Redundancy - any restrictions on JSA?

tygr

I found out this afternoon that my post is at risk of redundancy. I've been there less than 2 years so won't qualify for any redundancy pay. There will be a one week consultation period and then a decision will be made about whether they're making us both redundant.

They currently have three part-time roles. They are making two roles redundant and creating a new position. I do not want to apply for the new role, given the way that this has been handled. It will be an externally advertised job so not just available to people at risk of redundancy. It is more hours but at a lower rate of pay than my current role.

My question is regarding JSA. Will I be able to claim JSA (contributions based) straight away or will I have to apply for the new role? Presumably the job centre only knows about the new role if I tell them?

Grateful for any advice.

tygr

Anyone, please?

They have given me a letter putting me at risk of redundancy which talks about the new job. Presumably if I show it to the job centre, I'll be forced to apply for the new job. I'd prefer not to do this but if I have to, I can make sure I won't get it. There is a complete breakdown in my respect for the organisation now and I wouldn't be able to be a productive team member.

I need to know what sanctions there might be on JSA before I talk to them. This is not a case of being offered alternative employment. It will be a brand new, publicly advertised job.

Thanks

getmore4less

Wait for the termination notice thats what you need for the job center if they ask.

if they(employer) try to make out this is a suitable alternative then you should not need to apply they either give it to you or not if thye want to go through a selection process thats upto them.

If you do not agree it is suitable then that becomes a different situation.

tygr

Thanks

I met my employer today and they confirmed that there is not an offer of alternative employment as they will be advertising the job externally. I have until after the weekend to tell them if I want to apply for it.

Anyway, I asked and he confirmed that my redundancy letter will not mention the new job so just need to confirm with job centre that my NI contributions qualify me for JSA. Pretty sure I'm fine.

Linda32

tygr wrote: »

so just need to confirm with job centre that my NI contributions qualify me for JSA. Pretty sure I'm fine.

Hi, I'm just in the process of starting a claim myself. I've been here before so I know what to expect

I was made redundant two years ago, was unemployed for almost 6 months, (at this point I won't tell you how many jobs I applied for and how many interviews I got - you really don't want to know! )
I eventually got seasonal temporary work through the summer months, unemployed again, then went back to the same temporary seasonal job again this year, which has now just finished.

So by now I ought to be invited to the Christmas dance at the Job Centre

I say all of the above so that you know that I'm talking from experience
I know you havn't given the impression but its not your fault that you have been made redundant - sign of the times maybe. You won't be treated as if its your fault either at the JC. I've found the staff to be more than pleasant

Basically, they will ask you why you left your previous job, they just need to write something on the form thats all. They are not prying or trying to stop you from claiming. You have been made redundant at thats the end of it. They will not ask for any letters from your employer, just your P45 which will be issued.

You hand in a part of your P45 and the JC sort of becomes your employer. The payment is Job Seekers Allowance, they pay you to look for a job. The payment is Contribution Based Job Seekers Allowance. (From your previous years NI contributions)

HTH

tygr

Thank you Linda

I've been made redundant before too: in January 2011. I did briefly go on JSA but only for about 3 weeks until I got my current job. It was only 10 hours a week but I actually decided to take the opportunity to go back to university so would've come off JSA anyway and the part time job fitted well around studying.

But, because I've only been working 10 hours a week, which was then cut to 9 hours, for 14 months, I haven't paid any NI contributions since leaving my previous job in 2011. I think I'm ok though because I worked nearly a full year in 2010-11 tax year and that'll be when they calculate from for me. I think (hope anyway) that they look back 2 years. They've made me an appointment for Tuesday at the job centre anyway. I'm not sure whether the weeks I had JSA before will be deducted off my 6 months' entitlement or whether the 6 months starts afresh as we're in a new tax year?

Bit despondent about the whole situation as it was a nice project to be involved with but they're in serious financial trouble so can't afford to keep all the current staff. No reflection on me but still blimmin annoying.