Problem with Jobcentre - What do I do???

chrissiesurfergirl123

Sadly this is not the fault of Jobcentre staff. The government have cut staff so drastically that customer service has become virtually invisible at times.

Go to the Jobcentre and ask to speak to the Reception supervisor. Tell them your problem and ask to complete a JSA5 backdating form and insist that he/she takes a record of the dates of your mobile phone calls made to try to pursue your claim.Ask them to refer your claim to a Decision maker immediately for a decision on backdating of your claim.

If you are not happy, ask for the name of their superior ie the manager in charge of front of house services who will be a Higher Executive Officer and their direct phone number.

Allexie

Thanks to all...and an update.

Seems my letter to the Manager of the J/C got a result as I had a call from them :j to arrange an appointment to go in. Boy was I surprised!! This was for the day after my usual signing day this week and when I got there they said that the usual signing person had already signed me for the period of my holiday and that I hadn't needed to go in again at all!!!!! I was assured that I would be receiving a double payment into my account on Monday which would mean that they will have paid me for the holiday. Hmmm...fraid I will believe it when I actually see it after all the probs so far!

Anyhoos, now to sort out my Housing Benefit!!!! The day before I went away I had a letter to say that they would be making one of their normal visits whilst I was away. Same thing...could not get them on the phone to re-arrange the appointment so I sent a letter. Got back from hols to find they had called, (left note), and cos I wasn't in they would be stopping benefit if I didn't get in touch immediately with an explanation. This time I did get through on the phone :eek: and explained and a new appointment was made. Since then I have received two more letters to say that benefit will be stopped cos I haven't responded!!!!!! I give up...how incompetent can a government agency be!

chrissiesurfergirl123

The blame does not lie at the feet of the staff who have had their numbers decimated, but at the government's door for cutting staff numbers and the inefficient computer systems they have to use - the letters you got will probably be generated automatically by the computer system without any user input. Staff have to just do as they are told and follow instructions which to anyone with any common sense are absolutely ludicrous - eg your phone scenario in the Jobcentre.

Staff are not allowed or resourced to help you in any other way but to direct you to a phone. Outrageous really - it is no wonder people get annoyed.

With reduced numbers and extra work how can staff possibly 'more efficient' which is the aim of all the cuts which are so popular with politicians of all parties and sadly members of the public who so often think being a civil servant is an easy life.

Not many people would volunteer to work in an inner city Jobcentre in these conditions dealing face to face with often abusive and violent members of the public.

Rant over

Mr_Skint_2

chrissiesurfergirl123 wrote:

The blame does not lie at the feet of the staff who have had their numbers decimated, but at the government's door for cutting staff numbers and the inefficient computer systems they have to use - the letters you got will probably be generated automatically by the computer system without any user input. Staff have to just do as they are told and follow instructions which to anyone with any common sense are absolutely ludicrous - eg your phone scenario in the Jobcentre.

Staff are not allowed or resourced to help you in any other way but to direct you to a phone. Outrageous really - it is no wonder people get annoyed.

With reduced numbers and extra work how can staff possibly 'more efficient' which is the aim of all the cuts which are so popular with politicians of all parties and sadly members of the public who so often think being a civil servant is an easy life.

Not many people would volunteer to work in an inner city Jobcentre in these conditions dealing face to face with often abusive and violent members of the public.

Rant over

Twaddle.......

CTT_2

quote
Not many people would volunteer to work in an inner city Jobcentre in these conditions dealing face to face with often abusive and violent members of the public.
unquote

It would appear there is no shortage of candidates for work in a Jobcentre. A friend of mine recently applied and passed the attitude test. Then a week later went for an interview and then was told they had another 300 to see for only 12 positions. Also was advised he should hear something on the 21st November. All for 13,200 per annum.
Dont you think it sucks when you are only getting pocket money for a salary.

Mr_Skint_2

CTT wrote:

quote
Not many people would volunteer to work in an inner city Jobcentre in these conditions dealing face to face with often abusive and violent members of the public.
unquote

It would appear there is no shortage of candidates for work in a Jobcentre. A friend of mine recently applied and passed the attitude test. Then a week later went for an interview and then was told they had another 300 to see for only 12 positions. Also was advised he should hear something on the 21st November. All for 13,200 per annum.
Dont you think it sucks when you are only getting pocket money for a salary.

At least they got a job, and can now train to look down on people.... :T

System

£13200 would be nice. I recently started in the Department of Work and Pensions and over here, because it comes under the Northern Ireland Civil Service, my starting salary is £11591 for an AO "Decision Maker" post whilst my colleagues doing the same job across the pond get significantly more.

Channelman

CTT wrote:

quote
A friend of mine recently applied and passed the attitude test.

I assume that it was a typo and that you meant 'the aptitude test' or
then again perhaps 'attitude test' is correct.
I was there once when a young 'signee' was told the date for her
next sign on. She replied that it was good because she would just have
got back from holiday. The J/C chap asked her were she was going
and she replied 'Greece'.
He was absolutely delighted to tell her to 'sign off'. When she had gone
he rushed round the office telling everyone else how he had 'caught one
out'. Bad Attitude or what?

jenpoptab

Mr_Skint wrote:

At least they got a job, and can now train to look down on people.... :T

That's not fair. I work hard when I'm at the jobcentre only to be abused by members of the public. I do what i'm told because I'm better off with a job there than sitting on my backside. I started on £9570 8 years ago and it's not greatly increased since then. I can appreciate some staff probably do look down on people claiming however I do not.

I had 3 jobs at one stage, full time at JC and 2 part time jobs and still I had to listen to people moaning that they couldn't afford to live etc.

I'm sorry that I'm ranting but it makes me cross that you think they all look down on you!

Mr_Skint_2

jenpoptab wrote:

That's not fair. I work hard when I'm at the jobcentre only to be abused by members of the public. I do what i'm told because I'm better off with a job there than sitting on my backside. I started on £9570 8 years ago and it's not greatly increased since then. I can appreciate some staff probably do look down on people claiming however I do not.

I had 3 jobs at one stage, full time at JC and 2 part time jobs and still I had to listen to people moaning that they couldn't afford to live etc.

I'm sorry that I'm ranting but it makes me cross that you think they all look down on you!

Of course you do thats why your having a rant as the truth hurts.