Is there any point???

Indie_Kid

But it's 20 hours. So, unless the OP isn't get paid the minimum wage, they're actually better off. (not sure what the minimum wage is now - £5 something for over 25s?)

mrcow

It all depends on what type of work it is.

If it's something constructive that may lead to more work and possibly more openings, then fine.

It's your call in terms of what you think it will be able to offer/bring you.

seven-day-weekend

If you do more than 16 hours work in one week, you have to sign off JSA.

Maybe the OP could ask them to split the work over two weeks? (Even if it's Friday one week and Monday the next).

fabforty

Bruciebonus wrote: »

kim the point in not accepting the work is that im going to be out of pocket after doing two days work,which surely defeats the object?would you do two days work and end up worse off?

How much will you be paid? As other posters have said, you will probably not be worse off.

Personally I would take the chance, even if I was a few pounds out of pocket (which you shouldn't be) because it might lead to more. I have temporary and agency staff who came initially came for a week or two, but have stayed for months. I used to temp myself with various recruitment agencies. I have lost count of the number of times that I was sent out on jobs apparently to provide cover for a day or two and but when I have arrived discovered that I was needed for much longer. I was once sent to help out in a university library for a few days one summer, was asked to stay on for two weeks, which then turned into four weeks and ended with the offer of a permanent part-time job (it saved them the trouble of advertising and recruiting). I'm not saying this wll happen to you but I think there's a good chance of the two days work becoming longer (few employers would bother to fill a non-critical post for such a short period of time).

pipkin71

Would you be able to sign off for the two days and then reclaim?

I don't know how JSA rules work, so not sure if this is possible.

kingfisherblue

The week depends on what day they sign on for JSA. My daughter does part time work with an agency and claims JSA. Her signing on day is Tuesday, so her 'working week' for hours worked is Wednesday-Tuesday.

Bruciebonus, yes, it is worth working and being out of pocket. My daughter is out of pocket when travel expenses are taken into account, but she wants to work. She is sometimes offered an extra shift, which means she has to sign off for a week and then sign on again. She is hoping for more agency work, whilst still looking for a more regular job. Working is not just about money (although that is very important!). It is also about self respect, gaining experience, and proving to potential employers that you are willing to work.

BTW, 20 hours at £5.80 (assuming minimum wage for over 25 year old) is £116. that's more than JSA, even though you won't receive the £5 disregard - or is my maths wrong?

kingfisherblue

pipkin71 wrote: »

Would you be able to sign off for the two days and then reclaim?

I don't know how JSA rules work, so not sure if this is possible.

Yes, you can close your JSA claim and then open it a day or two later. The reclaim is much quicker than a first claim, as the DWP already have your information.