Referred to "Flexible new deal" even though I am only signing for credits

codwidow

LizzieS wrote: »

You seem to be either missing the point (or wanting both the cake and eating it). You have 2 choices:

1) Claim HRP which will be weekly credits from 6 April 2010 and will be for a child under 12 (guess that will change to under 7 in the not too distant future, although neither currently affect you).

2) Sign on for credits and accept new deal conditions.

Option (2) could put you out of pocket for childcare/travel but it is your choice and you are in currently in the position of qualifying for some jobs which are only open to those signing on for over 6 months.

In simple terms, there are advantages and disadvantages for both options and you just have to pick the one that you want most.

Hi I dont really understand about the cake thing seeing as I am having no cake and therefore not eating any :rotfl: I have continued signing as my mortgage protection policy condition states I need to whilst I am still, unfortunately looking for a job.

My point was that I am signing on for credits whilst I am still looking for work and it seems that the JC now want to refer me to a provider who may or may not want me to take on a 4 week work placement and not give any assistance toward childcare costs. I dont understand how I am going to be expected to undertake this with no means of financing any childcare thats all.....

seven-day-weekend

codwidow wrote: »

Hi I dont really understand about the cake thing seeing as I am having no cake and therefore not eating any :rotfl: I have continued signing as my mortgage protection policy condition states I need to whilst I am still, unfortunately looking for a job.

My point was that I am signing on for credits whilst I am still looking for work and it seems that the JC now want to refer me to a provider who may or may not want me to take on a 4 week work placement and not give any assistance toward childcare costs. I dont understand how I am going to be expected to undertake this with no means of financing any childcare thats all.....

I think if you sign on as a Jobseeker, for whatever reason, you have to be prepared to jump through the hoops that entitle you to do so. One of those, even if you are only signing for credits, is 'being available for work' (which includes courses).

You want the mortgage protection paid, you have to abide by your part of the bargain. And if that is signing on, you have to do what is necessary to enable you to do that. Childcare is not their problem, it is yours.

Alternatively, you could stop signing on and then you wouldn't have to be concerned with childcare (and would still be credited with NI through your Child Benefit). But you would have to pay your own mortgage.

You have a choice.

codwidow

I dont have a problem upholding my side of the bargain at all. I am available for work, if I start a job I will have the means to finance childcare and probably get assistance toward it too but until I have a salary I wont be able to do that and a jobcentre/new deal course doesnt pay a salary does it.

I feel this could go on forever so I think I will just phone the jobcentre and ask them

seven-day-weekend

codwidow wrote: »

I dont have a problem upholding my side of the bargain at all. I am available for work, if I start a job I will have the means to finance childcare and probably get assistance toward it too but until I have a salary I wont be able to do that and a jobcentre/new deal course doesnt pay a salary does it.

I feel this could go on forever so I think I will just phone the jobcentre and ask them

Probably a good idea

bestpud

At four years old, your youngest should be able to access a certain amount of free childcare anyway.

Maybe if you got him into a nursery using the government childcare vouchers (or however they do it nowadays), you will be in a better position to argue for certain hours - i.e. when he is in childcare.

Perhaps they would also agree to fund a top up in his hours too...

That seems better than just saying 'no, I can't do anything' iyswim?

codwidow

bestpud wrote: »

At four years old, your youngest should be able to access a certain amount of free childcare anyway.

Maybe if you got him into a nursery using the government childcare vouchers (or however they do it nowadays), you will be in a better position to argue for certain hours - i.e. when he is in childcare.

Perhaps they would also agree to fund a top up in his hours too...

That seems better than just saying 'no, I can't do anything' iyswim?

Sorry my daughter is not 4, and its not a case of "I cant do anything" I am actively seeking work I apply for jobs all the time.

SingleSue

Re courses in the daytime, could you attend whilst your youngest is at playgroup/preschool?

I managed to fit in doing an ECDL firstly in one hour blocks of time, then finally in 2 hour blocks around medical appointments and two children being on short time at school (youngest was still half days at the time due to disabilities).

I know it doesn't address the whole four week thing but it could help address the daytime course problem and childcare.

donnajunkie

codwidow wrote: »

When you say minimum contact is once a fortnight does this mean I have to contact the provider once a fortnight as in go in, or phone up ?

you willl have to see an advisor once a fortnight. they give you a time and date so it isnt at your convenience although mine has said if i ever cant make it to let her know and she will try and rearrange. as well as the 4 week work placement you will get told you have to do certain sessions. jobsearch once a week is virtually guaranteed. you may also have to do sessions to do with cv's, applications forms etc. they may also conclude that you need some sort of extra training.

donnajunkie

codwidow wrote: »

My point was that I am signing on for credits whilst I am still looking for work and it seems that the JC now want to refer me to a provider who may or may not want me to take on a 4 week work placement and not give any assistance toward childcare costs. I dont understand how I am going to be expected to undertake this with no means of financing any childcare thats all.....

they will give help with childcare.

bestpud

codwidow wrote: »

Sorry my daughter is not 4, and its not a case of "I cant do anything" I am actively seeking work I apply for jobs all the time. I have been to the local college in the evening since I was made redundant, and I have been sending my CV out etc and asking around for work. I worked in recruitment and marketing so I know how to look for a job and sell myself its just there is very little around and even less part time work where I live. The JC suggested to me I could go on a college course in the daytime, which would be great but they would not help out with childcare costs so once again it was a non starter

Sorry, my mistake, but free childcare is available from the age of three, I believe (although maybe that has changed since mine were little?)

I didn't mean it to sound that way - I was thinking you'd be more likely to get something that suits if you can be a bit flexible - I didn't mean you were digging in your heels and refusing to do anything!