My Redundancy Diary

maggi1

Interesting thread, I have been following for a while and decided to post...

My husband and I were both made redundant last Friday. We worked in the same LA team. He was able to access his pension, unfortunately I'm not able to access mine. I'd been in the job for 21 years and he'd been there for 26 years.

I found out through this site that I would be able to claim JSA and completed the form online on Monday. Someone called me back yesterday morning to discuss the application and gave me an appointment at the Job Centre for this morning.

Anyway off I went and had a chat with an advisor who didn't ask me very much at all really. Absolutely no questions about savings, redundancy payments etc. Had to sign quite a few papers but it was all very straightforward. She said although I would obviously have to sign on every other week they would give me 13 weeks grace to try and find the type of work I am qualified to do.

I have an appointment to see someone else to discuss the possibility of becoming self employed this will enable to explore insurance and so on.

Just wanted to help reassure anyone who is worried about claiming JSA.

castle96

went for first interview, took all the documentation mentioned, incl NI No. What they wanted was PROOF of NI No !doh, ie a P60. Back again tomorrow. Best to keep a folder of stuff for further applications

Polly

I've just found this thread and it's great stuff. I'm facing the possibility of redundancy too and will know next week if I'm 'on the list'. I'm alternating between being paralysed with fear at the prospect and being really relieved and excited. I haven't enjoyed my job for the last couple of years (been there for 12 years) and often dream of leaving but couldn't do without the security. Looks like the decision will be made for me. I do know that even if I lose my job, I'll look back on it as a good thing but I'm afraid of change I suppose - even change for the better!

Andyboy

Polly wrote: »

I've just found this thread and it's great stuff. I'm facing the possibility of redundancy too and will know next week if I'm 'on the list'. I'm alternating between being paralysed with fear at the prospect and being really relieved and excited. I haven't enjoyed my job for the last couple of years (been there for 12 years) and often dream of leaving but couldn't do without the security. Looks like the decision will be made for me. I do know that even if I lose my job, I'll look back on it as a good thing but I'm afraid of change I suppose - even change for the better!

Polly

welcome to the club that many don't wish to be in. let's hope that your path is smooth and fruitful and that you find plenty of useful info from people who have trodden it recently. Please keep us posted on you adventure.

Good luck, keep your chin up, it is not personal (it just feels like it when you are going through the transition)

castle96

just had first JSA intervieww/sign on. Fairly painless, so far....

ponymad_3

Will be joining the club next Thurs.... so will be doing my online JSA form and waiting for my interview. This is probably a bit thick of me but when I take a 2 week holiday later in the summer will I have a problem( I understand you have to sign in every other week. This will be a completely different experience for me as I ve worked for my company for 28 yrs. I am however looking forward to a new challenge and will be able to take a break from work. Come around sooner than planned as I got PILON for 12 weeks. Hoping for a long hot summer and I bit of chilling. Need to prepare CV , new experience and may decide to do some voluntary work

paye

My heart goes out to all of you who are currently looking for work, just keep your heads up high try not to worry too much (i know it's easier said then done ) and keep looking you will find something eventually maybe not right away, but if you keep trying you will get through it. Maybe your next employment maybe better than your previous company. CHIN UP AND CRACK THOSE CV's out.

maggi1

I asked about holidays when I was in this week. The advisor asked me if I was staying in this country or going abroad. She said if you are staying in the UK you can just sign a form saying you aren't able to sign on but that I wouldn't lose any benefit. I think I've read somewhere that if a person is going out of the country the rules are different and entitlement would be suspended. (Not definate about it though).

castle96

secured job today. not brilliant shifts, but hey ho. Not bad since redundancy (last weds). Just got to get thro the medical now (mon)

daisyf_2

well done castle - I've sorted myself out as well - not made redundant until next week - time flies by and full of slight panic as been in my last job over 15 years x