Job seekers allowance

[Keira Doyle]

Hello forum.

I have been claiming jobseekers allowance for about 6 months. I spend afew hours at home every day doing my job search online. Yesterday while signing on I was told I now had to come into the job centre every day, sit at a computerin front of an advisor and do my job search there. They said doing it this way will help me find a job quicker. It feels like im being treated like a naughty school kid and having to sit in front of the teacher to do my work. I was not told the criteria they use to select claimants for this procedure, do they have to tell me if I ask them. Is this normal procedure for claiming job seekers allowance or is the advisor going on a power trip?

The advisor also said I may have to do voluntary work to improve my chances of getting a job. Can they force you to do voluntary work and can you be sanctioned if you refuse?

Thanks

[Kati]

Re: Job seekers allowance

Hi and to LB

It sounds like your advisor has put you on "Daily Work Search" due to the fact that you have been claiming JSA for over 6mths ... this is part of the Mandatory Intervention Regime (Help to Work) and I have attached the DWP guidance to this post. The good news is ... it usually only lasts a couple of weeks (if you use public transport to get to the DWP office, make sure you keep receipts and get a refund for every day that is not your usual signing day ). My advice here would be to just do it (if you don't complain they'll often let you finish sooner :lol.

They cannot force you to do voluntary work if you don't feel it would benefit you then ask if they are "mandating you" to volunteer. They might however try to get you to agree to a 'voluntary' work experience position (which imo is just the same) ... again, if it is not mandated (with a letter being handed/posted to you before the start date) then you do not have to take part.

The Unemployment Movement Forum (http://unemploymentmovement.com/forum.html) is a useful resource for anyone who is needing help and support regarding the DWP ... have a look if you want

[Keira Doyle]

Re: Job seekers allowance

Thank you for the reply. I will be claiming back bus fares now I know that I can. I have nothing against voluntary work, I have been doing it on and off for 18 years and find it very rewarding. I see voluntary work as a personal choice and if you are forced to do it then by definition it ceases to be voluntary.

[Kati]

Re: Job seekers allowance

Thank you for the reply. I will be claiming back bus fares now I know that I can. I have nothing against voluntary work, I have been doing it on and off for 18 years and find it very rewarding. I see voluntary work as a personal choice and if you are forced to do it then by definition it ceases to be voluntary.

Good luck

Don't forget we're here if you need any extra support/advice (or even just to have a moan :nod xx