Grant for clothes for an interview

jakejenson

Thanks potnoodleprincess its nice to know not everyone thinks i'm a scrounger!!!

Oldernotwiser

I don't think you're a scrounger and I'm glad you're getting some help.

Fivefootsix

I used to work at an Arcadia store and when we had to receive a letter off the job centre via the customer, they picked their clothes and we had to write on the letter how much the clothes came to and then we had to verify it was okay with the job centre then we put the transaction through the till.

If there were problems, a quick phonecall to the job centre was all that was needed so I think your best bet would be to pick your clothes today or tomorrow and then speak to somebody at the job centre (in person would be best) who might be able to quickly get the forms sorted, especially if you have the cost breakdown of the clothes to show them. Is the job centre near the shops?

It might be a bit of a rush and I'm not sure whether you will it sorted in time but at least you know how it works for next time. Just in case, I would go to Primark or somewhere like that to pick some stuff out as you don't want to be left with nothing to wear come Monday. Good luck and good luck with your interview.

Bamber19

Many offices have a blanket no ADF for interviews rule and only use ADF to help someone get back to work where they have been offered a job but will struggle to afford the first few weeks (no clothes for job or money to get there)

Unfortunately like anything involving money, it's been taken advantage of. Everyone knows about it now and far more people than genuinely can't afford to start work appear in teh jobcentre before they start with "I need a suit and I need money for a bus pass" it's likely that if so many people weren't requesting ADF when they don't need it then more offices would be happy to use their resources for people who genuinely need help for an interview.

Even still (although time will be a restraint) it's worth asking as your office may not have this blanket rule and even if it does, there's always the slight chance that an advisor will ignore it in extraordinary circumstances.

GotToChange

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

You might also remember that I spent quite some time trying to help you when you PMed me, so I don't know why you're having a go at me now as if I never help someone. My first comment to the OP was the hope that she get some help and that stands.

Your sig says you joined a couple of months ago, so yes, a new member.

1) But it was dripping with cynicism. You ARE a great help to many people but you counterpoint that with a huge dose of Devil's advocate-ism as many times as you help them.

2) I was previously Got2Change - for the whole of last year. Forgot my details and re-registered when new ISP. New name - yes-ish. New member - technically (if you want to be picky) - yes. New to this forum and it it's funny little ways - definitely No.

potnoodleprincess

GotToChange wrote: »

1) But it was dripping with cynicism. You ARE a great help to many people but you counterpoint that with a huge dose of Devil's advocate-ism as many times as you help them.

2) I was previously Got2Change - for the whole of last year. Forgot my details and re-registered when new ISP. New name - yes-ish. New member - technically (if you want to be picky) - yes. New to this forum and it it's funny little ways - definitely No.

I have to agree with this, it was quite patronising to ask the OP where her clothes were from before/from her last interview. As if, a gentle reminder would make a lightbulb appear above her head and say "aagh thats where I put my Armani suit" thanks for pointing that out.

I have read some of your comments and you really are a mine of info but you can come across as pretty prickly.

To the OP - I hope you get something sorted and best of luck for your interview.

DidierZokora

I got told to bring my letter confirming my interview to the job center they would then help with getting some cash for clothes.
Although its not a big budget as long as you can find something cheap but smart im sure it will get the job done, luckily for me I signed off before I needed the money for it.

Good luck :beer:

Horace

Its a bit short notice to get a grant from the ADF at the jobcentre. Primark is probably your best bet or Matalan as they have reasonably priced smart clothes that are suitable for an interview. I seem to recall that you had to have been unemployed for more than 6 months before you could have access to funds from the Advisor Discretionary Fund.

Good luck for your interview anyway.

Oldernotwiser

potnoodleprincess wrote: »

I have to agree with this, it was quite patronising to ask the OP where her clothes were from before/from her last interview. As if, a gentle reminder would make a lightbulb appear above her head and say "aagh thats where I put my Armani suit" thanks for pointing that out.

I have read some of your comments and you really are a mine of info but you can come across as pretty prickly.
.

I am a genuine person, both a mine of information and quite prickly; the two are not mutually exclusive.

Few people need an Armani suit for an interview and even fewer are without a plain skirt and tidy top, which are all that are needed for most interviews. As Bamber 19 said this scheme is often abused and the JCP are careful who they give money to these days.

bumpoowee

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I am a genuine person, both a mine of information and quite prickly; the two are not mutually exclusive.

Few people need an Armani suit for an interview and even fewer are without a plain skirt and tidy top, which are all that are needed for most interviews. As Bamber 19 said this scheme is often abused and the JCP are careful who they give money to these days.

I agree last interview I went to I wore a Primark Suit and shirts etc. can't have been wearing more than £50 worth of clothes total. JSA should be enough to allow you to pay for this.