JSA Questions

BrightEyes

As I understand the requirements for JSA are that you have to be working less than 16 hours per week, be actively looking for work and be willing to travel up to an hour for work.

I recently had my first interview at the job centre, I explained to them that I am on a gap year and am looking for work experience, so I am only looking for a part time job. They said I have to be willing to work for a minimum of 40 hours for me to claim.

However, I currently have NO income, so I am struggling financially, I am actively looking for work because I really need the money but there is no point me seeking full time work because 1.) I want work experience alongside my job 2.) I have no work experience so I really want to start off in part time employment and 3.) there are no jobs available anyway so any work they do find me will be part time anyway!!

The woman was very rude and patronising and I don't see why I should agree to work 40 hours per week when there are no such jobs available and I don't have the experience and they would only find me a part time job anyway.

Should they give me JSA since I am struggling, working less then 16 hours per week and actively seeking work??

Thank you for reading

NASA_2

No, you have to be fit, able and looking for full-time work. Also, if you are on a gap year and have not relinquished your course, then I dont think you are entitled to JSA anyway.

dmg24

In order to claim JSA you should be seeking full time work.

If you do not wish to comply with the requirements of claiming, you should seek an alternative source of income.

BrightEyes

But I don't start the course until 2010


Also, what would you reccommend as an alternative source of income?? I literally have no money and am finding it difficult to find a job

NASA_2

BrightEyes wrote: »

But I don't start the course until 2010


Also, what would you reccommend as an alternative source of income?? I literally have no money and am finding it difficult to find a job

If you havent started the course yet then that is fine.

Its not up to me to suggest other means of income for you. Most jobs allow you a notice period of at most a month and probably less if you have only been there a short time - look for f/t work and give notice when the time comes.

dookar

BrightEyes wrote: »

I don't see why I should agree to work 40 hours per week when there are no such jobs available and I don't have the experience and they would only find me a part time job anyway.

You must be available for a job, not the other way around

BrightEyes wrote: »

Should they give me JSA since I am struggling, working less then 16 hours per week and actively seeking work??

No.

The tests are Capable>available>actively seeking. You fail one, the subsequent ones are immaterial.

You are not available so the actively seeking doesn't matter.

Unless you have a health condition or caring responsibilites?

dookar

BrightEyes wrote: »

But I don't start the course until 2010

You said you are on a gap year, could you elaborate?

BrightEyes

So should I say that I'm available for full time work anyway, since I really need the money and it is unlikely that they will find me a job?

dookar

No, that would be dishonest. And they don't find you a job, that would kinda be the antithesis of *actively* seeking employment.

BrightEyes

But they do help you look, they've already sent me details of 2 jobs. At least the dishonesty would get me out of financial difficulty until I find work

dookar

As would actually being prepared to work full time