Dilemma - Opinions Wanted

zenmaster · 30 October 2009 at 1:41AM

I am currently out of work and, as of last week, claiming JSA. I've been offered (and accepted) a place on this seminar. It's not compulsory but I really want to do it and think it would be useful. BUT ...

I came home full of enthusiasm only to be reminded that it's my son's graduation the same day. This has been booked for months and I have paid £20+ for a ticket.

I really want to go and he would be disappointed if I don't. He is in a closely allied field to mine. We have long discussions about it and he has sought my advice on many occasions so I like to think that he has, in many ways, been inspired to achieve by me.

I've been in touch with the seminar organisers and they are running it again but are not sure when.

My problem is that by claiming JSA I have declared that I will be available at all times when clearly I will not in this instance. If I was working I would have booked the time off but, obviously, it's not practical to sign off for a couple of hours then sign on again.

I know what I have to do but will the jobcentre see it in the same light?

Thanks.

Eyesparky · 30 October 2009 at 2:05AM

You have to be at your Son's graduation. Put yourself down for the next available course and have a chat with the jobcentre about it. They are human so should understand. Hope it all works out well and that your Son has a wonderful day.

tickly1972 · 30 October 2009 at 2:16AM

I agree, you must be there for your son. I am sure this kind of personal circumstance is understandable, even in jobcentre's eyes!

auldblerk · 30 October 2009 at 6:59AM

Son's graduation without a doubt otherwise you'll regret it for the rest of your life. As you have stated, another seminar is on the cards so explain to the powers that be the situation.

bettybelle · 30 October 2009 at 1:11PM

Of course you have to be there for your son and the Jobcentre will understand this, just like an employer would

preciousillusions · 30 October 2009 at 11:24PM

Yes definitely you must go to your sons graduation. It's my graduation coming up soon and i would be gutted if my mum wasn't there. I am sure the jobcenter will understand

.

olgadapolga · 30 October 2009 at 11:58PM

PLEASE go to your son's graduation! My mum was at my graduation and it made a good day fantastic - she'd been through so much of that course with me - she was always the one I'd turn to if I had a problem with it, or just to rant about how awful it had been. I would have been devastated if she'd not been able to go (for whatever reason). My mum said that it was one of the best days as well, seeing me finally (I took a long time over my course) graduate and that she wouldn't have missed it for the world.