Will I get in trouble if I don't apply for this job?

Karen197

Hi I'm a single parent on JSA, signed on yesterday and was given 2 print outs of part time jobs, was just told that they were in catering, and I should apply.

Once I got home I took a closer look and one is in the local hospital coffee shop during the day which is fine, I called the number today and am going there tomorrow to fill out an application form,

The other is for a pizza place, turns out it is four nights a week from 6pm till 10pm, The problem is I do not drive and buses are very scarce in my area in the evening,

I googled the address and its on an industrial estate that is a 30 minute walk or a short bus ride part of the way then a 10-15 minute walk down a very quite unlit lane,

I am not happy to be walking down there on my own at 10ish at night and the last bus back is at 10.30 so if that doesnt turn up or is late I will have to walk the whole way back on my own,

Do you think the Job Centre will accept these reasons for me not applying for the job, My kids are teenagers so im not to worried about them being home alone till that time but i'm worried for my own safety and obviously what would happen to them if something happened to me,

NASA_2

I would apply for it - the cynic in me thinks that they wont offer you the job anyway because of the childcare issue.

scot88

I wouldn't worry about it too much tbh. I've been given the odd printout for "useless" jobs in the past and no-one has ever checked up that I applied or not. While a lot of staff at jobcentre do their best to help at the end of the day you are just a number and no-one is very interested. I have always managed to find a job without their help. Just make sure you look interested and are polite and mostly they won't force you into something unsuitable.
Good luck with your search

RAS

Apply, but make sure your application is really poor.

sleepless_saver

scot88 wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about it too much tbh. I've been given the odd printout for "useless" jobs in the past and no-one has ever checked up that I applied or not.

You can't assume they won't check up - there are other posts on this board from people who've had their benefit stopped for not applying for jobs.

Karen197

Thanks for your replies, Yeah maybe I should just call the number on the printout tomorrow and see what they say, I just worry as knowing my luck they will offer me the job cos I really don't want it. Then I would defo be in trouble for turning down a job offer.

It would be ideal if it was easier to get to but I won't even go to my local shops on my own in the dark cos of all the trouble we get round here,

Loobysaver

What hours have you got as being available on yours Job Seekers Agreement?

If you have said you will work evenings then I would apply as if you have been "matched" to the job it could affect your benefit.

Karen197

On my Job seekers agreement I have 8am till 7pm although I did say a couple of weeks ago that I could be a bit more flexible as I wasn't having much luck as long as it wasn't too far as there is a problem with public transport,

My advisor accepts that I cannot take a job that starts earlier than 7am outside of my town as I can't get there in time, If this one was in town then it wouldnt be a prob but cos of where it is I cannot rely on the bus and really do not want that 15 minute walk down that lane, it's scary enough as it is but It would also mean I have to walk past a certain caravan site which is not pleasant even in the daylight.

ajones28

I really think the best thing to do is to be honest with the Job centre. I have never known anyone to be sacked for not applying for a particular job if they have good reason, so honesty is definitely the best policy. Explain to them that there would be real safety issues for you-having to walk through unsafe, unlit areas at night. They really could not stop your benefits for this and if they tried their luck and stopped it I am sure you would get it back on appeal. Your safety is utmost and no Job centre advisor in this country could say that you should put yourself at risk for a job.

Loobysaver

I would say that as your jobseekers agreement doesn't show evenings then you would be fine.

Just explain to the adviser if they ask when you sign on next.

Karen197

Thankyou for that, I will print out the map route and take the bus timetable with me next time I sign on, I am desperate to find work but don't wanna put myself in danger, I've been worring about it since yesterday but i'm not gonna risk it,