Training Expenses

LavenderRose

Hi Newbie here,

Any help appreciated, my DEA advisor wanted me to do a ITQ 2 training course, but then referred me to Remploy, who arranged this through Learn Direct, it was only part way through the first week of 8 day course that I found out that Learn Direct, Remploy and the Job Centre would not pay my travelling expenses, although I had been lead to believe that this would be covered. I live 15 miles away from the Training centre and the Public Transport costs were little short of £60. I am already struggling on the JSA money, to provide for myself and my sister, even going to the Foodbank, to feed both of us. So losing this amount was heartbreaking.

Does anyone have any suggestions.

ohreally

LavenderRose wrote: »

I had been lead to believe that this would be covered

How did this come about, do you have supporting documentation?

LavenderRose

My Advisor at Remploy had told me verbally that all travel expenses would be covered, it was not until he spoke to his Manager that he was informed that Remploy did not have the budget to cover this cost! I then checked with my DEA and was told that although the JobCentre had the budget because I was referred to Remploy to help me back to work I was not eligible for help from them! I could have stopped the course, but there was no course nearer locally, for severally months, and that would have meant that I was not doing enough to increase my chances of finding work, and although I have long term health problems, the JobCentre are already pressuring me into placing less restrictions on my Job Seeking. I have been unemployed 8 months. I lost my mother August last year, after being her official carer for 3 years. I have tried the Kleeneze route, but this does not bring in enough money. I was afraid not to complete the course, in case I was told that I was being difficult!

t0rt0ise

The course may actually help you find a job so if you can possibly afford to go then you should. We all have to make sacrifices sometimes in order to move forward. Short term losses for longer term gains.

LavenderRose

Had you read my message, I paid the travelling and completed the course, and passed, but by doing so, I ended up out of pocket by over £60 which meant that I had to go to the Food Bank and maxed out my overdraft to pay the bills including the Utilities so that I could heat the bungalow and not freeze. I have never asked anyone for anything before and do not intend to get myself hugely in debt. That was not what I was asking, it was the fact that I was lead to believe that my costs would be covered and then told part way into the course that it was not. If I carry on doing courses to improve my job seeking, this will affect any chance of actually being able to take a job, because I will have no money to survive the first month without pay. My DEA advisor has said that they can't help when I get a job,which I will do, with any shortfall.

I hope this helps to clarify my situation.