Out of work and out of money!

Savvy_Sue

Daedalus wrote: »

If it is not based on income then how does it work? Can I claim 6 months JSA after every two years of NI contributions? As it is not income based I don't even need to give up my work! :P

Obviously, you have to be out of work to claim, and job seeking. And it isn't a huge amount to live on. And if you just give up work in order to claim, you'll be sanctioned.

I'm still confused, btw miduck. But I'll take my confusion elsewhere ...

miduck

Savvy_Sue wrote: »

Obviously, you have to be out of work to claim, and job seeking. And it isn't a huge amount to live on. And if you just give up work in order to claim, you'll be sanctioned.

I'm still confused, btw miduck. But I'll take my confusion elsewhere ...

What is it that is confusing you?

The difference between CB and IB JSA is that CB only takes into account the claimant's earnings (minus a £5 disregard), whereas IB JSA takes into account the capital and the income of both the claimant and their partner.

Savvy_Sue

miduck wrote: »

What is it that is confusing you?

Forgetting what was in the first post ...

miduck wrote: »

The difference between CB and IB JSA is that CB only takes into account the claimant's earnings (minus a £5 disregard), whereas IB JSA takes into account the capital and the income of both the claimant and their partner.

Assuming the OP was DJing before being made redundant, it now makes sense.

Justicia

I have a feeling that the OP didn't like the honest feedback provided...

lucy03

Justicia wrote: »

I have a feeling that the OP didn't like the honest feedback provided...

I hope they keep going though, following the advice given above. If they persist, constantly make changes, and keep working on new avenues there's a possibility that a local business will either want his services, or will employ him directly. Enthusiasm often wins through.

I'd add, perhaps concentrate on just one service at a time, such as the book-keeping. That's a service businesses might need help with and can understand what you're offering. Having a basic web-site isn't a problem, it's a first step, and like others say, now it's time to build on that and design a better one.

Good luck.

gb12345

lucy03 wrote: »

Having a basic web-site isn't a problem

It is if one of the services that you are offering is web design. If you don't have a portfolio then all prospective clients have to go on is your own site.

lucy03

gb12345 wrote: »

It is if one of the services that you are offering is web design. If you don't have a portfolio then all prospective clients have to go on is your own site.

That's not what I said. I said that in my view it's not a problem for someone to have started with something which isn't right, in this case a web-site, as long as they keep working on to ensure it is right. They offer web-site design as one service, not as their entire service.

As it's someone who is offering a range of services, which I personally think is worth persevering with, especially clearly defined services such as book-keeping. They've got a web-site, got feedback, and can now improve that.

I posted because in my view at least it's easy to get disheartened when things don't go to plan. But if they persist, and are enthusiastic, I think they've got a good chance. In my experience it's the enthusiasm that wins through, and someone who makes lots of effort will find an opportunity.

imoneyop

lucy03 wrote: »

That's not what I said. I said that in my view it's not a problem for someone to have started with something which isn't right, in this case a web-site, as long as they keep working on to ensure it is right. They offer web-site design as one service, not as their entire service.

I can see your point, but I have to agree with the earlier poster - if you are going to tout yourself as a web designer you have to be able to prove you've got the skills and a poor website is going to count against you. The first thing they should of done is get their website right. By the sound of it, they've had no work for 3 months, so they've had plenty of time to work on the site.

It would have been OK if they were just offering secretarial skills and initially had a poor website - as you say they could have worked on it.

Also, I think they are offering to many diverse services. There is talk of typing, database work, accountancy, web design and even children's parties. The just don't fit together in my opinion. I doubt that they will ever get much web design work as people will want to go to a web designer and not someone who does web design on the side when their not dressed up as Coco the Clown. If they really want to offer everything then I would suggest separate linked sites - 1 for the office services, 1 for the design and one for the kiddy parties.