Job centre not letting me attend course - can I do anything?

AliceBrownie

I've just finished a full time two week training course that I volunteered for, and I got an email from the course organisers telling me that they are running a further part time course (6 days spread over 2 weeks) that's only available to people who attended the first course and is a really good opportunity for me. But when I told the job centre I would be wanting to attend it I was told point blank I wasn't allowed to go, because I volunteered for the course I just went on rather than being forced through the job centre. I've tried to find info online and there's surprisingly little about this - I found one mention saying something about only being allowed to do 2 weeks over the space of a year, but that's it - but I think it's the stupidest policy and I'm basically wondering if anyone has any experience of this or whether anyone knows if I can appeal this. It's not like I want to attend hundreds of courses that will limit my availability for work after all - just this one.

saintjammyswine

However you are only allowed a certain amount of time "not available for work" while still receiving JSA. This is limited to, I believe, 2 weeks per year but not entirely 100% sure on that figure. If you can prove a solid link between doing the course and getting work then you advisor has some flexibility, they are really cracking down on people doing courses for the sake of doing them (with no evidence of real jobs to go into).

Elvisia

I can't add anything to this except for the fact the JC just amazes me, the number of times they've said things that I think the press would love to hear about. My personal beef was when I had a job interview but it clashed with an appointment I had with my advisor, and I was told I had to turn up to the meeting or my benefits would be sanctioned. They didn't even tell me what I was supposed to do, they just kept repeating I had to attend the meeting. I even had the written confirmation about the interview. The meeting ended up being "what job interviews have you had" which nearly made me headbutt the man.
I would love to write an article or a blog over stupid idiotic things the JC have done! This course thing should definitely be added. Surely you should be able to do it as I was told I could do a course (a PhD) if it was officially classed as part time? So 6 days is hardly a full time course? Might be worth asking another advisor.

saintjammyswine

Full or Part time within education & training is only related to how many hours per week, regardless of how many weeks it is for. There was up to about a year ago a philosophy of getting as much training as possible whilst on JSA regardless of potential job outcomes. Now the focus is much more on 'is there a job at the end of it?'

Lith

And yet.. another one being to 'honest' with the JC

people need to wake up here


Alice, listen n listen good gal.


1: Do the course (its your free will)
2: Nothing to do with JC scum bags
3: Do this course... LONG AS IT DOESN'T effect ya sign on day
4: If this course better's (you) then go for it, YOU are your only judge.


You had no reason to tell them about ya course (now that you've told them...) there alerted to this.. and it ain't looking good... should of kept ya mouth shut.

saintjammyswine

Lith wrote: »

And yet.. another one being to 'honest' with the JC

people need to wake up here


Alice, listen n listen good gal.


1: Do the course (its your free will)
2: Nothing to do with JC scum bags
3: Do this course... LONG AS IT DOESN'T effect ya sign on day
4: If this course better's (you) then go for it, YOU are your only judge.



You had no reason to tell them about ya course (now that you've told them...) there alerted to this.. and it ain't looking good... should of kept ya mouth shut.

Are you (ya) really advocating lying to JCP about availability for work?

It is your own free will to do the course but,

There is every reason (well, one mainly) to tell JCP about the course because signing on is a statement that you have been and will be available for work during the signing period. Not only sanctionable but also potentially subject to criminal proceedings. OP, please ignore this advice otherwise you may as well work cash in hand, sell stolen goods (which you may as well steal yourself), do a course and sign on.

Lith

Are you (ya) really advocating lying to JCP about availability for work?

swine n wine, we meet again...


Lying? not really Just they don't need to know about this course i wouldn't of told them, and do the course its not like its going to effect my JSA (if i was on it)

Think for number one, simple as that.

saintjammyswine

Lith wrote: »

swine n wine, we meet again...


Lying? not really Just they don't need to know about this course i wouldn't of told them, and do the course its not like its going to effect my JSA (if i was on it)

Think for number one, simple as that.

swine n wine? Sounds like an off licence that sells bacon rolls.
And whilst you may remember meeting me, I'm afraid you left less of an impression on me!

Anyway, it is lying because by signing, you are declaring you are and were available for work during the signing period. if you are on a course then you weren't available. It will effect [sic] your JSA.

Judith_W

Is there any cost to do the course and any sanction if you stop half way through? If not, then you can surely still be available for work whilst on the course as you are prepared to immediately leave the course to work?

looby75

When I went on a course before christmas all I had to agree to was that if I had an interview or a job offer while on the course that I would miss/drop the course to attend and interview or start work. Oh and of course that I would still be actively seeking work while.

I would ask to speak to the manager at your JC because it sounds as though you are being given duff info from the advisor.

Lindopski

Escape the benefit trap as soon as you can mate.
I was made redundant and spent 4 weeks on the dole, first time I have ever been out of work since about 17 and I wasn't impressed.
I went to my first interview with them to see what I had been doing and was told I had to apply for 2 jobs a fortnight minimum.
I presented the chap with the 30 odd applications I had done in the last week and never saw him again as I decided to go contracting the week after for an agency.
That then led on to my current job, get away from the JC as soon as you can mate - do agency work - do any agency work and keep clear of benefits as long as you possibly can.
I was made to feel like a lazy doley lifer at my first interview and I had only been out of work about a fortnight.
If I am ever laid off again the very next day I'll be at the agencies door again to avoid the JC.