Do I have to do work experience?

monkeychops

Hi, I have been on JSA for just over 3 months and about 6 weeks ago when I saw the Careers Advisor she mentioned work experience as a receptionist. I thought that sounded quite good so filled in an application form.


The Adviser never gave me any other information about it as apparently she didn't know anything! I later found out it would be for 8 weeks and that I would not get any help with fares. The fares would e £20 a week and there is no way I can afford that, especially for 8 weeks.


Anyway I heard nothing so assumed they were not interested in my application. Yesterday I received a message on my phone saying they want to interview me.


I just cannot afford to do this but if I turn it down am I likely to be sanctioned?

Reggie_Rebel

Go for the interview. At the very least it will be good practice and you may find the employer are willing to pay the fares.

dandelionclock30

As above, most places that have voluteers do refund bus fares, but you have to show them the ticket etc so they can photocopy it for their records. Ask at the interview.

soolin

My son was unemployed for a while, did some work experience and was offered two jobs by people that frequented the shop he worked at and could see how good an employee he was.

Both jobs were only part time, but doing both at minimum wage meant he could earn enough to come off all benefits entirely- and from there he now has a proper, full time job at a very good wage at a third employee who liked the fact he was prepared to give things a go. The work experience and the two part time jobs helped his CV, so he is very grateful for the opportunity he was given.

monkeychops

I've checked with the Job Centre and I definitely cannot get any money towards my fares.


I just feel if I go for the interview and they offer me the work experience I have wasted their time and mine if I don't take it because I can't afford to.


I really just need to know if I can get sanctioned for not going.

Grassy_Knollington

I thought you were paid Job Seekers Allowance to cover things like Bus fares?

Or is it more a booze & fags allowance?

Dave101t

i wouldnt hold out for that 'managers position' with your attitude.
20quid fares, 60quid benefits, can you do maths?

AP007

Grassy_Knollington wrote: »

I thought you were paid Job Seekers Allowance to cover things like Bus fares?

Or is it more a booze & fags allowance?

JSA is not for fares its to live on and no not all unemployed drink and smoke!! £20 a week is a lot of money to lose.

stix62

Grassy_Knollington wrote: »

I thought you were paid Job Seekers Allowance to cover things like Bus fares?

Or is it more a booze & fags allowance?

Thinking is not your forte is it

Grassy_Knollington

stix62 wrote: »

Thinking is not your forte is it

Booze & Fags allowance it is then, Moe. Ta.

Can't seek many jobs if you don't spend some of your JSA on fares can you?

GothicStirling

AP007 wrote: »

JSA is not for fares its to live on and no not all unemployed drink and smoke!! £20 a week is a lot of money to lose.

Not true. It's an Allowance to Job Seek. Its just that most of us end up using it to pay things like heating and food as well. But that's not what its intended for.