Finally off benefits and into work....But!

Missdonnamarie

Would really appreciate a bit of advice on my situation please, Here's the story so far... (sorry it's a little long but your time and help is very much appreciated)

I am 29 and have worked since i left school at 16 however I have been out of work for 4 years and on benefits (not to my desire) I have been so desperate to get back to work,Last month I applied for a job that i've always had an interest in (A&E Receptionist).Never for one second did i think i would be short listed for an interview but luckily I was - As it was my first interview for about 6 years I was very rusty and thought I did pants but low and behold I GOT THE JOB.. :j
I was so so chuffed when i had the call but then they dropped the bombshell, the job I applied for was £14,750 a year, Full Time (perfect!) but she offered me 20 hours a week on a pro rata basis.
I took some time to think about it and had asked if any more hours were available.She said that it was likely that I would be starting in January and there 'May' be a chance that someone would drop out and the hours would be spread over everyone but there is a risk that won't happen.

I've accepted the job because I would be a fool to turn it down however I am so worried about how on earth I would manage!?

I have tried to use the calculators online but I find them a bit confusing,my parter currently doesn't work.If I were to get a full time position then he would have stayed at home for the short term to care for our 2.5 year old. From what I understand from the calculators if I were to work 24 hours I would get financial assistance?!?!....i'm so confused lol.

I have been told that as soon as you have your foot in the door with the NHS there are so many bank hours available that I will always come out with a full time wage if I am willing to put in the hours (which of course I am) but I cant see them letting me do this until I am fully trained etc etc.

Of course I could cut my losses and not accept the job and keep seeking a full time position elsewhere but this is a very good job to turn down! arggghhh Help!! :mad:

If anyone could offer me some advice in anyway please it would be much appreciated.

Thanks for taking the time to read.xx

Savvy_Sue

I'd accept, but keep looking ... for a full-time post, or for a part-time one you could work alongside. And your partner too.

If you find something better, then feel no guilt about telling them you won't be taking up the job after all: it would really annoy me to apply for a full-time post and then only be offered 20 hours.

Can you ask for a 'better off' calculation?

FBaby

I would definitely take the job. You might not be better off financially to start with, but this is an excellent foot in the door. Will your hours be regular? If so, can't your partner look for some hours work when you are off to make up the hours as a family?

ruis72

i started off on a 15 hr temp contract with the nhs but always worked more and now full time permanent. Perhaps ask your line manager whether they could find you an extra 4 hrs a week and explain why. My line manager was very helpful and let me work the hours I needed for wftc however where I work is not as strict as other depts. It's always worth asking though.

Good luck for your new job!

jacques_chirac

The obvious solution here is for your partner to get a job - if you don't want your child to go to nursery (which you would get assistance for) then he can work different hours to you.

Missdonnamarie

jacques_chirac wrote: »

The obvious solution here is for your partner to get a job - if you don't want your child to go to nursery (which you would get assistance for) then he can work different hours to you.

She already goes nursery 5 afternoons a week 12.30 - 3.30 I have no issue with her going to nursery. I guess that's true he is better off getting his !!! out to work! lol - I really don't want to turn the job down at all.Thanks for the replies guys xx

makeyourdaddyproud

£15k?? That equates to £30k full time ... I would say that was a great salary.

clairec79

np that's the full time salary

makeyourdaddyproud

clairec79 wrote: »

np that's the full time salary

Eh? She said 20 hrs??

terra_ferma

makeyourdaddyproud wrote: »

Eh? She said 20 hrs??

the job I applied for was £14,750 a year, Full Time (perfect!) but she offered me 20 hours a week on a pro rata basis.

seems clear to me

Missdonnamarie

yes £14,750 FT so Part Wages are half of that....believe me I wouldn't be complaining if part time wages were £14k! x