how far can i actually take this?

gojojo_2

hi guys,

i had a daughter just over a year ago i was on a year maternity leave and in the end i decided to leave my 9-5 job as we couldnt afford childcare as ALL my wages (plus a bit more) would be going to childminder, and my attitude is clearly "i brought my child into this world i will bring my child up" i DO NOT want a stranger raising my child for 8hours a day 5 days a week when im quiet capable of doing it myself.
ive been looking for night work 5pm-12am as it would fit perfectly with my partner finishing work, unfortunatly with the current climate i have struggle to obtain a job, so have struggled to put food in our mouths as well as keeping a roof over our heads. i recently went to claim JSA they stated because i cant work the "normal" 9-5 it would have to go to appeal, so nearly 2 weeks ago i got a letter stating i was entitled to the £51 a week (:j) .....BUT then yesterday i got a letter saying they actually dont agree with me looking for work between these hours and so have taken the JSA off me!
im going to appeal against this (obv) i cant quiet believe they can say no to me as im looking for work and have proved it etc. surely this is dicrimination as i want to stay at home during the day to bring MY daughter up?
has anyone or know of anyone that has been in this situation, what was the outcome? im willing to take this a long way!

thank you and sorry its so long x

Harry_Flashman

gojojo wrote: »

surely this is dicrimination as i want to stay at home during the day to bring MY daughter up?

This isn't my opinion as I firmly believe that bringing up children is a valuable occupation.

However, this may well be the problem. The powers that be see that you want to stay at home and not work during certain hours as a reason why you're not really trying to find work by over-restricting yourself.

nearlyrich

If you restrict the days and hours you are available for work you are not enttled to JSA on the grounds of availabitity, otherwise all SAHM s would be claiming JSA. If you are available for any work you should get JSA if you want to work specific hours/days you are making it unlikely that you would get a job offer and rightly you would not be allowed to claim.

gojojo_2

i totally understand what your saying by "over-restricting myself" but surley they should accomadate and understand people's lifestyles are completly different they cant put a "contract" to the 1million+ unemployed to find work between the hours 8-8pm (as it is stated) as there simply isnt enough jobs with that timeframe! they can't dicriminate people that cant work them hours!

gojojo_2

If you are available for any work you should get JSA if you want to work specific hours/days you are making it unlikely that you would get a job offer and rightly you would not be allowed to claim.


why should i "rightly" not be allowed it? why is it such a big deal to want to work hours 5pm-12am and pay my way that way? just because i want to bring MY daughter i should struggle to in the meantime to feed,clothe and keep a roof over her head?

Harry_Flashman

Yes but the system will see it as a choice you're making that restricts your availability for work. The lifestyle you lead is seen to be your choice.

dookar

how many days a week have you said you are available for work? 5-12 is seven hours so it must be at least 6 days?

And you must still show reasonable prospects of securing employment within those hours - bar work for example might be okay but office work probably would not.

Can you share the actual hours/days you've said you are available and for what type of work?

Really, you should declare availability for any and all hours that your child care allows

Torry_Quine

I think that this is a real shame as you do want to work but also look after your child. I really hope that you manage to find the right job, being a parent is the most important job you will ever do and I admire your desire to do it without input from strangers.

gojojo_2

i stated i would work monday - sunday 5pm-12am i would do ANY job what so ever! and ive applied for every job that is suitable but unless your in the same boat you might not understand how difficult it actually is just to get a bloody interview!

gojojo_2

Torry_Quine wrote: »

I think that this is a real shame as you do want to work but also look after your child. I really hope that you manage to find the right job, being a parent is the most important job you will ever do and I admire your desire to do it without input from strangers.

thank you! people dont realise how hard it is! just because certain obstacles are there doesnt actually mean they are right!

dookar

gojojo wrote: »

i stated i would work monday - sunday 5pm-12am i would do ANY job what so ever! and ive applied for every job that is suitable but unless your in the same boat you might not understand how difficult it actually is just to get a bloody interview!

Okay, that's good.

What you need to do now is find examples of vacancies in your area that match those hours.

You need to demonstrate your reasonable prospects of finding employment within your restrictions.

This isn't about getting interviews or even about getting a job, it's about your availability.

I'm a little suprised, to be honest, because I would expect the decision maker to impose (or at least suggest) an alternative JSAg.