Threatening to stop my JSA, non applying for a job

KevInChester

I am currently signing on weekly for JSA - I am applying for many jobs per week, and it seems I have overlooked applying for one of the jobs the job centre recommended I apply for.

The job would have been ok, decent hours, I'm ok with NMW, and the location although not ideal was fine. There was no reason for me not to have applied, other than I've gotten confused with the amount I'm applying for and not noticed this one until it was too late.

I'm worried sick now, don't need this - I'm applying everywhere, I just need a job. Been out of the country for many years, and suffer from lack of experience due to a prolonged bout of depression (never claimed benefit for it, etc, though am being treated).

What is the best course of action? Worried that if I tell them the truth they'll stop it anyway.

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A few days back I emailed the Job Centre regarding an application I had made that went through them (to sift the apps) and that I had heard nothing at all back from, despite being perfect for the role. A day later this letter was created and sent out? Might be being paranoid, not thinking straight

KevInChester

Just noticed that I did actually apply, trouble is from reading the job spec it says I had to call, instead I've made the mistake of sending in my CV/Cover letter, stupid mistake, but you can kind of see how I did it when you see what the letter is like. Called up the company and they are looking to see if they can find my CV/Cover letter for me - though my guess is it went straight in the bin, no point hiring someone who doesn't comprehend simple instructions. Now I feel both stupid and upset

Mojisola

Have I got this clear - you have had a letter saying they are going to stop your JSA just because of this one application, even though you're applying for loads of other jobs?

KevInChester

Yes! That's it in a nutshell. I've applied for loads, I really do not like being unemployed - the hours are good, but the money is rubbish

[Deleted User]

I think you need to see/tele the JC on monday and explain exactly what has happened,tbh it would be draconian if they stopp your JSA because you are so engrossed in applying for jobs that you sent a cv for this one instead of tele them

HappyMJ

I'd print out all the cover letters that you have created to apply for the many jobs then show those to the Jobcentre. They can then contact the employers you have contacted to see if they actually received them or not. But then that even is a requirement of getting JSA. All you have to do have done is taken X number of actions to find work each week.

Owain_Moneysaver

Was this a job that the Jobcentre 'recommended' you to apply for, or was it a jobseeker's direction?

You don't have to comply with 'recommendations', you do have to comply with a jobseekers direction.

Anyway, presuming you have a copy/record of your application, you can show that you did contact the company and apply for work.

If JCP say it was a direction then complain that they did not make it sufficiently clear to you that it was not a recommendation.

KevInChester

It was just a standard job, they always show me a list of them, and suggest some that may be worth applying for, they then print them off.

I think the fact that I chased them up before this about a job I had applied for through them, and also the Connexions appointment I made weeks back (Nov 11th appointment) should also I hope stand me in good stead.

Thanks all for the replies, I appreciate each and every one.

kitschkitty

They will dock your JSA. My OH applied for a job and they did this as he sent in a CV and the employer said he didn't/they didn't receive it. As it's your word against theirs you lose.

You can appeal against it but need grounds. A nice advisor tried to help my OH but as they wouldn't accept email applications or anything else there was nothing he could do.

OH now has to apply for hardship payment as we are being docked £140 over a month - which means no food and heating for the month.

It's really terrible. For all the people who abuse the system there are some of us who are trying our hardest and still get !!!!!! upon.

dookar

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Was this a job that the Jobcentre 'recommended' you to apply for, or was it a jobseeker's direction?

You don't have to comply with 'recommendations', you do have to comply with a jobseekers direction.

Anyway, presuming you have a copy/record of your application, you can show that you did contact the company and apply for work.

If JCP say it was a direction then complain that they did not make it sufficiently clear to you that it was not a recommendation.

Refusal of employment regulations have nothing to do with jobseeker directions.

OP the crux of the matter is - Would the employer accept an application made in the manner in which you made yours (CV/covering letter) or are they insistent that you must apply in the manner proscribed.

As they are looking for your CV, I think that might answer the question

stassy23

my partner had this letter last week, i was shocked he applies for every job going because hes desperate to work, he actually applied for this certain job that job centre said he didnt so we went in there did the statement of reasons and they said nothing more will happen but i dont believe it til i see it.