Possible sanction at the Jobcentre.

SJI85

ArtoDeeto wrote: »

Let's face it you have basically been getting Jobseekers Allowance Benefit Payments for at least TWO years because you cannot get a paid job. Are you expecting them to take lunch with you in the garden?

No I haven't and I have no idea where you've got that from. In my post I said I've only been claiming JSA since finishing university. Plus I do have a paid job, with a second one due to start in a number of weeks.

Even those under-25 only need to be claiming JSA for 12 months to be referred to a Work Programme provider.

Of course I expect the long-term unemployed to be asked to attend intensive job searching sessions. I have no problem with that. My bemusement was because of a clear error. I was referred to the advisor to discuss my interview situation and NOT to have an intensive jobsearch. There was no discussion about my interview at all so, as far as I'm concerned, these alleged "anomalies" remain.

And not that it is any of your business, but the reason why I've been unemployed this long is not because I'm unemployable or require support. It's because I thought I needed more voluntary work experience in the charity sector (my chosen career sector) so spent the first few months applying for survival jobs, which were few and far between. It was only when getting through to a final graduate assessment centre that I realised the experience and skills I have already is sufficient, so began applying for graduate jobs. Since then I've had five interviews and two job offers.

SJI85

OK, so after going to an appointment today it's been discovered that the reason that these additional appointments (including intensive jobsearching) were triggered is because I've "missed a few appointments". Again, it's only two recent (consecutive) appointments, they were due to an interview and paid work respectively, and proof has been provided. Why should I therefore effectively be penalised for this?

This (the reasons for these additional appts) should have been discussed on Monday's appointment, but it was only brought up that day when I brought it up and the adviser would not comment on it, instead more concerned about putting more demands on my jobseekers agreement.

I was also informed that I shouldn't arrange job interviews on days when I'm due to sign on. Erm, sorry, but a job interview ALWAYS takes priority over anything else. I have to take the dates and times that are convenient to the employer. What planet are these people on to think this isn't the case?

I might submit a complaint depending on how Tuesday's appointment goes. For this not to happen I need clear answers to several questions I have, and ideally be no longer required to attend these additional appointments. They are pointless, a waste of my time, and seem designed only to intimidate.

So can I ask for peoples feedback on whether the jobcentre is being unreasonable here and do you feel a complaint would be justified?

Also, just to re-iterate, I already have a part-time job as well as 18 hours voluntary work a week and do extensive jobsearching a day. In total anything from 8 - 15 hours job related activity. I should also start a 20 hour contract in 2 - 3 weeks so will be signing off anyway which, as mentioned, makes the intensive job searching a bit pointless.

When_the_going_gets_tough

Blimey OP you know where you are going I would just wing it with the Job Centre till your work starts and you can sign off. There is an undeclared but very real shift towards sanctions as opposed to getting people into work as sanctions are a quicker way to get people off the unemployment figures when times are so hard. I would not waste your life arguing with them but concentrate on your own future - but that's just one point of view! Good luck with all your plans.

SJI85

When_the_going_gets_tough wrote: »

Blimey OP you know where you are going I would just wing it with the Job Centre till your work starts and you can sign off. There is an undeclared but very real shift towards sanctions as opposed to getting people into work as sanctions are a quicker way to get people off the unemployment figures when times are so hard. I would not waste your life arguing with them but concentrate on your own future - but that's just one point of view! Good luck with all your plans.

Thanks, but there's part of me which does want to fight it, though as they are being unreasonable and need to be told. I find such things hard to drop. Plus I want to spend as little time in the jobcentre as possible, and I'm sure most can empathise with that.

And perhaps it's naive of me, but I doubt they will even try to sanction me as there just aren't the grounds. I've played by the book. Plus I have the support of my Work Programme Adviser.

Hopefully, when I go back on Tuesday I'll get one of the few advisers with common sense and will see my point and provide a solution (ie. back off).

Then I can sign off and hope never to sign on JSA again, though I might go on ESA should I do a second degree...

When_the_going_gets_tough

Good luck then! and I admire people who are prepared to stand up to injustices so go you!

DCFC79

SJI85 wrote: »

I was also informed that I shouldn't arrange job interviews on days when I'm due to sign on. Erm, sorry, but a job interview ALWAYS takes priority over anything else. I have to take the dates and times that are convenient to the employer. What planet are these people on to think this isn't the case?

Nothing wrong with arranging interviews on your signing on day as long as the 2 dont clash.

SJI85

DCFC79 wrote: »

Nothing wrong with arranging interviews on your signing on day as long as the 2 dont clash.

Well, yes, and this is what she probably meant.

But what is wrong with arranging interviews/assessment centres on times that do clash with sign on appointments? Surely a claimant's priority is to go to as many interviews as possible, and as soon as possible. If I'm offered a slot the following day, and the only thing I have on during that, say, two hour slot is a sign on appointment then I will delay signing on. I make no apologies for that. Especially when I have other commitments during the week such as important medical appointments and other interviews/assessment centres (often 300 miles away).

swingaloo

If I'm offered a slot the following day, and the only thing I have on during that, say, two hour slot is a sign on appointment then I will delay signing on. I make no apologies for that. Especially when I have other commitments during the week such as important medical appointments and other interviews/assessment centres (often 300 miles away).[/QUOTE]

Being pedantic is all very well but its the same rules everyone else has to abide by. Imagine if everyone decided that the time was not convenient!
Of course if you delay signing on then presumably you wont be complaining when they delay paying you.

SJI85

swingaloo wrote: »

Being pedantic is all very well but its the same rules everyone else has to abide by. Imagine if everyone decided that the time was not convenient!

I'm not being pedantic at all. Nor is it a rule that someone cannot have an all day interview on sign on day, and therefore sign one or two days later (see the bottom of this post).

I really don't think a couple of people are listening to me: -

I informed the jobcentre before the appointments and made them aware I'll miss the appointments, but will attend later in the day. They were fine with that, providing I provided evidence.

I still signed on the same day as I was supposed to, just two or three hours later.

I'm being punished/victimised for attending interviews, and don't think it's fair.

Of course if you delay signing on then presumably you wont be complaining when they delay paying you.

Happened once before when I needed to travel to London for two days of assessment centres, meaning my signing on was delayed by three working days and, no, I didn't complain. If the rule is that you can't be paid until you've signed then that's the rule.

ArtoDeeto

SJI85 wrote: »

I was also informed that I shouldn't arrange job interviews on days when I'm due to sign on.

Did they tell you that? - arrange job interviews whenever the employer wants to see you, they take priority. Just make sure you keep the employer email/letter

SJI85 wrote: »

So can I ask for peoples feedback on whether the jobcentre is being unreasonable here and do you feel a complaint would be justified?

If the Jobcentre have told you to come in to them instead of going to a confirmed interview I would sack whoever did that so complain.