Will I lose my JSA? :*(

pennypincher2013

I applied for a job, thinking I was able to get there by public transport (I can't drive). I've been invited to an interview and have found out no public transport goes near the place. I could catch a bus into town and then get a taxi which will cost £66 per week. The position is 5 days a week, 16-20 hours per week. Minus the £66 travel costs, I'd be earning £33.04 - 57.80 per week.
I'm afraid if I turn down the (potential) job because I would be earning less, I will lose my JSA. But if I take the job, I'll be losing money I desperately need.
What should I do? I don't want to be claiming JSA any longer but I can't afford to live on that amount.

john539

Do the Jobcentre know, are they involved in your application ?

Tell employer before interview or at interview that you can't get there, there is no transport, you thought there was transport but there isn't.

You won't be much use as an employee if you can't get there on time.

pennypincher2013

I record all my applications so the Jobcentre do know I have applied for this job.
I think I can get there on time, with the buses and taxi. It's the cost that's the problem.

AP007

OP you have to be better off in work and the JC can do a calculation to show you this if they asked but if they do not know you applied don't worry.

pennypincher2013

Thanks AP007. I'm going to call the employer tomorrow to explain. When claiming JSA, you have to record all your job search activity so the Jobcentre do know I applied for this job.

AP007

pennypincher2013 wrote: »

Thanks AP007. I'm going to call the employer tomorrow to explain. When claiming JSA, you have to record all your job search activity so the Jobcentre do know I applied for this job.

The JC checked that one particular job?

Even so there is a better off calculation and if that's less than what you have now per week you wont be forced to go let alone take it.

ArtoDeeto

Say YES to the job then bung the figures together showing how much you will loose from your current financial JSA position every month/week and ask if the Jobcentre will make up the difference (assuming the nett is less then you would be getting on JSA).
Then leave it in their hands... That way you have accepted the job.

mountainofdebt

go to the interview and be carp.

you won't get the job and the problem will be solved

starrystarry

How far away is the job? Could you get a bike?

[Deleted User]

Cross everything your not offered the job I suppose

There is 10 people applying to every 1 job vacancy

Got more offers of work in employment then I ever did out of it
Remember back in the days before I drove, I'd get a cramed bus which I'd have to get of 2 stops before because it was murder trying to alight, ended up in work 1-2 hours before start and end of day waiting for bus home particuarly if late out, and the employing hotel where live in wasn't an option, wouldn't have taken me on if they had actually known I was taking the bus...

I've also been to job interviews non local and and been laughed out - employers are concerned nowadays with how you get to and fro

Voyager2002

In practice, once you started you would probably find someone willing to share a ride with you so you would be unlikely to be paying for taxis for long. However, the DWP have no way of knowing if you are offered the job: presumably the record shows you applying for loads of opportunities so they are unlikely to pick on this one to chase.