Missed JSA appoinment as girlfriend in labour, benefits were sanctioned. Any advice?

swayne

My friend ...(now I know the forum trolls like to get excited when someone says that but it genuinely is my friend and not me, I have a job and not a girlfriend)...

My friend missed a JSA appointment because he was in hospital with his girlfriend who was in labour. He had his benefits sanctioned because of this.

I don't think that's right, fair, or even human. They're saying "sorry because you wanted to be there when your child was born we're punishing you."

The problem with googleing it is when you use the word labour it turns into pages about politics. Does anyone have any idea about whether or not this is a fair thing for them to do and what he should do about it?

Thanks.

Thomas_Hardy

Did he call the JCP to say he could not attend? If not, when did he contact the JCP?

How long has he been sanctioned for, and has he appealed the decision?

john539

He should have phoned that he had a domestic emergency.

He needs to appeal.

ragecake

"hold on a minute, don't go into labour for another hour, I gotta go to the jobcentre"

Seriously, he needs to appeal, and...he's most likely going to need proof she went into labour and had the child.

cassie55

I had a sanction the day my sister in law died and my husband and I were at her flat waiting for a doctor to come and issue a death certificate.

She had a massive heart attack (very unexpectedly) and was on the floor. My husband was distraught and I couldn't leave him.

I called the job centre but they said that I would still need to come.

I didn't. I wasn't even getting any benefits I just needed the job centre to confirm the dates that I was signing on when I got a new job (due to needing an air side pass and having to prove a 5 year history - luckily it didn't affect it).

I find the lack of compassion unbelievable.

Evilm

He should have let them know in some form asap. Did he contact them at all or just try turning up to the next one or get a letter from them when he didn't?

theoretica

If he were in a job he would be entitled to paternity leave - I wonder if he is entitled to the equivalent from his jobseekers. Perhaps income support for a couple of weeks?

john539

cassie55 wrote: »

I had a sanction the day my sister in law died and my husband and I were at her flat waiting for a doctor to come and issue a death certificate.

She had a massive heart attack (very unexpectedly) and was on the floor. My husband was distraught and I couldn't leave him.

I called the job centre but they said that I would still need to come.

I didn't. I wasn't even getting any benefits I just needed the job centre to confirm the dates that I was signing on when I got a new job (due to needing an air side pass and having to prove a 5 year history - luckily it didn't affect it).

I find the lack of compassion unbelievable.

They assume everyone is trying it on & a liar, expect you to appeal providing proof.

That's the way it's gone.

Very sad for people in emergencies, life & death situations,

Daedalus

john539 wrote: »

They assume everyone is trying it on & a liar, expect you to appeal providing proof.

That's the way it's gone.

Very sad for people in emergencies, life & death situations,

This. We can't expect the JC to take everything that is told to them at face value. It is fairer for everyone that it acts on evidence.

john539

Daedalus wrote: »

This. We can't expect the JC to take everything that is told to them at face value. It is fairer for everyone that it acts on evidence.

Have you ever heard of commonsense & judgement, in dealing with these emergency, llife & death situations ?

This is used everywhere, every second of the day, even by officialdom.

Emergency, llife & death or would you rather a member of your family dies, because someone on benefit could not stop to help ?

Daedalus

john539 wrote: »

Have you ever heard of commonsense & judgement, in dealing with these emergency, llife & death situations ?

This is used everywhere, every second of the day, even by officialdom.

Emergency, llife & death or would you rather a member of your family dies, because someone on benefit could not stop to help ?

I don't doubt that 99% of these incidences result in an appointment being rescheduled, and after proof has been provided the end of the matter. Don't any sanctions apply to a future date? Time for it all to be sorted out.

The system prevents people from abusing it, whilst allowing those with legitimate reasons to still get their benefits.