It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

ginnyknit

We already went through hell to get DLA and carers allowance etc am dreading having to justify ourselves again. Think it will push OH over the edge. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Just keep on going guys doing what we do. Oh flip I wanted a 62 inch tv next year - not a chance, I have better things to look at like my veggies growing and my chickens!

Larumbelle

Well, it could have been worse for OH and myself, I have to say. Though I don't wish to judge a budget as being 'good' or 'bad' purely on how it affects me personally, I think it could have been a lot worse for most of us.

I used to work for the jobcentre and the last few comments have got it about right for the more than half of staff there I encountered. Basically, in my experience the average jobcentre employee assumes that everyone is swinging the lead unless they can prove otherwise. They consider the vast, vast majority of claimants to be undeserving, but if they were put out of work tomorrow they'd expect the moon on a stick. They see nothing wrong with keeping people weeks, sometimes months, without a penny to their name, yet they're hard done by (and constantly threatening to strike) because they 'don't get paid enough'. They simply didn't equate that most of the people we were dealing with were normal honest people just like them. Yeah, we did get the liars and malingerers, but fewer of those types than you might expect. There were plenty of decent people there too, of course, don't get me wrong but they're swimming against the tide, and eventually most of them leave, because the department is fundamentally rotten. That place sent me to a nervous breakdown, at which point my manager suggested to me (without a hint of irony) that perhaps I might be happier on benefits?!

Gosh, that was a rant and a half, wasn't it?! Huge hugs :grouphug: to all those fretting about benefits. You WILL get through, and if I can be any help negotiating the maze, let me know and I will do my best to advise.

mardatha

It takes a strong person to stand up to people like that, and you did well, glad you got out. It would have been easier to join the herd wouldn't it ? But some of us are not herd animals!
We can stay in here and hide, and plan our own little campaign:beer:

charlies-aunt

Can i just say (in a very small voice) I work in a jobcentre but I aren't 'orrible - customers often tell me that they request to have their appointments with me cos I'm so nice! But I aren't permanent staff either .

I do understand where you are coming from with your comments - there are a lot of long serving staff who certainly have 'attitude' ...not just to customers - temporary & fixed term staff are tolerated by the old timers as a necessary evil.

smileyt_2

silvercharming wrote: »

They see nothing wrong with keeping people weeks, sometimes months, without a penny to their name, yet they're hard done by (and constantly threatening to strike) because they 'don't get paid enough'. .

Oh yes, I know all about that one. I claimed JSA on 11 May. They lost my details. I still haven't had a decision. It's a good job I stick to my budget and save, save, save every spare penny to get me through, plus I have some money (expenses) for the supported lodgings I do. It's not much, but it's kept my head above water. Without it I would have defaulted on all my direct debits by now.

If they haven't made a decision by Thursday, I'm going to phone them and tell them I'm coming down to the office whereupon I shall have a major wailing fit in front of them.


ETA - Silvercharming, I'm sorry it drove you to a nervous breakdown. Had one of those myself. Can't say they are the best things to experience. Although handled properly, they can help you make beneficial changes in the long run. I hope you are recovered now, and happier.

smileyt_2

charlies-aunt wrote: »

Can i just sy (in a very small voice) I work in a jobcentre but I aren't 'orrible! But I aren't permanent staff either!

I'm sure you're one of the few who aren't!

ginnyknit

We have a lady at our job centre who is lovely and we do appreciate all she has done for us. Last time we saw her we had been in casualty all night and went straight to the Job Centre as we did not dare miss our appointment and she was kindness personified. There aren't many of you good guys out there most are jaded and resigned. We know you are nice Charlies-aunt from your posts and Silver charming thank you for your kind offer of support, I sincerely hope you are recovering from your breakdown, i know how situations can push you over the edge.

And Mardatha, as ever with a cunning plan, what would we do without you :beer: you are like a truss - a constant source of support :rotfl:

So fellow MSE'ers are we going to let them beat us - NEVER, what ever colour shape or party the government are they can't keep us down for long :j

mardatha

Up the revolution ! Trusses everywhere salute you ! :j:j:j

mardatha

..and yes, CA its obvious you're one of the Goodies xxx

smileyt_2

ginnyknit wrote: »

And Mardatha, as ever with a cunning plan, what would we do without you :beer: you are like a truss - a constant source of support :rotfl: :j

:rotfl:Oh my goodness - if this is a compliment Ginnyknit, I'd hate to see an insult. I am sure mardatha is thrilled to be compared to a truss!! Roflmao! I'm afraid it conjures up some rather ...odd... images lol!