNT working, I said PROBABLY not working. Good that you're not a scrounger hunni, but there are people who are.

i left school at 16, 4 months later went to college, became the first female soccer coach in my course, completed my course, and stayed with my part time job for a few yrs until i bought my home and set up a 1st business. By the time I was 21 i had set up business but failed so resorted to my back up plan. I'm 29 now and work when i want to because I can.

i have been signing on since the end of sept getting contribution jsa £60 a week fair enough my wife works 30hrs a week and we have two kids (teens) i soon will be fifty and my jsa will finish in march and then all i would be signing for is ni contributions as i will no longer get any money, i admit to getting tax credits but when you have bills to pay food to buy full rent and full council tax think yourself lucky you will get jsa if nobody worksin your household and you will get your rent paid

whats that got to do with it? I set up my 1st business a few years ago! The recession probably just beginning then!

The downturn started in the middle of last year, the recession last month.

As a business owner I would expect you to take more notice of the economic climate.

I have no need to keep 24/7 lookout, you honestly believe it started to downfall and then suddenly whammmmm the recession, look back over the last 2/3/4 years.. thats when it started

i have been signing on since the end of sept getting contribution jsa £60 a week fair enough my wife works 30hrs a week and we have two kids (teens) i soon will be fifty and my jsa will finish in march and then all i would be signing for is ni contributions as i will no longer get any money, i admit to getting tax credits but when you have bills to pay food to buy full rent and full council tax think yourself lucky you will get jsa if nobody worksin your household and you will get your rent paid

why don't these people just get a job and stop letting pride get in the way.. Does it matter if they were accountants or solicitors etc, a job is a job, it pays the bills instead of claiming benefits.

It does my headin that I work hard and have done for years just to keep my lazy ass next door neighbour who has more kids than the school, she doesnt work, the kids are tear aways, shes on her back all day whilst i pay my dues to keep her poppin out rugrats.. NOT RIGHT AND NOT FAIR

I have no need to keep 24/7 lookout, you honestly believe it started to downfall and then suddenly whammmmm the recession, look back over the last 2/3/4 years.. thats when it started

Average GDP growth rate in the UK 2004 - 2.75%
Average GDP growth rate in the UK 2005 - 2.03%
Average GDP growth rate in the UK 2006 - 2.88%
Average GDP growth rate in the UK 2007 - 3.05%
Average GDP growth rate in the UK 2008 - 0.70%

GDP growth rate for Jan 2009 - (1.8)%

When did it start?

Incidentally, are you the non-trading individual who is the registrant for the URL of the private detective company you say you own, or the different person who is the registrant of the escort company that it is apparently a part of?

Mod note: Please keep on topic and off personal arguments.

Christ all mighty, couldnt beleive me eyes when i read this. I started a similar thread.(JSA WHATS THE POINT?)

The attitudes of people never fail to suprise me on this matter. I have worked continuously full time since leaving University ( 9 years) . I have had a job since being 14... sat etc and worked throughout my gcse'c, a levels and degree working on the same days as taking my finals. which was a 75% exam course so no cop out. I did not live at home, left at 16 to go to college as lived in the sticks. Never got any help from the government for my course at all.

I bought my first property at 21, so got a bargain and managed to get some equity to go up the ladder, worked 60 hours a week to get money saved to pay off debts to have a decent life oh and pay a nice 40% tax bill. Did this on my own.

Met a chap from Sheffield decided to move here, bought a small property as we didnt want to overstretch ourselves and wanted to make sure we could pay mortgage on one salary and manage . We also had some money saved. We have no kids, no debt and have never claimed a single penny in my life.

Then both of us were made redundant.... yes both, yipeee.

Through are own hard graft we have both got new permanent jobs, that we got ourselves(not through job agency nor job centre) I found job centre to be a pile of rubbish i mananged to get 2 weeks jsa out of them !!! Great reward after the amount of money the goverment have fleeced me for.

My point is this , Business, you ended up pregnant at 16 an event that was unexpected i assume. You got help from the government, so why shouldnt other people. Yes you have worked hard, but as i feel your attitude is somewhat hypocritical as im also sure with 3 children you get child/family allowance / credit or do you refuse this as you have 3 wonderful businesses you dont need it ?

One day you may need help, i never in a million years thought i would be made redundant and a my OH at the same time !!! Things can go wrong in exceptional circumstances, and will even like you who feels they may be untouchable . Have some sympathy and empathy for people who do need it. Yes you have worked hard there is no doubt about that , but hard times can and will come to us all. And remember the government has given you help !!! If you had never claimed anything in your whole life then i would feel your attitude justified but you DID have help , and would have been stuck without it.

Good luck when signing on , it was one depressing experience , there are loads of jobs out there still, despite the doom and gloom, and be willing to turn your hand to anything. Also , Leeds, and Manc aint that far and easy to get to on the train, and plenty stuff going on there.Good luck :thumbsup:

Hear Hear Ruby.

Businesswoman. I don't know anything about your businesses, but escort agency I think I read earlier. So, it's not you who is actually 'working' is it.

I've worked very hard since I left school in 1976. And, for the record madam, I have tried to get jobs I am suited to do. Like typing and admin work for example. To quote your example of accountants etc. I was a highly paid professional and fully accept tha times have changed and it is unlikely that I will ever be paid that amount of money again so I am being realistic in what jobs I am applying for. Please do not tar everyone who is having an unfortunate experience at the moment. It's hard enough without people judging us as lazy and not wanting to work which is absolutely not the case.

I have to say I agree with Businesswoman's sentiment... even if she's gone about it the wrong way.

At the end of the day, no-one likes a scrounger.

I think we'd all agree with this:

Don't claim benefits if you don't need to.

Get off your backside and find a job.

There's always a job out there you could do, even if it is 'beneath you'.

I have to say I agree with Businesswoman's sentiment... even if she's gone about it the wrong way.

At the end of the day, no-one likes a scrounger.

I think we'd all agree with this:

Don't claim benefits if you don't need to.

Get off your backside and find a job.

There's always a job out there you could do, even if it is 'beneath you'.

She's gone about it with a subtlety that is surprising for someone who works undercover.

In no way do I condone people who don't look for a job, but there simply aren't that many about now. Note that I didn't say there weren't any - just not enough for everyone who needs one, so inevitably some people will be signing on.

And to criticise people for claiming what they are entitled to when they need it, whilst admitting to, er, claiming what she was entitled to when she needed it shows a remarkable self-importance (as does continually mentioning you have not one, not two, but three businesses) and a complete lack of empathy.

She's gone about it with a subtlety that is surprising for someone who works undercover.

In no way do I condone people who don't look for a job, but there simply aren't that many about now. Note that I didn't say there weren't any - just not enough for everyone who needs one, so inevitably some people will be signing on.

And to criticise people for claiming what they are entitled to when they need it, whilst admitting to, er, claiming what she was entitled to when she needed it shows a remarkable self-importance (as does continually mentioning you have not one, not two, but three businesses) and a complete lack of empathy.Personal issues aside though...

There aren't that many jobs around? I really have to say, there are loads. I'm not saying that anyone can walk into a job tomorrow, but anyone who can't find a job in 2-3 months really isn't trying hard enough, or is not looking in the right place.

I agree that JSA is an entitlement and you should claim it if you're entitled (our tax pounds have paid for a great system that seeks to help people). But the system is continuously being abused by people, and that's what honest, tax-paying people get upset about.

Personal issues aside though...

There aren't that many jobs around? I really have to say, there are loads. I'm not saying that anyone can walk into a job tomorrow, but anyone who can't find a job in 2-3 months really isn't trying hard enough, or is not looking in the right place.

I agree that JSA is an entitlement and you should claim it if you're entitled (our tax pounds have paid for a great system that seeks to help people). But the system is continuously being abused by people, and that's what honest, tax-paying people get upset about.

I agree completely, i think 3 months is a good estimate. It took me 4 weeks , in total from reundancy to offer, but I had worked in HR , recruitment, employment law fields so had contacts i was able to approach and a big knowledge of the local area. My only big concern is for people who are professionals and over 45 mark, age discrimination unfortunatley still exists in a big way, in fact think there is a Dispatches program on about it. This to me is the the thing thatt may be preventing the genuine hardworking people still on JSA when they are depserate to work.

Good luck x

To me the system is all wrong and is abused on a daily basis.Those that really need the help have problems getting it, those that know how to use the system get plenty and more.It's time it was overhauled .

Everyone who has posted so far has described that they worked for years. Imagine how hard it is for someone who has NO job experience at the moment.

Getting a job in the current situation is very difficult. I have been out of work since December and I have tried to get office work as this is what I am experienced in but I have had no luck, so I decided to try getting work in supermarkets and shops I spent most of yesterday going around Morrisons, Sainsburys, Wilkinsons, Halfords, Asda, Argos and various other stores asking if they had got any jobs going and none had anything. Anybody who thinks that supermarkets and stores are continously recruiting staff are very much mistaken. I have worked since leaving college so I am no skiver, I really want to work.

That's a nice post. Thank you for sharing. Its better not to put fake experience in current situation. Better to know all the employment laws before joining.
There are some websites like hrlaweasyanswers.com that provide services for all the employment law requirements while employing and managing people. There are no contracts to sign up and the quality services provide real savings and are of great value.

I lost my job before Christmas and have been looking ever since.I've always worked and do not understand the benefit system. My partner works but his income covers the bills with only a bit left every month. We have an 18 month old child and one thing i'm struggling with is the month's worth of nursery fees I need to find in advance of her starting nursery so I can return to work. There is no assistance with this until I actually start work, so a catch 22 situation.
I broke my ankle on Friday and have a sick note for 6 weeks!! I have an interview tomorrow for a temp job for 2 weeks, but this causes a problem as i now have to claim ESA which doesn't allow any work at all.
I spent ages in the phone to the jobcentre explaining this, but I get the impression it's easier to just claim ESA than work if possible.

I don't think the system is fair, it really should be all or nothing. I don't see why just because you have actually paid NI contributions this excludes you from other benefits that you could get if you've never paid any!!

I'm also looking at starting my own business or going back into education unfortunately these are things that JCP don't seem able to help with, but they bend over backwards to assist those who belong to certain sectors of society.

Everyone who has posted so far has described that they worked for years. Imagine how hard it is for someone who has NO job experience at the moment.

Getting paid work may well prove tricky, but volunteering to gain some valuable work experience may well be a good option. Plus it will make you stand out from the crowd, and show a potential employer that you are willing to put the hard graft in.

I've had 3 bouts of unemployment & JSA in approx 34 years working.

The first time was in 1990 and I signed on at West Street. I waited in a queue, signed the declaration & went. Not pleasant, but worthwhile if only for National Insurance contributions.

Second and Third Times (2000 & 2003) were at Jobcentre. The experiences there were worse. Whilst the advisors were not unwilling, In my opinion they were incapable of making any positive contribution to my job searches. (On one occasion I actually consoled the advisor because he had to travel 80 miles a day to work!) My time would have been more cost effective by signing off and paying my own NIC's.

The country could save money by abolishing JSA, and making everything means tested, and they could be means testing the current advisors.

Chris. Tomlinson (Currently Working)

Signature not shown because this is not an advert

People need to be realistic about job opportunities. They are limited for older people - that's been the experience of many, but there is no shame in taking a job at a lower level than one has been used to. I've done it more than once and the important bit has been getting the job. Once you're in an organisation - who knows!

I agree with Charlotte 24. If people have no work experience and no marketable skills - but genuinely want to work, then doing some voluntary work will normally help with references and experience. When my OH wanted to return to work after several years of ill-health he volunteered with an animal charity. It got him back into the world of work, and they gave him a great reference, which got him the job he's still in - 7 years on. Its part time, and not particularly well paid but he'd rather do it than not work. He hated the whole signing on experience, and in his case it was just for NI contributions once he came off incapacity benefit.

Agreed, but you arent really allowed to do voluntary work when you are on jobseekers, because your supposed to spend your time looking for a job.

Agreed, but you arent really allowed to do voluntary work when you are on jobseekers, because your supposed to spend your time looking for a job.

Crazy innit. However, it's not because you're supposed to spend your time looking for work, its because you have to be available to work.

Oh my.. the system gets crazier and crazier! How much notice would you need to give doing voluntary work if a paid one came up, i would have thought you'd be able to start pretty much right away anyway.

Crazy innit. However, it's not because you're supposed to spend your time looking for work, its because you have to be available to work.

Voluntary work is rarely full time and can be described as getting necessary experience. If paid work is offered then the voluntary work might have to stop or at leas reduce. Lots of people in paid jobs do both. Possibly worth checking out at the Jobcentre.

I strongly object to being asked 'what have you been doing to look for work over the last two weeks?'

They make me feel as though I'm on the dole through choice.

Why do you object to being asked what you did in the last two weeks to look for work? I have been unemployed very briefly in the past and all I did was look for other work so I wouldn't be troubled being asked to account for it. But then I've never been unemployed for more than a month in the last fifteen years. Maybe that's why I'm employed and you're not. And yes one period was within this recession.

Are you also suggesting that anybody who is unemployed should be allowed to stay that way without question even if they are shirking just to save you being annoyed at being asked.

And let me guess...you're a graduate who expects the world to fall at your feet and you can't understand why it hasn't? Welcome to the real world sweetheart.

Well thats what job agencies are for. You'd think that the government could act as an employment agency, but NOOOO, that would be 'interfering with the private sector'

Actually the Job Centre does everything recruitment agencies do and more. Also you are likely to get a job which is appropriate for you rather than being shoehorned into which ever job will make an unscrupulous recruitment consultant their £100 commission that month.

Actually the Job Centre does everything recruitment agencies do and more. Also you are likely to get a job which is appropriate for you rather than being shoehorned into which ever job will make an unscrupulous recruitment consultant their £100 commission that month.

I think Denandinnit was commenting that he/she possibly felt a little patronised as anyone with a brain wants to work , and felt that he didnt need to be asked the question.

I found the Job centre to be the biggest bunch of c*** ever. Alledgedly they only had 3 jobs that matched what i was looking for within Leeds , Manc and Sheffield( in my brief 4 weeks of unemployment) !!! Not sure how i managed to get 8 different interviews then ! Leave it to the job centre and you will remain unemployed for a VERY long time.

I work in HR and every person bar 1 who i have interviewed in the last 3 weeks has been made redundant, it is exceptionally tough at the moment , as the people who i have seen have all been fantastic , but unfortunately there couldnt be jobs for them all.

Don't stereotype graduates as I am one ( albeit a bit ago) and i worked damn hard to get where i am.

I'll second that, when i was briefly using the job centre services they were useless. I wouldn't trust them to find me a job, there may be a few decent vacancies on the website but i wouldn't rely on the weekly visits as they were never actually that helpful.

Actually the Job Centre does everything recruitment agencies do and more. Also you are likely to get a job which is appropriate for you rather than being shoehorned into which ever job will make an unscrupulous recruitment consultant their £100 commission that month.

This is not my experience of Agencies. My experience is that agencies will only put your forward for a job if they think there is any chance of you getting the job. Employers are being very careful about who they employ and make sure they have the discrimination areas covered. I have managed to be put forward for 5 jobs out of 300 applications made to agencies. I have had 2 interviews the result of which were that I was too experienced (this is having passed short listing tests and the company telling the agency I did a good interview). I am still waiting to hear back from the other three jobs that I applied for four weeks ago.

Companies now put jobs out to about 4 agencies and agencies that send inappropriate CVs are discarded so there is no shoehorning of people into jobs.

The next crisis for this government comes when all the people who were made redundant around Christmas and who cannot afford their mortgage/utility bills/council tax have to turn to the state or face bankruptcy. To be honest I don't know what I am going to do if I cannot find a job. Problem is I am in my fifties and if I go for an interview at a lower level the chances are that I will be more experienced than the people managing me.

I have not signed on because I am in receipt of a pension (which unfortunately does not cover all my outgoings) which I pay tax and NI on. This will buy me a little more time than others.

As I am still contributing to NI and as far as the government is concerned I am not unemployed because I receive a pension I have not had the delights to be enjoyed at the job centre. However I am glad of this.

The other thing I would add is that I work in a specialist area and the sort of job I do is never advertised through a job centre.

This link is to some home business scheme.

Thousands of people from the UK, Ireland, Holland and Germany have taken control of their lives with this £600 Million British FTSE 250 company through a very simple home based business...

not jobs that can be applied for.To find out about the opportunity,just fill in your name and email address and we will get in touch.

Why do you object to being asked what you did in the last two weeks to look for work? I have been unemployed very briefly in the past and all I did was look for other work so I wouldn't be troubled being asked to account for it. But then I've never been unemployed for more than a month in the last fifteen years. Maybe that's why I'm employed and you're not. And yes one period was within this recession.

Are you also suggesting that anybody who is unemployed should be allowed to stay that way without question even if they are shirking just to save you being annoyed at being asked.

And let me guess...you're a graduate who expects the world to fall at your feet and you can't understand why it hasn't? Welcome to the real world sweetheart.


Hi, many thanks for responding to my OP.

As a customer of the Job Centre Plus it would be nice to gain some support from them instead of going through the motions of 'what have you been doing for work'. All I want is for a cheery voice to greet me, give me a bit of support, and to say I'm doing well getting interviews etc and to tell me it will be just a matter of time, just keep going.

Re the graduate snide, I think that a little harsh. Yes I'm a graduate, but I got my qualifications when I was about 35. It's very hard for everybody at the moment and hats off to everybody who does not have to go through the unemployment claiming business for a long time.

Finally, there are a number of people who do not want to work in this country and I object being treated as if I were one of them. The system is geared towards the former category and needs to be revised.

it's horrible

Hi, for the unfortunates who have to sign on the dole every two weeks (me included) what do you think of the actual experience?

I find the people very nice at the office I go to. However, I strongly object to being asked 'what have you been doing to look for work over the last two weeks?'

They make me feel as though I'm on the dole through choice. I have to explain that I am doing everything I can to find work and I am not there to make a career from the £60.50 allowance. Unfortunately I have been claiming for over six months and so far I have been offered a 'bribe' of £25 per week to go back to work and a training trial at a company. This essentially means that I work for nothing for two weeks but can claim bus fares and lunches. Fine said I, please find me a free trial.

It was not to be though as I have to find my own trial with a company.

I'm struggling to understand what the 'plus' is for in the Job Centre Plus offices.

What are members experiences of Job Centre Plus?

I've found in the Past that it depends who you get! Sometimes they would be really probing to find out what you had been doing, and other times they just get your signature and don't even ask you anything!

I had my dole money stopped because I left an organisation 'voluntarily' even though I had many decent reasons it was badly run, and the staff weren't treated with enough respect, plus management would hold back details of information from employees til the time they couldn't do anything about it! I stuck it out for 2 years and felt I needed to get out because I had been putting up with too much nonsense! So it's not like I didn't give it a fair chance!

But even though I was honest from the start with the Job Centre over my reasons they didn't stop my money til months afterwards? Which begs the question why did they pay me in the first if in their I wasn't entitled? They didn't bother to inform me by phone or letter that they were stopping it which wouldn't have taken much effort really! Only found out because I chased up several days and phones calls later.

Seems you get punished for being honest, no wonder so many people lie about it to stay on for a while because it's the only way to keep the support going!

Hi,

BBC1 moral debate show looking for people who are on the dole.

We make the BBC1 moral and ethical live debate show The Big Questions. We're debating the welfare state this Sunday and we're looking for people who have been on the dole, either short term or long term - or those who feel that they have found work and other people aren't trying hard enough.

If you've got any strong views on either side of this debate, please do get in touch as soon as possible.

Best wishes

Hannah Eastwood
Assistant Producer
The Big Questions
01865 811126

I found the Job centre to be the biggest bunch of c*** ever. Alledgedly they only had 3 jobs that matched what i was looking for within Leeds , Manc and Sheffield( in my brief 4 weeks of unemployment) !!! Not sure how i managed to get 8 different interviews then !

Because a lot of employers don't advertise with the Job Centre (not every job will be with each agency either). They advertise through other means such as newspapers and the internet, obviously if you really want to get a job you will go and search these out through your local library etc. Nothing says that every available job has to go through the Job Centre. Employers are free to advertise where they wish and because that the onus is on the jobseeker to prove they have done this.

This is not my experience of Agencies. My experience is that agencies will only put your forward for a job if they think there is any chance of you getting the job.... I have managed to be put forward for 5 jobs out of 300 applications made to agencies. I have had 2 interviews the result of which were that I was too experienced (this is having passed short listing tests and the company telling the agency I did a good interview).

I worked for an agency for a while and believe me I am totally not surprised you were put forwards for jobs you were overqualified for. They can rarely get underqualified people into a role but will happily put forwards overqualified candidates hoping they will stay for a year and they'll get their commission.


I also heard them lie about the likeliehood of of a temp job to being made perm to try and bully a candidate into taking a job. Maybe that was just the agency I worked for but I don't trust them.

Hi, many thanks for responding to my OP.

As a customer of the Job Centre Plus it would be nice to gain some support from them instead of going through the motions of 'what have you been doing for work'. All I want is for a cheery voice to greet me, give me a bit of support, and to say I'm doing well getting interviews etc and to tell me it will be just a matter of time, just keep going.

.

I'm really sorry if this sounds nasty but the Job Centre aren't there to support you. They are mainly there to check that you are entitled to the benefits you are receiving and that you are making an effort to find a job, not to hold your hand. They don't put you forwards for jobs out of the goodness of their heart but so they can ensure you are actually putting yourself forwards for suitable posts that are available.

That was why I made the Graduate comment, because what you were saying seemed so naive I assumed you were young. At the end of the day you don't get something for nothing and you get Job Seekers on the condition you do actively look for a job.

Also on the occasions I've been into Job Centre's I'm not surprised they are miserable because of the amount of abuse they take. A lot of it is done over the phone these days but I've been in places where they are all sat behind shatterproof glass because they've been attacked so many times.

why do people expect the job centre and the state to find them a new job. people using mine and the likes taxes, to live a free, or subsidised life should be looking for jobs themselves, writing letters to companies. not expecting job centre to do it all for them. i got my job because i wanted the job and made the effort to get it.

Frankly, if the Job Centre staff knew about a decent job they'd go for it themselves. I agree, if you rely on the JC you'll be waiting a long, long time.

However, the entire system sucks. Yes, the JC staff can be very friendly etc. but the hypocrisy is staggering. All this 'What have you been doing to find work...' I kept copious records for my own use so was able to produce them as and when required, but I can see how this could be easily fiddled.

Every time I was asked this question, I only needed to look around at my fellow attendees - scrotes off their heads, people with F*** tattooed across their forehead, immigrants who could barely speak English - and wondered why they weren't being subject to such inquisition?

The fact is, the JC staff go for easy targets. Look decent, actively looking for work and can prove it? I know! I'll bundle you off to A4e! As for the 'only doing my job, guvnor.' bit, so were the guards at Auschwitz. Only they had no choice, the poorly paid and trained JC staff do.

Surely to God "Job Seekers Allowance" should be exactly that, and the aforementioned dregs who nobody in their right mind would ever employ should be refused any benefits and help whatsoever.

Anyway, back to work. It's been interesting reading this thread, especially that hypocritical 'Businesswoman' who seems to think it's OK to get benefits when it suits her, but not for others. Yes, there are jobs out there, but part-time coppers nark and hooker wouldn't do it for me...

Anyway, back to work. It's been interesting reading this thread, especially that hypocritical 'Businesswoman' who seems to think it's OK to get benefits when it suits her, but not for others. Yes, there are jobs out there, but part-time coppers nark and hooker wouldn't do it for me...

Ha ha ha nice one! :hihi:

Buisinesswoman, I congratulate you on your success. It's a shame you picked up no compassion on your way up the ladder. You've been lucky, and a bit of humility would be a good sauce.

As for the 'only doing my job, guvnor.' bit, so were the guards at Auschwitz. Only they had no choice, the poorly paid and trained JC staff do.

Surely to God "Job Seekers Allowance" should be exactly that, and the aforementioned dregs who nobody in their right mind would ever employ should be refused any benefits and help whatsoever.


Yes thats a good idea isnt it. Let them and their children sink into poverty. That should kill of the surplus population.

Buisinesswoman, I congratulate you on your success. It's a shame you picked up no compassion on your way up the ladder. You've been lucky, and a bit of humility would be a good sauce.

I have NO compassion.. There's no such thing as luck, I worked by a** to the bones, sometimes working 15/16 hours a day to get where I am today! You only get what you give.. I was severly ill with a complete blockage (DVT) in my pelvis in Jan 2008, I couldn't walk, but instead of sitting on my a** doing nothing, I decided to study, made the best of a bad situation. A 2 yr course took me 4 weeks. If you get out in the real world and look for work instead of mooching around the house feeling sorry for yourselves. I'm sorry but HUMILITY and COMPASSION doesn't ccome into it. I run these businesses myself, I respect everyone but rely on no-one. If they want a job, go out and find one! It won't find them..

you'd better get the cumonqueens.com domain registered then - it is still available at the moment ...

http://www.whois.net/dnr/index.php?d=cumonqueens&tld=com

by he way hun, registered and taken... By me!!!!!!!!

[QUOTE=DenadaInnit;4640240]Hear Hear Ruby.

Businesswoman. I don't know anything about your businesses, but escort agency I think I read earlier. So, it's not you who is actually 'working' is it.

Hun, who do you think finds the escorts, keeps and maintains the paperwork, does the interviews, updates website, updates escorts information, manages the accounts, I am not an escort but similar. Times all this by three along with school runs, school holidays, and everything else i have to do. So yes, i think it is me working.. lol

I have NO compassion.. There's no such thing as luck, I worked by a** to the bones, sometimes working 15/16 hours a day to get where I am today! You only get what you give.. I was severly ill with a complete blockage (DVT) in my pelvis in Jan 2008, I couldn't walk, but instead of sitting on my a** doing nothing, I decided to study, made the best of a bad situation. A 2 yr course took me 4 weeks. If you get out in the real world and look for work instead of mooching around the house feeling sorry for yourselves. I'm sorry but HUMILITY and COMPASSION doesn't ccome into it. I run these businesses myself, I respect everyone but rely on no-one. If they want a job, go out and find one! It won't find them..WELL SAID,If more people had your get up and go,they wouldn't be scraping round looking for cleaning jobs or telesales jobs.I wish i had someone like you in my business.www.eze2go.com/116605

Just a word to the wise.

Be nice to people on the way up, as it softens the fall if you happen to come down (And no matter what you may think, circumstances and events can dictate that you could fall, and fall hard, through no fault of your own)

I agree with some of your sentiments, but they could be better put.

I have NO compassion.. There's no such thing as luck, I worked by a** to the bones, sometimes working 15/16 hours a day to get where I am today! You only get what you give.. I was severly ill with a complete blockage (DVT) in my pelvis in Jan 2008, I couldn't walk, but instead of sitting on my a** doing nothing, I decided to study, made the best of a bad situation. A 2 yr course took me 4 weeks. If you get out in the real world and look for work instead of mooching around the house feeling sorry for yourselves. I'm sorry but HUMILITY and COMPASSION doesn't ccome into it. I run these businesses myself, I respect everyone but rely on no-one. If they want a job, go out and find one! It won't find them..

There are plenty of people out there with the right attitude , but not as many as self absorbed as yourself.

Your prediciment isnt exclusive. My grandmother was a teenage mum, and in a time very much different to now , she built a number of business up and died a very wealthy woman , having come from a life in a childrens home. Her businesses have continued, despite her being dead 16 years. The one thing everyone said about her was how much HUMILITY and COMPASSION she had. she was truly respected, with a true business brain ( and i doubt she got any childcare whilst she went to study !!)

What im trying to say is no one like conceitedness and arrogance, and should hard times ever come to yourself (which i hope they dont) , people will remember how you treated them or spoke to them.

Just a thought.

There are plenty of people out there with the right attitude , but not as many as self absorbed as yourself.

Your prediciment isnt exclusive. My grandmother was a teenage mum, and in a time very much different to now , she built a number of business up and died a very wealthy woman , having come from a life in a childrens home. Her businesses have continued, despite her being dead 16 years. The one thing everyone said about her was how much HUMILITY and COMPASSION she had. she was truly respected, with a true business brain ( and i doubt she got any childcare whilst she went to study !!)

What im trying to say is no one like conceitedness and arrogance, and should hard times ever come to yourself (which i hope they dont) , people will remember how you treated them or spoke to them.

Just a thought.

I don't beat about the bush, what's the point in talking to these people with a gently gently approach? If you make them feel that it's OK to wait for things to come to them, then you're giving them the wrong impression. You might as well be straight to the point. I ALWAYS help people that deserve it, not those that need it (in other words, those that ARE TRYING to help themselves but are struggling then I help them, those that can do things for themselves but expect others to do it for them, I don't bother)..

I don't beat about the bush, what's the point in talking to these people with a gently gently approach? If you make them feel that it's OK to wait for things to come to them, then you're giving them the wrong impression. You might as well be straight to the point. I ALWAYS help people that deserve it, not those that need it (in other words, those that ARE TRYING to help themselves but are struggling then I help them, those that can do things for themselves but expect others to do it for them, I don't bother)..

I dont suffer fools glady and can be blunt at times, however I have realised that not everyone is the same as me, has the same drive or get on with it attitude. everyone is different, and the more you can apreciate that the more success you will have.

I dont suffer fools glady and can be blunt at times, however I have realised that not everyone is the same as me, has the same drive or get on with it attitude. everyone is different, and the more you can apreciate that the more success you will have.

The reason I am successful is because I elimate the time wasters immediately. I have been a Private Investigator for a year and already have a fantastic result in a murder case so far. This is because I take no crap, no time wasters etc. I understand everyone is totally different, this fact has nothing to do with those whom don't help themselves. I'm merely talking about these people who expect life to be a bed of roses, handed to them on a plate. If they want a job they have to look for one. As I keep repeating, IT WILL NOT COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

The reason I am successful is because I elimate the time wasters immediately. I have been a Private Investigator for a year and already have a fantastic result in a murder case so far. This is because I take no crap, no time wasters etc. I understand everyone is totally different, this fact has nothing to do with those whom don't help themselves. I'm merely talking about these people who expect life to be a bed of roses, handed to them on a plate. If they want a job they have to look for one. As I keep repeating, IT WILL NOT COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT

Any other reasons you are succesful ? i'd start your own thread on it !:hihi:

Mod: Can we at least try and stick to the original topic and pack in the one on one arguments please. Ta.

Any other reasons you are succesful ? i'd start your own thread on it !:hihi:

I know!!!!

Instead of telling us all about your success with your 'businesses' why don't you offer some advice to the person who originally started the thread and be helpful!

Well...

I've been on the "Dole" as you would like to call it for alittle over 1 year now.
BUT in that time, I've done a 2week work trial with co-op and they laid me off after the two weeks.

Then around christmas last year I got a Christmas Temp Job up at Christian Salvesons LOVED it but once again laid off after christmas and made a rapid reclaim.

Now They've put me on a 13week intensive job search course down at A4E and doing 30hours of jobsearch, constantly checking websites / sending specs, and I can tell you..

There is plenty of jobs... but Sadly to say I dropped out of school not really an excuse "but I was being bullied" and was young so didn't know how hard it would effect my future if I knew what I know now back then I possibly would have ignored / stuck up and stayed in school but back to the point!

Most jobs require you to have experiance... which I obviously dont so I find it hard to find a job and go to any that would give me an interview, I could name a list of companies that have given me interviews and I've heard nothing back and as for the specs I've recieved back it's userly "We appreciate you for taking interest in our company but currently we do not have any positions going we'll keep your details in our database incase a position does come up"

And all that random rubbish, I'm not a great cleaner but I'd take a cleaners job, hell I'd take a work placement just for the experiance I could put on my C.V!

But thats my little story, I find my advisor at Bailey Court great call him Derreck he understands how hard it currently is for people to find a job and doesn't pressure you into applying for anything you dont want, but me being me I userly leave the job centre with around 10 numbers / e-mails lol.

P.S - Sorry for the Spelling / Grammar rather terrible :)

Well...

I've been on the "Dole" as you would like to call it for alittle over 1 year now.
BUT in that time, I've done a 2week work trial with co-op and they laid me off after the two weeks.

Then around christmas last year I got a Christmas Temp Job up at Christian Salvesons LOVED it but once again laid off after christmas and made a rapid reclaim.

Now They've put me on a 13week intensive job search course down at A4E and doing 30hours of jobsearch, constantly checking websites / sending specs, and I can tell you..

There is plenty of jobs... but Sadly to say I dropped out of school not really an excuse "but I was being bullied" and was young so didn't know how hard it would effect my future if I knew what I know now back then I possibly would have ignored / stuck up and stayed in school but back to the point!

Most jobs require you to have experiance... which I obviously dont so I find it hard to find a job and go to any that would give me an interview, I could name a list of companies that have given me interviews and I've heard nothing back and as for the specs I've recieved back it's userly "We appreciate you for taking interest in our company but currently we do not have any positions going we'll keep your details in our database incase a position does come up"

And all that random rubbish, I'm not a great cleaner but I'd take a cleaners job, hell I'd take a work placement just for the experiance I could put on my C.V!

But thats my little story, I find my advisor at Bailey Court great call him Derreck he understands how hard it currently is for people to find a job and doesn't pressure you into applying for anything you dont want, but me being me I userly leave the job centre with around 10 numbers / e-mails lol.

P.S - Sorry for the Spelling / Grammar rather terrible :)

Hi mate, I might sound like that women that goes on all about herself in this thread but I got 1 GCSE in school and that was in Drama the rest were terrible fails, I now run my own business, a proper business may I add. But since now and school also been in similar situations to you although I have been working since I was 12. I did start in catering but half way through i wanted to try something different and it was impossible because I didn’t have experience, I thought it was stupid how can you have experience if you can't get the job in the first place to gain the experience?
Another thing is when you go to interviews they will ask what you have been doing for the last year (as it's a big gap) I wouldn’t know what to say other then I have been working abroad)!

Oh and I have commission only jobs available.. I know that’s not brilliant as there is no basic but its only 5/6 hours a week just pm me if interested. :)

OH well, while not having a job I've been doing various things I gained my

OCR Literacy Level 1 - 2
OCR Numeracy Level 1 - 2
Clait Unit 1
Gained my ECDL with LearnDirect
and did a Pc Rebuild Course but was just for experiance and not a recognized qualification.

Just basic stuff.

Hi mate, I might sound like that women that goes on all about herself in this thread but I got 1 GCSE in school and that was in Drama the rest were terrible fails, I now run my own business, a proper business may I add. But since now and school also been in similar situations to you although I have been working since I was 12. I did start in catering but half way through i wanted to try something different and it was impossible because I didn’t have experience, I thought it was stupid how can you have experience if you can't get the job in the first place to gain the experience?
Another thing is when you go to interviews they will ask what you have been doing for the last year (as it's a big gap) I wouldn’t know what to say other then I have been working abroad)!

Oh and I have commission only jobs available.. I know that’s not brilliant as there is no basic but its only 5/6 hours a week just pm me if interested. :)

You sound nothing like the lady you mention !!! At last someone with some genuine advice, compassion and empathy for someone who is in a less fortunate position than yourself.

I applaud you x

You sound nothing like the lady you mention !!! At last someone with some genuine advice, compassion and empathy for someone who is in a less fortunate position than yourself.

I applaud you x

That’s alright then, I can't stand people like that so don't want to sound like one :loopy: :P not only that can't stand people who go around saying they run 3/4 business when its complete crap, I could set up an escorts agency tomorrow and be fully booked by Monday, not hard at all.

I haven’t red this whole thread or anything, but like if I was out of work for a year I think after about 6 weeks of being out of work I would go to college or something?
I mean to me a piece of paper is crap and it’s all about experience or learning on the job... well I suppose for jobs like accounting etc you need certificates but if I hadn’t been working long in my life I think I would try that, or get a trainee job, Commie chef?
Something like that, even work at Capita... moneys money I guess and its horrible feeling trying to work out how to pay this and that, and even worse when you can't take your missus out or something.

I was on the dole once for about 3 weeks, it took me a month to get a penny in that time I have missed 10/11 interviews as I didn’t have the money to get to them and if I got the job I wouldn’t of bin able to pay for transport, what did they offer? Payback if I show the bus tickets etc hmm how am I ment to get the bus ticket in the first place!
It was a waste of time, I'd rather have no money then what they gave me so I just didn’t bother going anymore, and going to the job center was crap anyway, what got me was there was people in there that must of been on the dole for 10 years because they knew all the staff, security guards etc everyone it was like it was there second home.

I'm going to add something about agency’s too, I used to think they were like people at the job center that wanted to help you, find you work etc, what crap I thought I was way wrong, their jobs are all about sales & hitting targets, they get anyone to join up and make out they will find you work just to keep their lists at a number each month and earn there commission. The only jobs I have got out of them is call center jobs, capita in Sheffield and Pc Service Call in Nottingham (now called capita i think lol) and I don’t even need to say how much of a crap place that is!

Was unemployed years back. My experience, well, let's say it wasn't easy. I always worked you see. Even when my dad was working in shops, I use to go with him in weekend and after school, when I went to school.

Then worked in shops and moved from different jobs but I always liked doing business. I tried getting some help from the Job centre but nothing, so every chance I got, I would read business books, when I got monies, I'd invest to go on specialised courses and even pay someone to teach me certain skills on PPC and other skills I needed.

Signing on dole was not an experience I'd have again and never will. It wasn't the signing on. It was the workers I didn't get along with.

I had one guy behind desk, say, "You need to know, that I have to ask you have you been looking for work. I need a good reason why I should let you sign on today. I am not here to make it easy..etc etc.."

So I replied, "so you went on an assertiveness course or something? Sign me on you idoit and shut up.."

You're going to get people like that in there. So don't let them push you around.

It was a crap experience. That was some while back, years.

Anyway, I got my business plus family sorted themselves out and all got businesses too.

Just a while back, I was walking past a Job centre and I remember how it was, and thought of putting something together, how to design CV, cover letters, and enough info as I could for people to read and use it.

Anyway, I uploaded it on squidoo, (http://www.squidoo.com/howtodesigncv#) so it's there if someone wants info on such things.

Hope it helps.

busniesswomen get your head from up you own a**e try turning on the news once in a while

The whole system is a farce if get made redundant it doesn't matter whether you have worked 5,10, 20 or 30 years you are only entitled to 6 months benefits yet people who have never contributed and have no intention of working get benefits for life. If you are responsible and have savings you can't get help but people who have boozed and smoked their money away get everything going. It's wrong!!!!

I Absolutley H8 It Lol
Worste Place Ever!

i dont think u get a lot of help or job centre dont give u any insentive to find job i no quite lot peeps who want to work find its not worth there while as thay will be 30 40 pound worse of i think should be more help out there not just for single mums with kids also for single women and men who have no kids

I am signing back on today as the course the jobcentre sent me on has finished.
Is there a long delay from signing back on to getting you money through?

I think there is a possibitlity that 'business woman' is the same person as 'jasontsang'. Both of them joined in Feb 09 and both of them have the time to go on the threads about unemployment and wind people up.

Despite differing views, they write in the same style and have the whole 'devils advocate' thing going on.

Hi, for the unfortunates who have to sign on the dole every two weeks (me included) what do you think of the actual experience?

A joy to behold isn't it? Mingling with the lowlife scum who aren't actually looking for work and have no intention whatsoever of looking for work. I've been going for a couple of weeks and it's like a chocolate teapot. Having asked me what work I was looking for they said "nah, you don't want to do that, you want to do this (insert different job) instead", then searched their database and found nothing matching their idea. I was like hmmm. Then last time I got given a job to apply for on the day the application closed! Great!

Then I'm expected to work my arse off for 2 weeks looking for jobs!!

Ooo and has anyone heard of (or been locked in) the infamous job club. I've heard that after 6 months on JSA they lock you in a room 9 til 5 and force you to apply for jobs...

Crazy innit. However, it's not because you're supposed to spend your time looking for work, its because you have to be available to work.

Yup. The irony is that doing voluntary work is the only way that I am going to gain experience in the types of jobs the Jobcentre are telling me to apply for!!

Ooo and has anyone heard of (or been locked in) the infamous job club. I've heard that after 6 months on JSA they lock you in a room 9 til 5 and force you to apply for jobs...
New Deal????

My head is not in the sand hunni, there are loads of jobs out there! But some people let pride take over i.e An accountant may go bust and won't take on a cleaning job ''just because they are worth more than that''.. you need to see reality , get out there and look for work properly instead of browsing the internet where only a minority of jobs are posted.#
As for paying £200 in childcare, I had to get CCTC.. If my businesses went bust, I've already got back up in place, it's a case of seeing whats happening in the real world and being in front with whats happening, predicting I guess.. I see no excuse in being out of work, my kid's dad has NEVER paid his way nor seen his 12 yr old daughter, he's never worked in his life and claims EVERY benefit existant.. Only 1 word for these people S*******R

I haven't read all the posts yet because I wanted to comment on this one, so I apologise if I'm duplicating anything.

I'm genuinely pleased that things are going so well for you at the moment, it is actually quite a nice thing to hear in a time when there is a lot of doom & gloom about the recession. However, not everyone on benefits is working the system. I for one am not, I've worked fulltime all my working life but unfortuantely working in the finance sector in a small firm my job was not safe.

Luckily - JSA pays you to find suitable work for which you are qualified rather than the first thing that comes up & pays minimum wage which would not cover my mortgage payments and automatically render me not entitled to any help whatsoever.

The world is not always black and white and I ask you have a little respect and courtesy towards those if us that are our of work due to circumstances beyond our control and are trying to find a new job. You are fortunate you have managed to make your own luck and plan for the future should you run into any difficulties with your business but not everyone is a "business woman". I really hope you continue to be so fortunate for the rest of your life and never have to rely on these government hand outs you are so quick to judge us for taking.

As far as what I think of the epxerience is concerned, it's a bit of a waste of time - when I went to sign for my first payment, they didn't even ask what I'd been doing, just passed me the piece of paper to sign. It was quite a depressing experience as men & women in their fifties in front of me discussed how they too, had never had to do this before in their working life. But it made me realise just how many people are affected by this recession!

I have been signing on since 30th Oct last year and desperately trying to find work, now they tell me my dole runs out this month but because my wife works I cannot claim anything. I am at my wits end as we cannot even after slashing our costs to the bone, cover our outgoings. It really makes me sick £60 per week is a joke but when politicians can claim£60k for housing I really do think they are taking the p--s

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7955858.stm
this is worth watching

this is so true - yet again the politicians living in cloud cuckoo land, do they all undergo surgery when elected, have some sort of chip implanted in their thick skulls, yet another case of i`m alright jack

Well, I've had just had a letter saying it goes up to £64.30 on 9 April. What a ****ing joke. In fact, because the DWP think that I am 2 people (and actually sent me 2 letters) can I claim it twice? haha

These mp's do not live in the real world i bet none of them could not live on the amount of money they expect an unemployed person to live on £64.30 is an insult
I wonder what you can spend the extra £4.30 on:confused:
the basic jsa should be at least £75

I find that every day someone is going on about dole spongers like we want to be unemployed and seriously benefit from £64!!!

Oh signing on.........Im 35 and have been fortune in the fact that I have worked all my life until March this year when I was made redundant. Before I claimed, I used up my redundancy money first. The lady in the Job Centre was really nice when we went through my claim. BUT, the first sign on was awful. They must employ people with capabilities to make you feel like s**t. I have applied for about 200 jobs and haven't had one interview offer. I've got a wealth of management experience, and at 35 I thought it would be easy to get another job. How wrong was I? I'm signing on, not through choice may I add, but through necessity. Everyday Im emailing companies and looking on job websites for suitable vacancies. I sign on again tomorrow and Im going to ask about getting started in my own business and doing some courses. If I can't get a job I may aswell do something constructive to better my chances.

As for the 'customers' in the JC, yeah there are a lot like me who have had to sign on through no fault of their own, then there are the others who think JSA is an entitlement. You see some of them signing on, and I have to say, I used to hire and fire people, they wouldn't know what an interview was if it was attached to the front of a bus and they were run over on the street.

Anyone got any tips on grants available to start up your own business, Im 35 and am 'too old' for a princes trust grant. That £64 a week goes absolutely nowhere.

I am not on the 'Dole' and can't understand why so many people are! Excuses I've heard is ''I have kids so can't work'', ''not enough jobs'' .. WHAT a load of rubbish. I was a pregnant 16 schoolgirl, went to school til 8 months pregnant, returned to school 4 days after giving birth to sit exams. BTW I was a single mum, I went to college, worked part time earning £61 a week, paying £200 a week childcare costs. NOW i own severasl businesses WHICH I SET UP ON MY OWN. If I was PM, I'd banish dole money, no excuse for not working.

how did you pay 200 pound childcare out of 61 pound a week ?? do tell.

naylor, if you were made redundant then you should qualify for aid from the jobcentre for retraining or grants to help you start up business, i'm being made reundo at the end of this month and the chaps from JC were very helpful explaining that they had a big pot of money to help out where its needed... worth a shot! iirc its called rapid response funding or something like that

naylor, if you were made redundant then you should qualify for aid from the jobcentre for retraining or grants to help you start up business, i'm being made reundo at the end of this month and the chaps from JC were very helpful explaining that they had a big pot of money to help out where its needed... worth a shot! iirc its called rapid response funding or something like that

Yeah, Ive got an appointment on Wednesday to see about setting up my own painting and decorating business, moving into interior design and stuff, eventually going into home restaging. I cant stand signing on at the dole office, so I'm seriously considering working for myself. Hope they can work it all out and give me the right advice I need.

Hi all, I originally started this thread because I was totally fed up with the signing on experience. Well, at long last I have a job!

Keep going everybody, its blimmin horrible out there at the moment, but for me at least there is light at the end of the very long tunnel. I wish everybody good luck (except Businesswoman ha ha ha)

x

congratulations!

congratulations!

Thanks. I can't tell you how relieved I am.

Its a horrible experience, I hate it. Most of the people there make me feel like **** when a couple of months ago I was working hard and earning good money in a good job. I'm not even getting interviews for the jobs I am applying for and have relevant experience/qualifications for. I can't afford to live on 65 quid a week. It covers the mortgage but nothing else! What realistically are the options? Theres no temp work out there. Setting up own business is hard as I have no money and no real experience in the 'real' world outside of offices. Killing myself isnt really an option yet. I just want a job or at least a chance of an interview.

how did you pay 200 pound childcare out of 61 pound a week ?? do tell.I beleive you can get about 80% of childcare costs covered by the government..

Bf had a not so great experience...especially when after 2 montsh they told him he was never entitled to it in the first place. Luckily he got a job off his own back

There are 83,876 jobs from 3,471 companies across the UK as of NOW, TODAY
Friday 5 June 2009

and thats from JUST ONE National employment agency!!!!!
the jobs are out there!! But dont expect to find many of them on the computer at the Job centre, experience tells me thay have hardly anything on their system....so do not base the JC offerings as the REAL job situation......

There are 83,876 jobs from 3,471 companies across the UK as of NOW, TODAY
Friday 5 June 2009

and thats from JUST ONE National employment agency!!!!!
the jobs are out there!! But dont expect to find many of them on the computer at the Job centre, experience tells me thay have hardly anything on their system....so do not base the JC offerings as the REAL job situation......

Put a sock in it mate, it's not helpful.

i have been signing on for 4 months now and find the staff nice.

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read above

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Anyone want to employ an apprentice electrician

i was signing on for 5 months, Luckily it was during the job centre re-furb so i didnt have to go in and sign on for about 3 of the 5 months!

The one thing that really upset me was that i couldn't get any funding from the jobcentre to do any computer courses until i had been unemployed for 6 months :(

i got back into work by volunteering then i went Self Employed and now doing really well,

has anyone tried BIG? they help you to set up into Self-Employment:thumbsup:

whats BIG?

I am not on the 'Dole' and can't understand why so many people are! Excuses I've heard is ''I have kids so can't work'', ''not enough jobs'' .. WHAT a load of rubbish. I was a pregnant 16 schoolgirl, went to school til 8 months pregnant, returned to school 4 days after giving birth to sit exams. BTW I was a single mum, I went to college, worked part time earning £61 a week, paying £200 a week childcare costs. NOW i own severasl businesses WHICH I SET UP ON MY OWN. If I was PM, I'd banish dole money, no excuse for not working.

so who'd you dump the kids on!!

ON WHOS BACK DID YOU RIDE TO ACHIEVE ALL THIS ?YOU DID NOT DO IT ON YOUR OWN YOUR SUMS DEFINATELY DONT ADD UP£61 - £200 ? TELL ME ARE ALL YOUR BUSINESSES STILL THRIVING ? NOT EVERYONECAN BE THEIR OWN BOSS, YOU DONT MAKE SENSE YOU SNOTTY LITTLE COW, I LEFT SCHOOL AT 15 THEY DID NOT CARE IF YOU HAD ANY EXAMS. I WAS MARRIED AND A DAD AT 18. WORKED HARD ALL MY LIFE, RETRAINED IN MY EARLY 20s DID 2 CITY AND GUILDS WHILE WORKING 6 DAY WEEKS AND LONG HOURS FROM 6am, SO YOU CANNOT CALL ME A SLACKER OR A SCROUNGER, I AM NOW 59 AN FULLY PAID UP, BUT I STILL CANT GET WORK FOR 10MONTHS NOW

Well I've been on and off the dole for years, despite 3 university degrees and endless bits of re-training and other NewLab-type bumph. What I don't understand are those people who love to point the finger at the unemployed - you know the type of thing: "They don't want to work; they just want to sit at home and live off benefits; feckless; idle; etc., etc." and whatever else comes to mind at the time. So to those people: YOU're lucky enough to have a career and so on, why do you think that entitles you to **** on those who don't? Or is that really the main benefit of your employment? As for the dole and fellow dole-ites: if the UK government REALLY didn't want people on the dole then they wouldn't allow 500,000 immigrants per year into this country. If you think I'm exaggerating, let me tell you, when working it's ME who teaches them English! They come here on (very expensive) student visas which give them the right to work 20 hrs. per week (which of course means as much as they want!) and they don't even show up in the immigration statistics. So all parties talk tough on immigration but leave the back door standing wide open. And why? Because they want to use immigration to control inflation - having loads of (lazy, feckless, etc.) people on the dole is just part of the process. Don't you think the City Of London would love it if all workers got only £60 per week? Damned right they would and you suckers who fall for the propaganda, well, it's going to be YOU one of these days - mark my words!

Well there's certainly a lot of chat here about being unemployed, having to live on the dole, having to go through the stresses and strains of attending the dole office every two weeks and explaining to them whether or not you've been looking for work.

Then there's businesswoma' boasting about how easily she found work and set up her business empire, saying; "There's jobs out there if you go out and get them, there's no need to live on the dole".

I have no doubt a lot of you will look at my signature and say to yourselves; "Oh my god another snobby nosed business person who's come to boast.....", Well you're wrong!

I'm going to tell you a true story (as short as possible to save space), whether or not you believe what I tell you is entirely up to you, but I assure you it's the truth; "I sympathize with all of you that are on the dole, whether you've only been on it for six months or many years. When I was young I suffered a lot of ill health, I missed school a lot and due to that I didn't learn very much. I left school at the age of 15 with no qualifications. During the next 7 years I was in and out of trouble with the police, by the time I reached the age of 22 I decided I'd had enough of breaking the law simply because I was making matters worse for myself, 7 years had flown by and I'd only worked one month. Simply because nobody would give a job to a criminal. During the next 27 years or so I spent most of my time on the dole, any work I did was private odd-jobs earning a few pounds here and there to see me by until I collected my dole from the post office. At the age of 52 I was really down in the dumps. I actually tried to kill myself twice, but for some reason or other I survived, I couldn't think why at first and then I decided it was because something unknown to me, maybe God, was pointing out to me I had a purpose in life. I decided to go to Adult Education College and study for a qualification in Environmental Conservation and Maths. To my great surprise I gained the qualifications. At the age of 54 I set up my own gardening business, but I felt a strong urge to help other people less fortunate than me, so a year later I set up my present business. Now I'm training other people who cannot get a job simply because at some stage in their life they've been in trouble with the police or because they have no qualifications. Im not earning a vast fortune, as a matter of fact I work for my DOLE. By doing that I'm serving the community, I'm not classed as a scrounger!"

Businesswoma' is right, there is a lot of work out there to be done, but it requires "YOU" to set it up. If you really want work, work for your dole, at least it's better than sitting on your a--- all day doing nothing!

I am not on the 'Dole' and can't understand why so many people are! Excuses I've heard is ''I have kids so can't work'', ''not enough jobs'' .. WHAT a load of rubbish. I was a pregnant 16 schoolgirl, went to school til 8 months pregnant, returned to school 4 days after giving birth to sit exams. BTW I was a single mum, I went to college, worked part time earning £61 a week, paying £200 a week childcare costs. NOW i own severasl businesses WHICH I SET UP ON MY OWN. If I was PM, I'd banish dole money, no excuse for not working.

You should be ashamed to have been pregnant at 16. It is a sad indictment on your parents for not having taught you right from wrong.

Its not their fault they lost their job but it is their fault for not looking for work. Dole money is totally different from CCTC, CCTC means I WAS/AM working, DOLE means you're not working.. completely different, I did everything I could to work i.e I got a mortgage, bought my home to have equity in which I could use to build up a business, hence my 1st business, then when that was established, I put money into a 2nd business, then a 3rd. People want life easily handed on a plate and aren't prepared to sacrifice. I now have 3 daughters, look after them myself as well as running 3 businesses. I claim NO benefits and more people should take this leaf from my book and stop relying on the state. GET A JOB guys

No Family Allowance then, Which i'd guess would be same amount roughly as somebody gets on JSA.

I run an online employment service called Jobs4Everyone that was set up to help people back into work.

Over the past two weeks we have been operating inside of the Bailey Court Job Centre Plus on West Street and can honestly say that we have found the staff to be very helpful.

We have also had such a positive response from 99% of people seeking work and I think it is unfair how people seem to get labelled and judged upon for signing on. Of course, there is always going to be a minority who for whatever reason try to make the most out of the system but on the whole everyone who we came into contact with were good honest people genuinely looking for work.

As for the 'what have you done to look for work this past 2 weeks' comment, this is not the advisers fault but to me seems a way of the DWP trying to standardise the experience that every job seeker has.

Due to the loss in funding the Job Centre has seen the time available to spend with each customer has been reduced and so with that unfortunately comes a loss in quality.

Just one of those things i'm afraid, not really anyone's fault but the systems[/I]

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