The Work Programme New Thread

KevInChester

NMW a pittance though it is is still too much for a lot of the large tax dodging multinationals to pay (it seems, hence they get Workfare from their mates in the government). It's crazy that people work, they pay tax but then have to claim tax credits etc as the job doesn't pay enough to live on. A proper minimum livable wage won't happen as there is currently significant pressure to obtain work, so companies will happily exploit that.

Unfortunately the brainwashing has worked on a lot of the population who seem to believe that being unemployed, being under 25, being disabled, being a single parent are by themselves worthy of disdain and negative judgement.

scooby088

The first thing my WP advisor say to me is tax credits when applying for a NMW job, I told him I want a wage without being a slave to in work benefits, he looks at me like to say I agree with you 100% but can't really say it as it's more than my job is worth.

looby75

at this point in time I'd be over the moon with a NMW job. I would be worse off than I am now but this staring at the same 4 walls day in day out is driving me insane, quite literally as my depression that was under control has raised its ugly head so much I'm back on medication.

dandelionclock30

In that case what abut voluntary work whilst your looking? Also where I live you can get a discount card for the sports centre so you can go for a swim for £1.30 per session.
Also theres quite a few local groups that meet during the week, have a look in the library. Also Mind may have a local group that help people with mental health and back to work issues.

looby75

dandelionclock30 wrote: »

In that case what abut voluntary work whilst your looking? Also where I live you can get a discount card for the sports centre so you can go for a swim for £1.30 per session.
Also theres quite a few local groups that meet during the week, have a look in the library. Also Mind may have a local group that help people with mental health and back to work issues.

you can't even give your time away here, there are waiting lists for volunteer posts, both myself and my daughter are on them.

Even the WP hasn't got enough places to send people to, I asked if I could go on a placement and they said no because they haven't got enough for people who the JC have referred to them for Mandatory Work Activity

dandelionclock30

Bloody Hell thats bad!, in that case hit the library theres all sorts of groups here you can join like knitting, reading, neighbourhood watch etc.

looby75

I know our local library doesn't do groups, it's too small and only open a few days a week (and may be closing soon) But I'll have a look at the main library next time I'm at the WP (it's not far from it) and see if there is anything that takes my fancy, thanks for the suggestion.

donnajunkie

scooby088 wrote: »

The first thing my WP advisor say to me is tax credits when applying for a NMW job, I told him I want a wage without being a slave to in work benefits, he looks at me like to say I agree with you 100% but can't really say it as it's more than my job is worth.

if you are single with no kids you only get £30 per week tax credits anyway. if the employer expects you to do overtime and that takes you over the maximum, you lose the tax credits. so a chunk of the overtime you did was effectively for nothing.

KevInChester

Well I've been turned down for an interview today due to a large volume of applications even though I met and exceeded the minimum criteria. The thing is I applied under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme as I suffer significantly from 2 conditions that are covered by that. This company talks the talk regarding this (2 ticks scheme) yet don't seem to adhere to the rules.

I despair, I didn't use this scheme for ages but have been told repeatedly to take advantage of it due to my problems... shouldn't have bothered just makes me feel worse as if I can't get an interview under a guaranteed scheme I should just give up!

imatt

looby75 wrote: »

you can't even give your time away here, there are waiting lists for volunteer posts, both myself and my daughter are on them.

Even the WP hasn't got enough places to send people to, I asked if I could go on a placement and they said no because they haven't got enough for people who the JC have referred to them for Mandatory Work Activity

T'was ever thus! This was the case under the equally lamentable New and Flexible New Deals.