Anything but JSA

CHARDONNAY_3

I've been in receipt of JSA for almost 6 months now.

I was offered a place on a training scheme but unfortunately I'm not able to take it as there's no funding available to me (as I'm 26)

Id really built myself up to being able to sign off as, for me, the whole experience of claiming JSA has been soul-destroying, but now that I'm stuck on it, I feel totally miserable & trapped.

Obviously I'm applying for every remotely suitable job vacancy in my local area, but I feel like I'm getting nowhere. Most places don't even bother to get back to you, let alone invite you to an interview, so I'm having to look at other options to a traditional full time job:

- I looked at apprenticeships, but my age seems to bar me from funding.
- I looked at part time work, but many are for less than 16 hours, so couldnt live off that long-term as it's even less than benefits
- My other thought is self-employment but don't have any business ideas so not really sure where I could start with that (any ideas??)

Sorry to ramble, not really sure what I expect from people, but I'm just so disheartened. I'm desperate to get off JSA but don't know how to do it anytime soon.

Thanks

Dizzie77

Hey Chardonnay - Don't get disheartened...something will come up.
What sort of jobs are you looking for?

Do you do any volunteer work? This not only looks good on your CV, but also helps you to build skills and meet new people (who may be your door into another job)
Have a look and see if you have a volunteer bureau near you (just google your town name + volunteers and see what comes up)
Whereabouts are you?

Mr_Falling_Star

If it really is anything other than JSA than there are a awful lot of care and administration Jobs out there still. Banks seem to be taking a lot of customer service staff as well

Self employment could be good as well, if you sign off to go the Job Centre will pay you £50.00 a week for sixteen weeks to get you going. The trick is coming up with a good idea so concentrate on what you are good at, for instance the girl next door did a bang up job of cleaning my house while babysitting (she got bored bless her), so I have suggested she looks into S/E and if she does I will be her first customer and book her for a hour a week to sort the pit that is my flat out

Look at what you can do, not what you can't

CHARDONNAY_3

Thanks for the replies.

Since leaving college, with lousy A-levels, I've worked in customer service (retail, bar work & call centres)

I left my last job (call centre) due to anxiety & panic attacks so, actually, if I'm being honest, that's 1 job I wouldn't do again, even if it meant signing off JSA.

Since that job ended I've been volunteering 1 day a week in a primary school, which I love, but there's so much competition for teaching assistant jobs, I haven't even been shortlisted for interview for any of the jobs I've applied for.

Most of the jobs I've applied for have been retail or admin based (inc a couple of high street banks) I would do cleaning or bar work but they're only ever for a few hours a week, which wouldn't be worth it.

I didn't realise the JC gave you any financial support to set up your own business, I'll have to ask for more info at my 6 month review, as that could be an option. I would like to work with children, so perhaps I could look into child-minding?? Not sure what else??

I'm based in the North East & while it's much lovelier up here than 20 years ago, the recession has hit pretty hard.

Dizzie77

Maybe have a look at whether there is a need for child minding services in your area then (but be aware of all the implications of child minding - especially in your own home!)
Could you maybe look at jobs around youth work?
Maybe you could take on two part time jobs? Rather than just think that X isn't enough hours, X+Y = 25 hours for example?

I don't know about the JC funding bit - but worth looking into.

DCFC79

I understand its hard with the job seeking lark, getting no replies form jobs etc. There must be something you could do whether its SE or find a job somewhere

Owain_Moneysaver

You can go back to college and beef up your A-levels or get some other qualifications. Evening classes and flexible learning should not affect JSA (but you need to tell the jobcentre you want to do the courses). Most colleges have a fee waiver so you do not have to pay tuition fees; you might still have to pay the exam fee.

A few hours' work a week would give you an employer's reference and you can work a few hours a week and still claim JSA.

After 6 months on JSA additional funding or other schemes might become available - it's worth asking.

saintjammyswine

If you are on JSA for over 6 months and over 25 there is training available free of charge. The Job Centre call it Work Focussed Training and will usually be run by a local college or group of colleges. If you speak to your advisor next time you sign, the courses are usually short courses such as First Aid / Health & Safety / Food Safety type courses but depends on local college offers. Some areas in the country extend this to 18-24 yr olds as well but depending on where you are it is likely to be over 25yrs only. Dont worry, there is always something. Dont forget that as you have been on JSA for 6 months plus any new employer will be eligible to claim £1000 from (i think) DWP, £500 on start and £500 after 6 months. Good Luck.

wontfallforit

Hi Chardonnay,

Although you say you have 'lousy' A-levels, what grades and subjects are we talking about, IYDMMA?

There's a few options available. One thing that springs to mind is uni! You're 26 now, so the entry requirements may be relaxed to take account for your status as a mature student, and provided you are willing to put in the work, you can do it. You don't need to be a brainbox to study for a degree, you just need to have the will, determination and discipline.

Plus, funding is generous. Depending on your circumstances, you could receive somewhere in the region of £7k per year, through a mixture of loans and grants, plus a tuition-fee loan. The loans wouldn't have to be repaid until you earn £15k, and repayment installments are very small.

Widelats

I have started applying for jobs i officially have no chance of getting, and these are the only jobs that i am getting a reply from "We are sorry you do not fit the criteria...." etc, at least they replied.

CornishW

Hi Chardonnay,
I think your childminding idea is a good area to explore. Since you volunteer at a primary school, parents are likely to have a bit more trust in you than a complete stranger - maybe you could chat to some of the parents to see if they would be interested in employing you as a childminder.

Also, have you considered home tutoring (I admit that I don't know if you have to be a qualified teacher for this...)but many parents pay for extra lessons for their children - maybe helping primary school age children with the three r's? Could be worth looking into.