Problem with Jobcentre - What do I do???

Allexie

I'm currently unemployed and have been away on hols for 2 weeks. (Informed J/C and filled in relevant forms) Told to telephone the J/C helpline immediately on my return to get an appointment to go in and sign for the time that I was away. Spent the whole of Monday trying to get through to them on both house phone and moby, using re-dial and ringback, no joy!!

This morning I was on their doorstep as they opened and explained that I just could not get through to them on the phone and could I either see someone then or could an appointment be made. Oh no, I had to phone in for an appointment!!! Was told to use one of the freephone lines available for jobseekers in the J/C as, 'you can always get through from here'. Ermm..yes right....! Stood there for over an hour hitting 'redial' with an enormous queue building up behind me. Went for a walk around for a bit and then went back and tried again for another hour. Still no joy. Now back home hitting redial again!!!

What exactly am I supposed to do, where do I go from here - apart from round in circles? Feel so stressed and frustrated about it I burst into tears when I got home! (Must be hormonal - don't usually react like this!) Any J/C staff about on here to advise? I have no proof that I have tried to do what they said, (although a letter will be going to the J/C Manager!), and I am extremely worried that my JS Allowance will be stopped along with my Housing Benefit, (I am already owed 2 weeks).

TIC

Mr_Skint_2

Go to the highest person who doesnt work in that Jobcenter I would get on to
the Department of work and Pensions and explain it to them as Job Shop staff are
useless robots.

Bendybops19

Oh Allexie I know how you feel, my partner was on job seerks allowance, they didnt give him any money for 2 months even though he was going in every week and going to interviews. Then they told us we owed them money!!

You need to make a complaint, and also go in, hand them your mobile, show them your call register to prove you did try and ring them, and then tell them to try ringing from your mobile and see if they can get through!!

Confused101_2

I have a feeling that you wont be able to claim Job Seekers for the two weeks you were on holiday as you were not available for, or actively seeking, work.

Fran

Confused101 wrote:

I have a feeling that you wont be able to claim Job Seekers for the two weeks you were on holiday as you were not available for, or actively seeking, work.

Allexie has said she filled in all the relevant forms in her first post.


Allexie, I'm sorry to hear that, it is so soul destroying when this kind of thing happens. You should go through their complaints procedure, ie complain to your Jobcentre first, but you could also put in a letter to the area office at the same time. You can take it higher up but the address is very hard to find (and I can't remember how at the moment). I hope you get it sorted out ok.

Allexie

Bendybops19 wrote:

Oh Allexie I know how you feel, my partner was on job seerks allowance, they didnt give him any money for 2 months even though he was going in every week and going to interviews. Then they told us we owed them money!!

You need to make a complaint, and also go in, hand them your mobile, show them your call register to prove you did try and ring them, and then tell them to try ringing from your mobile and see if they can get through!!

Thanks Bendybops...brilliant idea about the mobile call register...never would have thought of that!!

fluffyscruffy

Its all part of the staff cuts, everything now has to go through call centres and its appaling customer service. Try asking for a crisis loan, tell them you have no food in the house and no gas or electric as you are on a card meter. If you are due benefit the social fund staff(who administer the crisis loans) should speaK to JSA on your behalf and arrange an interim payment for you.
Good luck.
Fluffy

Contains_Mild_Peril

Confused101 wrote:

I have a feeling that you wont be able to claim Job Seekers for the two weeks you were on holiday as you were not available for, or actively seeking, work.

It should resume from whenever the claimant returns and re-claims, though, but trying to get them to backdate it if you've been kept waiting could be difficult.
I've always thought it very unfair that jobseekers are permitted no holiday allowance. Employees are not normaly expected to be available 52 weeks per year, so why can't jobseekers get a holiday allowance in the same way that workers do?

lynn44

:mad: :mad: :mad: My god I had this problem in April this year,I went to greece for a week, told not entitled to JSA not seeking work...I had to wait 7 weeks for an Interview,because I was moving within 5 days they would not transfer JSA...Our new Job Centre Couldnt believe I had waited so long LUCKY for me my first call to them 7 weeks previous was put on there computer by a member of staff... But 3 times they have made me wait for my payments ..I am waiting for compensation at present because I have £50 of bank charges... Thankfully I returned to work a week ago and signed off...and guess what they were late again paying my jsa....now everything has been changed to chippenham office it really is IMPOSSIBLE to get through... YOU MUST MAKE A NOTE, WHO YOU SPOKE TO, TIME, DATE...etc..... good luck
ps I was told by the manager of my job centre you can claim if your in this country....so no you wasn't abroad.....also find your local MP they have done great favours 4 me in the past....I really feel what your going through... its so unfair

jenpoptab

make sure you show them your mobile record. make it clear on application that you wish to claim from the date you first started calling and if necessary complete a backdated claim as well as a complaints form.

Good luck.

crutches

if you go on "holiday " in this country look for work whilst you are there?;)