No work, but no redundancy?

Steve_cr

A friend of mine is employed as a security guard. Unfortunately, due to major building work at the retail site where he operates, he all too often gets ready for work, only to receive a phone call saying he doesn't need to go in that day (He is the most recent employee so he is always the first to get a call). As he is only paid for the hours he works, this is causing him financial hardship. As they haven't made him redundant, he doesn't think the benefit system will be able to help him in any way, so won't seek help. If he resigns, he doesn't think he'll get any help, but he can't go on like this and the situation isn't expected to improve for over a year.
He is a very proud man and so doesn't say much about the position he's found himself in, so there may be more to it that I don't know, however, based on what I've been able to share, is there anything you would suggest he does.

Jarndyce

Not enough info here I'm afraid. We would need to know whether his contract allowed his employer to do what they are doing, and to confirm that he is directly employed (ie not through an agency). Is he in a union? How long has he worked there?

Steve_cr

Thanks for your helpful reply. I will try to come back soon with that additional information

qetu1357

probably on a zero hours contract.................

zzzLazyDaisy

One thing he can do is average his earnings over the past 12 weeks and put his details into the turn2us website. This will give him an idea of whether he is entitled to any help with council tax etc.

If he is in private rented he should first check the LHA rate for his area (google local housing allowance + the name of the local council) but he needs to make sure he is checking the correct allowance - so for example a single person under 35 is only entitled to the rate for a room in a shared house, even if they live in a one bed flat.

The turn2us website will ask for the LHA info.