Cannot Start Work due to DSB delays

samd123_2

My partner has recently been offered a job in a school. For which she has had to undergo various checks which is to be expected. Her official start date was the 6th of January but as the DBS are experiencing delays she is unable to start.

She has received details from HMRC detailing her new job and tax code etc and has recently received a cheque from the council. After getting in touch with the school they have stated not to cash the cheque as they are not sure if she will have to repay as she has not yet started work.

Here is the issue:

The school have stated a start date to the council and HMRC of the 6th of January so technically she is employed.
We have bills to pay and without having an income this is quickly becoming very difficult. She is unable to claim any sort of benefit (to my knowledge) as she is classed as employed.

Is there anything that we can do? Is she entitled to receive full pay because the delays are not her fault?

Any input would be highly appreciated.

Thanks.

badskindollheart

Once she has started her post, she may be able to claim loss of earnings from DBS. However, they will only pay loss of earnings after 60 days as their PSS is to process 100% of applications within 60 days.

Obviously, this won't help in the interim as they won't pay until you've had your check back and your employer has taken you on. I would check with DWP if you are entitled to anything until she actually starts work.

When did her application form arrive at DBS?

What was the cheque from the Council for? I would think they would use BACS for paying wages?

samd123_2

Hi badskindollheart

Thank you for the reply.

Her application has been in progress since the 12th of December and has been stuck in police checks since the 20th of December.

The cheque from the council is for wages - they do not have her bank details so have sent the cheque instead.

Jaybee_16

Presumably a letter was received confirming the appointment and start date. Does the letter state something like position and start date subject to satisfactory checks?

samd123_2

A letter has not been received but various emails back and forth and telephone calls stating the start date and position.

As previously stated the school have informed the local council and HMRC of the start date 6th of January.

badskindollheart

samd123 wrote: »

Her application has been in progress since the 12th of December and has been stuck in police checks since the 20th of December.

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to claim from DBS unless the processing time goes past 10 Feb. The school should have given a rough indication of how long the checks take in your local area, as it varies by Police force. If you're local force is Met, Thames Valley or West Mids you could be waiting a long time.

Its very unlikely, but are there any posts that she could carry out whilst she is waiting for the certificate to come through eg outside school hours or without contact with the children? In reality, I think you're just going to have to wait until it comes through - sorry this is not the response you were hoping for x

samd123_2

The school stated roughly two weeks. Which is why they said for the start date to be the 6th of Jan. Yes we are in the West Mids......

That's the other issue - any work that she carries out will be classed as her second job and therefore taxed heavily. She was considering signing up to the JSA but as far as the government are concerned she has a job and therefore wouldn't be able to claim.

Are the council liable to pay wages or a retainer fee to help with cost of living?

There seems to be an excessive amount of help out there for people not in employment but very little for those who are.

claree70

badskindollheart wrote: »

Once she has started her post, she may be able to claim loss of earnings from DBS. However, they will only pay loss of earnings after 60 days as their PSS is to process 100% of applications within 60 days.

Obviously, this won't help in the interim as they won't pay until you've had your check back and your employer has taken you on. I would check with DWP if you are entitled to anything until she actually starts work.

When did her application form arrive at DBS?

What was the cheque from the Council for? I would think they would use BACS for paying wages?

Hi I realise this is an oldish post but google led me to it... I am also waiting for a DBS check that has now been in progress 81dys (77 with Thames Valley for Police search). I was able to call Thames valley directly today to be informed huge back log but mine would now be prioritised. My issue is this is almost equivalent to losing 3 months income. Even with a 60 day wait I am now still losing income. I have had to apply for JSA in the last couple of weeks. 'Badskindollheart' -you mentioned being able to claim for loss of earning from the DBS after 60 dys - is that possible?


Any advice or experience gratefully received x

popadom

Clare70

Do you have the number? Mine has been with Thames valley since March 12 .

I called dbs and they said they don't have a number .

Thanks x

daniellaoxox

Are all of you who have being waiting for a while having the enhanced or standard checks? I'm having a standard and just wondering how long it usually takes? X

flanok

My enhanced DBS has been with the Met for 69 days. How and who do I make a claim to for compensation.