JSA help

Poppy73

I am, after a lot of soul searching, thinking of resigning from my job.

I have read that if you resign that you may not be able to claim JSA for up to 26 weeks, just wondered if anyone could tell me if this is likely in my case?

I have worked full time for over 22 years and never claimed any benefit. I was made redundant in the summer and the only job I could find at the time is over 2 hours commute each way. I was desperate for a job and didn't want to be unemployed so took the job despite some misgivings about the commute. I have been doing the job for 6 months now and I don't think I can go on.....

My working day with travel is minimum 13 hours and two or three days a week it is 15 hours. The commute often takes a fair bit longer than 2 hours due to train connections etc.

I am exhausted and the longs weeks are making me sick

My husband does the school runs but his job is changing and will no longer be able to do so. He is the main wage earner so he cannot refuse this extra responsibility.

I have been applying for jobs in my hometown that will allow me to do the school run and am starting to get some early interest but have no idea how I will be able to attend interviews.

I hope not to be out of work for long but realistically it will be a January start which means 4-6 weeks out of work.

Would I have a good case to claim contribution based JSA? I know it's not a lot but it would make a massive difference ( I.e. We could eat!)

Adereterial

It's possible - though I think it unlikely, as the reason is due to childcare. If the long commute is also affecting your health, have you seen your GP? Confirmation from them that there was a negative impact on your health may be beneficial.

In the first instance though, approach your employer about reduced hours, flexible working or working from home - they have to consider your request (though they don't have to make any changes). If they can't change anything, or refuse, make sure your resignation specifically refers to that as they will be asked to confirm the reasons why you left by the JCP when they investigate.

You'd only be entitled to contributions based, if you've paid enough contributions. You'd get it for six months maximum.

The_Write_Girl

Good luck with the interviews! I burnt myself out a few years ago with long working hours. Yes, the pay is great but I learned I had to look after myself first! My commute is over an hour so I know how you must be feeling.

Hope someone can answer your question.

HappyMJ

It's possible...you might be sanctioned for a lot lesser time than 26 weeks if at all. That's just the maximum penalty. Generally if the commute is over 90 minutes each way you have a good case for quitting and looking after children AND looking for work much closer to home.

dookar

In what way is your husband's job changing? Isn't there anyone else who can do the school run?

Before school club? Childminders? family etc?

When does your husbands job change and when are you planning to leave your job? Will you work notice? Do you have any annual leave?

All these would need to be investigated before any decision could properly be made.

Poppy73

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Dookar I'll try to answer your questions;

My husband has been told he has to take on additional responsibilities meaning he'll be responsible for 4 offices which are all a fair distance from us, he has had a lot of flexibility until now and been ablevto work from home etc but due to the current climate at the nature of the business he works in there have been a lot of restructuring changes.

We have no family unfortunately apart from my husbands mother who is too I'll to help. Our daughter does go to breakfast club and after school club but I currently leave the house at 6:30am and return 3 nights per week at 7:30pm and 2 nights at 9:30pm which is much earlier and later than the clubs hours. My husband new responsibilities mean he will be away overnight at least 2 nights per week.

I will work my notice as I want to leave on good terms. No annual leave left as I started halfway through the year.

I have a good CV and strong references from all jobs do am hoping it won't be too long before I get something else. Unfortunately it just takes a bit of time to go through whs can sometimes 3 stage interviews.

dookar

When does his job change? Are you planning the notice to end on the last day possible before the change?

Poppy73

The changes happen from 1st December but we've probably got a few days after that before he's away overnight.

It's all been kind of sprung on us but was thinking I should hand in my notice on 25th November - I only have a weeks notice as still within 6 months probation.

dookar

So, your notice would end the day the changes take place?

I reckon you could show Just Cause

p00hsticks

Poppy73 wrote: »

it's not a lot but it would make a massive difference ( I.e. We could eat!)

If you are really serious about this statement, then I don't see how you can afford to run the risk of getting sanctioned. Do you have any emergency money put by ? If not, could you and you husband not try to put £10-£20 away each week for a few months before you resign that you could then use as a reserve to see you through between jobs ? Or at least stock up the kitchen cupboards with basics to see you through a month or two?

I have a great deal of sympathy for your predicament though - I ended up with a very similar type of commute when I had to relocate offices for work, and after a few months I was nearly dead - luckily I have subsequently been allowed to work from home most of the time.

Poppy73

Thanks Dookar, will let you know what happens.

Pooh sticks - I don't really have time unfortunately as my husbands job is changing on 1st December.

We would manage without JSA but it will be very tight.

We have a lot of outgoings due to some private medical bills for my mother in law otherwise we would be ok.