Help for clothes for new job?

lufcgirl

I got made out of work when my contract ended on 19th July, put in a claim for Jobseekers Allowance and I sign on for the first time today.
However I've been offered a job to start on Thursday, when I go in...will I be able to ask with help for clothing for work as it's smart/casual and I don't have any clothes of this type?

Thanks

dmg24

You will not receive any assistance when you have been out of work for such a short length of time.

What did you wear for your old job?

Becles

Are you a lone parent? I was and got a voucher that I could exchange for 2 blouses and 2 smart skirts or trousers in the local branch of Dorothy Perkins.

I'd been a SAHM for a while before my ex left me though, which is why I didn't have any business wear clothing.

lufcgirl

It was basically wear what you want. Every job I've had has been like that, but this one wants suits and smart clothes. Something I just can't afford to buy.

mouseymousey99

Freecycle, e bay, charity shops, family?? I think you can get some sort of help from DWP, but obviously you would need more than one change of clothing. If they are insisting on a type of clothing would they sub you from 1st wage? (I think this is a very long shot).
I did see some supermarkets have suits for £15 male & female, may not be to your taste but .....
good luck

dmg24

You can get a full suit in Tesco for £30, or trousers and blouse for less than £15. They are even cheaper in Asda.

chivers1977

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?pageid=1&sisid=37

this is in the UK as well as the US

briona

What classes as smart casual these days?!

In my old job I could wear what I wanted (usually jeans and t-shirts!) but when I landed a new freelance contract in London, I decided I needed to be a bit smarter. So I went to Primark and picked up around 7 striped vest/tank tops for about £10 and then got two V-neck jumpers in Zara for about £7.50 each. Worn with the jeans I already had and shoes instead of trainers, this looked quite smart. I'm sure even on JSA, you could find something that fits both the bill and your price range.

EDIT: Just noticed you mentioned suits and 'smart' clothes – you could pick up a couple of pairs of black trousers (Primark, TK Maxx etc) cheaply enough, which would suffice until you got paid.