JSA and travel expenses for voluntary work

boo2410

Hi all,
Been googling this tonight and can't find a definitive answer so I thought I'd ask here to see if anybody knows!!

Son is 18 and has just signed on. Has seen his Advisor at the Job Centre who has said he should do voluntary charity work to gain work experience (he has none at the moment so although he is applying for jobs he is getting nowhere, not even an acknowledgement).

She arranged for him to go to the British Heart Foundation warehouse which is 25 miles from us which he did today. They have told him to start next Monday and he will be working 5 days a week including Sunday's.

I have no problem with this as think it will do him good, however the train fare is £8.20 return daily, slightly cheaper if gets a weekly travel card. Is he expected to pay for this out of his his JSA which is about £56pw? I can't afford to pay this for him and it seems a bit unfair that they have told him he's got to do this but nearly all his money will go on fares.

In the meantime going to write to anyone local we can think of to try and get work closer to home for him.

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give.

ArtoDeeto

If the Jobcentre arranged it he is entitled to reclaim the cheapest travel cost - if the weekly card is cheaper he should go for that. Someone on JSA should not incur travel costs for doing work experience arranged by the Jobcentre.

Morlock

If it is an official work experience placement arranged through the Jobcentre, travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Also, be aware that once he agrees to the placement, if he subsequently decides it's not suitable, withdraws at any point, or is dismissed from the placement due to lateness or misconduct etc, his benefits will be sanctioned.

boo2410

Thanks for your replies, that's good to know. Let's hope he gets a proper job soon.