Can a temporary worker claim benefits?

brixtonian

Hello,

I'm a temp in the banking sector, and started to panic about my work situation.. my contract says that i have a temporary ongoing position (working through an agency) if they decide to terminate my contract (it could happen any time ) could i claim benefits for being unemployed? Have been temping for almost 2 years and hold an european passport.
Thank you very much for your replies.

Conor_3

Yes you can claim benefits. As it is a temporary contract that was ended by the employer, you will not be sanctioned the same way you would had you left of your own accord.

Ah, just noticed the bit about the European passport. Basically, if you are from a country that's allowed to, you can.

brixtonian

Thanks for your reply! hopefully i don't have to claim any benefit will start writing my cv this weekend..
btw didn't understand the last bit "Basically, if you are from a country that's allowed to, you can" ??

Conor_3

The new accession countries citizens aren't allowed to despite being part of the EU. It was with you stating you had an EU Passport so I was assuming you're not a UK Citizen?

On the day your employment ends, sign on straight away. The first three days of a claim are disregarded (you don't get anything for the first 3 days) unless you're signing on again after signing off within 13 weeks AFAIR. You can always sign back off again if you find work straight away but it is hard to backdate a claim.

brixtonian

no i'm not a UK Citizen, I am Spanish, thank you very much for your reply, really appreciated.
Hope you have a great weekend!