In Limbo and Fed Up

carlitobruno

Hello Everyone. I don't think this has been covered so far so here we go.

I recently qualified as a secondary school teacher and have a shiny new job secured for September. So far so good. In the interim period of what is basically the school holidays, I am really struggling to find temporary work and cash is all but gone!

I went to my bank manager at Natwest who said . . sorry we can't give you a loan/credit card or overdraught until a regular wage is being paid into your account as we are responsible lenders!!! Great!!

I am now very very stuck and have been forced onto Job Seeker's Allowance. . use your head teach me thinks (!)

HERE IS MY MAIN WORRY.

I am now in a heated arguement with my landlord as I haven't enoough cash to pay my rent. . bills are piling up. . phone, mobile, utilities etc (I might not even be able to read your responses as BT will be probably cutting my BB connection before much longer).

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A WAY FOR SOMEONE IN MY POSITION TO RAISE CASH TO THE TUNE OF £1000. I think its looking like an unsecured loan from one of the skank companies like provident, shopacheck or similar. . . this surely must be a last resort? And would they even consider me anyway seeing as I don't start work for like 6 weeks?

HELP ME - I AM DESPERATE!

Carl

frepol

Been there! Have you tried ringing BT and the utility companies to explain the situation - they should be quite flexible especially if you can produce your letter / contract of appointment and then set up a bit extra in your monthly direct debit to repay the arrears. I thought the bank might be more flexible seeing that as well. Housing Benefit if you put in your application will cover August's and September's rent - although it may take a few weeks to get that. Get the appointment for JSA. Don't forget that these things are only paid from the day of your claim and are hardly ever backdated. The key thing is to contact all the people you have to pay and explain the situation - at the very least so that you avoid a fortune in charges on failed direct debits.
Avoid the cashing cheques / pay day loans as this will only mean that you are constantly chasing your tail once you get your first pay cheque. Schools are also quite good at helping out new teachers with a few hundred pounds advance for the month of September - don't be afraid to speak to the head.

talana

Are family/friends not in a position to help out for a month or two, especially since they know you'll be earning in Sept?

I don't know if it applies in your case, but where I work new members of staff can apply for a moderate salary advance once offered a job to help with moving/between-job expenses. May be worth enquiring at least.

carlitobruno

Hey Frepol

Thanks for your quick reply

Yeah I phoned up everyone. . some were more understanding than others. .
@ BT the girl/person/ar*ehole was the most pedantic little creature I ever had the misfortune to speak to! We can't do it as we don't do postponed payments anymore blah blah blah! Really restored my faith in humanity she did bless her. I'd love to keep ringin but it took me nearly two hours to get through to her for a thirty second brick wall!

When I went to the bank it was pretty much straight after my interview and acceptance but I didn't really show the guy a confirmation letter. I think I'l have another crack at that one . . .

Thanks again for your reply there are some good pointers on there.

time to get busy methinks

carlitobruno

Hey Talana . . thanks for that tip. I wish I'd had the chance to act on that sooner. The school will be closed now until Sept. I think I'll Email my new HOD to see if there's anything can be done?

Thankyou

frepol

You want to talk to the people in the collections / accounts departments. These are the people with authority (and usually common sense to be honest). Ask to be put through to them - don't talk to the front of house drones. Even put it in writing enclosing copy of contract.