Jobseekers advice re: seeing child.

ILW

JJ85 wrote: »

In reply to a few people's questions;

He goes away for a week to 2 weeks once every few months, it's too expensive for him to be able to go more often.

If he goes for the longer period (2 weeks) He generally goes the day after he signs and comes back a couple of days before his next signing date.

He attends all appointments etc made and tells them if asked as lying is just asking for trouble - they've now said they may ring him at random and ask him to come in that same day, which surely isn't fair in the first place regardless of his situation.

If theres nothing specific he can use to prove them wrong/prove it's allowed (if it even is) then he's just going to have to take the risk as seeing his daughter is more important, however, what you do in your spare time as long as you meet your JS agreement should be of no concern of the jobcentre, as long as you're not intentionally making it harder to get work that is!

Does he think that in the unlikely event that he gets a job, he will be able to disappear for a week or two every few months. Are is that just what he does whilst on the scrounge?
Should be ashamed of himself.

jacques_chirac

ILW wrote: »

Does he think that in the unlikely event that he gets a job, he will be able to disappear for a week or two every few months. Are is that just what he does whilst on the scrounge?
Should be ashamed of himself.

Ashamed of himself for trying to maintain a relationship with his daughter? I expect if he worked he would have the funds to make shorter visits on his days off, and longer visits in annual leave.

OP, the JCP can call him in for adhoc appointments with 24 hours notice. If they try to catch him out by calling his landline I'd suggest he change his number, as long as they are able to contact him on his mobile they cannot object to this.

Gas_Powered_Toothbrush

monty-doggy wrote: »

If he has a child to support he could walk into any number of agencies and get temping work.

The most recent release by the Office of National Statistics showed there were 521000 job vacancies in the UK, and 2.5 million unemployed. That's 4.8 people for every job.

Now would be an ideal time for you to withdraw your ill-informed comment.

FBaby

Gas_Powered_Toothbrush wrote: »

The most recent release by the Office of National Statistics showed there were 521000 job vacancies in the UK, and 2.5 million unemployed. That's 4.8 people for every job.

Now would be an ideal time for you to withdraw your ill-informed comment.

This kind of statement really winds me up. Each month, there will be NEW jobs advertised, but plenty of same people on JSA. So if your chances of a job are limited on a ONE month basis, this limit is reduced as months go by.

JJ85_2

jacques_chirac wrote: »

Ashamed of himself for trying to maintain a relationship with his daughter? I expect if he worked he would have the funds to make shorter visits on his days off, and longer visits in annual leave.

Precisely this, I know a lot of people on these forums like to jump on the "OMG A SCROUNGER" bandwagon, but I actually find it disgusting that you would suggest it in this situation.

His JS agreement requires he apply for 3 or 4 jobs per week, he's applying for closer to 10 every week, whether he's away or not.

He's done a FLT course and got his license to improve his chances of work, he's done various other courses to improve his chances, and is also looking at other ones, hardly scrounging when he's trying. Not everyone lives in an area where there are masses of jobs available, the jobs he's applied for have hundreds of applicants.

He's had 2 job interviews in the past month or so, one unsucceful (probably due to experience in that field) and 1 he's waiting to hear back on.

When visiting his daughter, his ex's parents allow him to sleep at their house on the sofa so he's not paying out for "expensive b&b's or hotels" as people assume.

His train fare is >£100 and this means he pretty much pays his bills and saves the rest for his next visit.

The ex will not allow the daughter to travel and stay with him for a week here and there, that's not his fault and isn't the subject of this thread.

Myself and my friend are greatful for all the helpful replies, but for the "nasties" can I suggest you find something better to do with your time than to make unfounded assumptions in order to belittle someone who is clearly at a low point, not everyone is lucky enough to have a job, or be in a stable relationship and see their child every day.

The same people complaining that he's a "scrounger" and "things dont ring true" are the very same people that would be complaining if this thread was titled "On JSA and can't afford to see my child" you'd then be there telling him he could save up if it mattered that much to him.

TL;DR:

Thanks to all the people with helpful suggestions/kind comments :beer:

People who have nothing constructive to say who just make assumptions to make them feel self important, !!!!!! get a life. :mad:

anamenottaken

JJ85 wrote: »

P
. . .

He's had 2 job interviews in the past month or so, one unsucceful (probably due to experience in that field) and 1 he's waiting to hear back on.

. . .
When visiting his daughter, his ex's parents allow him to sleep at their house on the sofa so he's not paying out for "expensive b&b's or hotels" as people assume.

. . .

His train fare is >£100 and this means he pretty much pays his bills and saves the rest for his next visit.

The ex will not allow the daughter to travel and stay with him for a week here and there, that's not his fault and isn't the subject of this thread.

. . .

We'll hope he gets the job where he's waiting to hear.

Bus/coach travel may be cheaper though take a little longer.

Has the Ex who doesn't allow their daughter to travel and stay with him been approached formally for such access? Though you say it is not the subject of the thread, it was given by you as a reason for his needing to travel and thus be away from his home jobcentre area.

pmlindyloo

How long has he been unemployed?

If it is for some time then the simplest solution would be for him to relocate nearer to his daughter where he can visit more frequently and at less expense.

The bottom line is that if he wants to claim JSA then he has to 'obey' the rules. Not doing so will mean that he will be sanctioned and then he won't be able to afford to visit his child at all. Harsh but true.

JJ85_2

pmlindyloo wrote: »

How long has he been unemployed?

If it is for some time then the simplest solution would be for him to relocate nearer to his daughter where he can visit more frequently and at less expense.

The bottom line is that if he wants to claim JSA then he has to 'obey' the rules. Not doing so will mean that he will be sanctioned and then he won't be able to afford to visit his child at all. Harsh but true.

With the amount of people in this thread calling him a scrounger/suggesting he doesn't do enough to find a job/suggesting there are plenty of jobs to go around etc, would it really be wise for him to move closer to his daughter, thus needing more benefits (housing/council tax etc) and be such a "burden on the taxpayer" We're not talking 50 or even 100 miles here, we're talking several hundred, and with a father who is in and out of hospital constantly, would he then be in the same situation but claiming even more?

[Deleted User]

monty-doggy wrote: »

If he isn't prepared to do this then it sounds to me like he is simply making excuses, sorry if that ounds harsh but there are jobs out there, if you are prepared to do anything.

Doesn't mean an employer has to put up with an incompetent member of staff someone who maybe struggles with that form of work, just because no side should have to 'make do' (employer "but you have no experience in my business!") thus creating lack of confidence to depression issues = total disengagement from the market

Sorry OP it isn't a dig

I'm not one to judge Monty, was given lottery stats on a very basic NWM job I know I could do this week of a 1 in 10 chance of successfully being offered it...the employer knows he has 40+ people to see with 4 positions to fill and it's his pick, whether or not people want to work for him or the wages will cover them being a fraction better of then receiving JSA - it's definitely not roses out there.. add to that restrictions of gaining employment, bad refs.. people's prejudices

I was also meant to be starting as a Temp tomorrow 6 weeks work which means I would be back on the dole before xmas eve - employer then has put assignment on hold with no comeback - easy to get a job you can do without encountering the above, phhh I think your in for a rude awakening, lets hope you've experience of every industry because an employer is just meant to take pity on you because your out of work?? it doesn't work like that

I've received enough letters in my time that reads along the lines your unsuccessful because of so many others also looking for work

busy_mom_2

The adviser cannot sanction him if he keeps going away, only a DM can do this. He can go away from home for as many times as he like provided he is available and actively seeking and prepared to retun home within 24 hrs. If he doesn't tell them then is caught out then he will be referred for actively seeking and retropective action and a DM will most probably disaloow him as in his signing book it clearly states you must inform JCP if you go away from home so i would advise against not telling them. The two week period is because a jobseeker can be excuse looking for work for maximum 2 weeks in any twelve months.
What will he do if JCP ring him up and say they want to see him within 24 hours? Would he return? They can and should test this therory and if he fails then a DM can disallow but the adviser cannot do anything just cause he keeps going away. i would also like to know what he going to do when he gets a full time job? How is he going to go away so much then? He must have last worked at least 12 mnth ago if he in on the WP, the adviser can put him on weekly or even daily attendance and he is obliged to attend if they feel it will support his jobseeking.