Do you have to work for the Census?

redsilk

I made the mistake of applying to work for the Census 2011 and they have conditionally offered me a job provided I do the e-learning and do some references. The thing is, it is only for 6 weeks and I know it will detrimentally affect my benefits. Despite rapid reclaim, it takes the benefits agency a long time and though I may even be entitled to the housing benefit 4 week I still think it isn't worth the stress and worry of coming off the benefits, trying to get tax credits and then go back on it. They probably won't even have worked out the tax credits. But now that I have been offered this temporary job, do I have to do it? Will I be in trouble for ignoring it? :eek: Anyone else in a similar position?
Thank you

Eliza_2

It's the same as any other job, just write to them and say thank you for the offer of the position but you are no longer able to take them up on the offer - don't just ignore it, that would be very inconsiderate.

In terms of the benefits, someone else can comment better than I can, but why on earth did you apply if you thought your benefits would be affected? Everyone knows these jobs are only short term.. Hopefully you never have to tell anyone you turned down an offer of work.

Lots of people were after these jobs, 6 weeks work is better than none, so hopefully if you tell them quickly enough they will be able to offer it to someone else.

redsilk

Thanks Eliza, but did you get out of bed the wrong side?

Eliza_2

:rotfl::rotfl:

shikoku

The Job Centre Plus has been pressurising practically everyone who comes through their doors to apply for these jobs.

I was told it was a very appropriate match for my skills. I'm still wondering which previous role - mainly office based - particularly qualified me for sitting outside someones' home in a car waiting to catch a potentially hostile individual who for whatever reason has not yet returned their census form.

Since I neither drive nor have a car and both are fundamental requirements for this role my suggestion that it might be not be entirely appropriate was grudgingly accepted by the so called 'advisor'.

No boxes ticked that time.

The Job Centre Plus was also strangely unwilling to finance the driving lessons which might have enhanced my chances next time it comes around. Whereas if I needed basic literacy...

I would guess the OP may be little less confident in politely challenging some of the rank stupidity encountered when dealing with the JCP.

I may be wrong but I think they cannot oblige you to accept any position which will make you worse off than you are on benefits. I think you need to speak to the benefits people and ask them to run this check for you.

Oldernotwiser

If you turn down a job you've been offered, your JSA is likely to be suspended for up to 26 weeks. When you're unemployed, any work is better than no work.

Oldernotwiser

shikoku wrote: »

The Job Centre Plus has been pressurising practically everyone who comes through their doors to apply for these jobs.

I was told it was a very appropriate match for my skills. I'm still wondering which previous role - mainly office based - particularly qualified me for sitting outside someones' home in a car waiting to catch a potentially hostile individual who for whatever reason has not yet returned their census form.

Since I neither drive nor have a car and both are fundamental requirements for this role my suggestion that it might be not be entirely appropriate was grudgingly accepted by the so called 'advisor'.

No boxes ticked that time.

The Job Centre Plus was also strangely unwilling to finance the driving lessons that might have enhanced my chances next time it comes around. Whereas if I needed basic literacy...

I would guess the OP may be little less confident in politely challenging some of the rank stupidity encountered when dealing with the JCP.

I may be wrong but I think they cannot oblige you to accept any position which will make you worse off than you are on benefits. I think you need to speak to the benefits people and ask them to run this check for you.

I did the census 20 years ago; I don't drive and didn't have access to any transport. It was interesting and quite fun.

cte1111

I agree with other posters who have said that if you turn down a job offer, then it is very likely that you will lose your JSA. Not sure about other benefits though.

How long have you been out of work? I'm asking because I can understand that it seems daunting to make the big leap of going back to work after a long time not working, particularly if the job is only short term. However sometimes you have to be brave and give things a try.

Also you never know if the job will be extended. One of my friends is starting on census work this week and she has heard that there may well be some longer term positions for some staff who do well in the initial period. I think she has one of the supervisor roles but this could apply to jobs at al levels perhaps.

Having been in work, it could improve your CV and make you look more hireable to other employers and you could learn new skills which will help you in the future.

I can understand your concerns about tax credits / benefits etc, but I can't really see that you have much choice so why not look on it as an opportunity and see how the job goes.

tcr_3

I don't see how these vacancies entitle people to working tax credit. For the enumerator vacancy it's 75 hours worked over 6 weeks, 12-13 hours per week. The wages are £750, paid by two instalments. So you're never going to make the magical 16 hours per week when working tax credit kicks in. And without that 16 hours you won't qualify for the Job Grant either.

So I'd be looking to pin the benefit people down precisely on whether they think these jobs are full time or part time. Because there's a huge difference in how your claims will be handled depending on how those jobs are viewed.

nodiscount

It sounds as though you are frightened about the mere mention of working.
Step out of your comfort zone, you might even like it.

shikoku

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I did the census 20 years ago; I don't drive and didn't have access to any transport. It was interesting and quite fun.

It's changed a lot recently.