Work Experience while on Jobseekers Allowance (WORK PROGRAMME)

saintjammyswine

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Why do some people seem to think that correct grammar and spelling are some kind of veneer that you add on top of written communications when the situation demands it?

Couldn't agree more. Why is it so acceptable and indeed applauded? Like people who say "I'm so rubbish at Maths/Science/Grammar" and are proud of it! It is almost taboo to be intelligent and articulate as though an apology is required if you have any knowledge beyond the middle names of the X-Factor contestants!

saintjammyswine

muskoka wrote: »

From what I have heard (I know of a couple of people who are on this Work Programme; it is a complete waste of time & taxpayers money. Its unorganised - as usual one hand appears to have no idea what the other hand is doing. Can't see this helping anyone.

Diabolical that highly skilled people are being forced to do whatever - i.e. clean streets/work in McDonalds/whatever.

Very fortunately a realtive of mine was on this dumb work programme, but no more. They have managed to secure a respectfully paid post (with no help whatsoever from Jobcentre/Work Programme place) and are happily earning again.

So from the experiences of 2 people you have decided that the Programme as a whole across the country is of no value. So this relative found work whilst on the Work Programme? How do we know it wasn't the Work Programme that did it?

Oldernotwiser

muskoka wrote: »

Diabolical that highly skilled people are being forced to do whatever - i.e. clean streets/work in McDonalds/whatever.

Why should skilled people be exempt from going on a programme if they've been unemployed for a long time?

Caroline_a

saintjammyswine wrote: »

So from the experiences of 2 people you have decided that the Programme as a whole across the country is of no value. So this relative found work whilst on the Work Programme? How do we know it wasn't the Work Programme that did it?

When I worked in this field unfortunately I saw this attitude a lot. It ranged from 'I don't want a job unless it's the job I used to have in the same place, with the same company, and the same workmates' (firm had gone bust and closed down), to 'Why should I work, the government pay for my family. If I want more money I'll have another kid' (direct quote from "jobseeker" ) They then blame the provider/Government/last night's telly for the fact that they can't afford this or that.

I was however, able to work with many people of all ages and help them get jobs. No provider is trying to force people into a job, yes there are some rogue ones, but for the most part they are trying to help people help themselves. It's just that we became cynical when we continually encountered the sort of attitude as above.

My comment about spelling and grammar seems to have touched a nerve too though - but I also encountered many many people thinking they could work in an office, in admin, who didn't have a cat in hell's chance. They couldn't spell, write, or punctuate, they were scruffy and had no telephone voice at all. Maybe with a great deal of basic level coaching they could have made something, but we found these people coming back time and time again on the next available course once they were eligible, and we weren't allowed to say 'you really aren't suitable for office work'. I always felt that we should be allowed to give guidance in this way - what's the point in someone thinking they can get an office job, spending hours on CVs, applications, etc when they would be far better looking at something more suitable for their needs?

donnajunkie

JoJox wrote: »

It's 2 weeks work experince im ok with doing it just would like to know if i hav to work the FULL hours people who work there do? If i dont like the place then surely i have the right to not go anymore? I'm glad it will help me on my CV just don't know my rights thats all. x

unless they are unscrupulous they wont try and make you do excessive hours but you will be expected to do normal hours. if they work 9 to 5 then it is very likely that you will be expected to do 9 to 5 as well. i understand your issues with it but really you just have to put up with it and try and get through it as easily as possible. alot of placements arent too bad.

donnajunkie

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

I didnt like the place I worked at to the point of feeling sick seeing it and I went for years!!!!. I wouldnt worry too much if its just for 2 weeks unless they are being abusive/nasty. It will be over before you can say exploitation!
Can you ask your advisor about the hours? I think 40 hours per week is a bit much for £67.00!

Can you imagine 8 weeks litter picking!! thats so bad its laughable!!

they said they didnt mind the idea of it being 2 weeks. i dont think they said it is actually just for 2 weeks. i suspect it will be at least 4 weeks. their hours are very likely to be somewhere between 30 and 40 per week.
8 weeks litter picking? around here on the old new deal people used to have to do that for upto 6 months with the council.

saintjammyswine

Its up to 30 hours per week.

saintjammyswine

donnajunkie wrote: »

unless they are unscrupulous they wont try and make you do excessive hours but you will be expected to do normal hours. if they work 9 to 5 then it is very likely that you will be expected to do 9 to 5 as well. i understand your issues with it but really you just have to put up with it and try and get through it as easily as possible. alot of placements arent too bad.

One of the employers I work with run a shift system including weekends and nights. For the work experience we have arranged, they have agreed no night work, no work in the cold store and no sunday working. It is for 4 weeks, 30 hours per week.

donnajunkie

embob74 wrote: »

Having worked in admin I only wish my job had paid £10 per hour. In fact any work programme attendee would probably be going home with more net pay than myself. I'd still rather be at work though.

Also to make the point to the OP - in my last job I interviewed people to cover my role while I went on maternity leave and there was a HUGE number of graduates who applied. It wasn't what they had foreseen as their ideal job and they were over qualified but they all would have bitten my hand off to get the job.
It must be nice to have the choice to work or not to work.

i just used £10 an hour as an example. if you take a job that pays less than benefits then thats your choice. no-one, not even the government expects people to make themselves worse off. thats just stupid. if you prefer to work then you can do voluntary work and avoid making yourself worse off, if the only paid job you are able to find is one that pays less than benefits.

donnajunkie

LisaB85 wrote: »

My friend did this work program twice, he worked for a well known discount store. He is a qualified welder/engineer but now works for the discount store and loves it.

Probably because he is a chatter box and gets to talk to people

I'll do it I'm still unemployed in 6 months, will go on my CV and a reference, plus I might be able to do something I've not done before.

he enjoys working for half of what he could earn as a welder? he cant spend that much time chatting coz he would lose his job.