Temp work and stopping benefits

Cashtyke · 18 May 2007 at 10:43AM

I just wondered is it possible for the JObcentre to stop your JSA if you refuse temp work? I may have inadvertantly said on my JSA phone application that i would do temporary work (i was worn down after nearly an hour on the phone). Does this mean if they offer me a temp job i must take it or lose cash?
Im due to see an advisor next week so any help would be appreciated

ukdickie31 · 18 May 2007 at 8:03PM

Hi

It's better to have more info on the length of contract for what you are being offered. Also, is the work itself temporary as the norm.. ie seasonal work etc.

For example, turning down a 2 day temp job may be reasonable but turning down a three month temp job may lead to a sanction. Depends on the circumstances and mitigating factors really.

The JC won't make a decision to sanction you. They will however ask for your reasons and send these to a decision maker who will make the decision. Your benefit may be suspended whilst any decision is being made, but will be repaid if the decision is 'allowed' in your favour.

Compound_2 · 19 May 2007 at 1:21AM

Cashtyke wrote: »

I may have inadvertantly said on my JSA phone application that i would do temporary work. Does this mean if they offer me a temp job i must take it or lose cash?

If by ‘they’ you mean Jobcentre Plus, I would’ve it was not very common for them to ‘offer’ you a job because they are not an employer (in contrast to employment agencies). Jobcentre Plus generally matches you to suitable vacancies and then it is up to you whether you get the job (successful interview, etc). There should be a choice of suitable vacancies—so as long as every week you apply for a sufficient number of permanent jobs, you should still be entitled to benefit. You are not declining an offer since there is no guarantee of a job, you're just deciding to put an application for a different (more appropriate) job.

seven-day-weekend · 19 May 2007 at 3:52PM

You can work for a temping agency (for example) for under 16 hours a week and are allowed to keep £10 of your earnings and still be able to keep your JSA claim on.