Help with JSA suspension

electrica

Hi all

Have not posted before so hope I make sense!

Am single parent with two children. Finished work in December and received income support until February then changed to JSA, as my youngest turned 7 years old in January. Having not signed on for many years the system is new to me. Booked Sun holiday for April 18-22 and told Jobcentre I would be away. They told me I was entitled to two weeks holiday and gave me form to fill in as to how I would be available for work whilst holidaying in England. Completed form to say I would job search and try to find Jobecentre in holiday destination. Had to go back to Jobcentre on 26th to show I was back from holiday and available for work - turned out I was actually signing on (they didn't tell me that bit). They decided to suspend me as I hadn't completed ES4JP form showing my Jobsearch - to be fair I really didn't have the time. No one else looks after my children but me and I had so much to do after coming back from holiday; particularly as the children had been on school holidays for two weeks. Signed on again last Friday, expected some benefit to arrive today - nothing! Having had no letter from Jobcentre I can't even appeal - what can I do!

Cheers

dugdale_2

Are you saying that you didn't have time to fill out the ES4 because you were too busy (should only take 5 minutes max) or you were too busy to look for work whilst you were on holiday ?

soolin

Can you phone them and speak to someone who might clarify what you need to do now?

However, it is worth remembering that you need to be available for work. What if they send you on a two week course or find you work in the school summer holidays, what will you do then?

viktory

There are two threads on this now.

concerned43

At the point of suspension you should have been given the chance to put your case across (in writing) as to why you should not be suspended - did you do this?