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The Job Centre have sanctioned me...

Hi,

Would I be entitled to hardship payments?

I am currently part of the Work Programme. They found a job for me, I thought "great" but no, it's not so great.

Ingeus, kept telling me that they don't know how much the wage will be, but the hours are "more than 12 per week". I thought well, it has to be more than JSA. Wrong again.

I went to the induction today.

The job would earn me just £50 p/w, I would have been contracted for 8 hours per week, but I would also have to participate in mandatory unpaid over time... I refused.

I am currently living with my parents after loosing my previous job and having to move back home. I am in about £3k worth of debt, due to taking out loans, trying to keep myself afloat, paying my rent etc until the next job came along, which of course it never did. I am currently paying this money back in instalments. on top of that, I am paying my parents board (£40-50 per fortnight) I have to buy my own toiletries, food, my own pay as you go internet and pay some money towards the gas meter, oh yeah my parents are also in debt (they work) and can barely afford to keep me here as it is. So for me it's can't pay, dont stay.

After searching online it looks as though I am not eligible for help, I am not classed as someone in a vulnerable group, but maybe I am wrong.

Someone help me please :(
«13

Comments

  • whitewing
    whitewing Posts: 11,852 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    How much overtime? Did they actually say it, or are you just surmising from something they said?
    :heartsmil When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your true family.
  • bloody...
    bloody... Posts: 58 Forumite
    edited 10 July 2014 at 8:06PM
    whitewing wrote: »
    How much overtime? Did they actually say it, or are you just surmising from something they said?

    They said: "you could be doing around 8 hours overtime each week which is mandatory during peek times"

    (retail job)

    The unpaid part was written on the contract, they didn't actually say it until I pointed it out. VERY important to read before you sign
  • hieveryone
    hieveryone Posts: 3,865 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    bloody... wrote: »
    They said: "you could be doing around 8 hours overtime each week which is mandatory during peek times"

    (retail job)

    Where did they say it was unpaid? The summer sales are all beginning so they'd be lots of overtime available - but this would be paid.


    Bought is to buy. Brought is to bring.
  • whitewing
    whitewing Posts: 11,852 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    It sounds like they are contracting you to 8 hours paid a week, but that the overtime would be paid too - it is just that they can't guarantee you 16 hours a week.

    Not paying you would probably take them under min wage laws.

    I don;t think you need worry. Contact them again, say you misunderstood and are willing to take the job.
    :heartsmil When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your true family.
  • bloody...
    bloody... Posts: 58 Forumite
    hieveryone wrote: »
    Where did they say it was unpaid? The summer sales are all beginning so they'd be lots of overtime available - but this would be paid.

    It is not paid.
  • tomtontom
    tomtontom Posts: 7,929 Forumite
    edited 10 July 2014 at 8:12PM
    You can apply for hardship payments after two weeks.

    You should not have refused the job without getting this information in writing. Whilst retailers may ask you to come in ten minutes early or stay a little late to cash up I find it difficult to believe they would expect you to do 8 hours unpaid work.

    You've updated your post - you could have refused the extra hours if it takes you believe minimum wage. Who is the retailer?
  • whitewing
    whitewing Posts: 11,852 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Contact the local paper and get them to send an investigative journalist out.
    :heartsmil When you find people who not only tolerate your quirks but celebrate them with glad cries of "Me too!" be sure to cherish them. Because these weirdos are your true family.
  • hieveryone
    hieveryone Posts: 3,865 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    bloody... wrote: »
    It is not paid.

    Sorry, but neither I nor the JC will believe you - you have misunderstood.


    Bought is to buy. Brought is to bring.
  • bloody... wrote: »
    Hi,

    Would I be entitled to hardship payments?


    I am currently living with my parents after loosing my previous job and having to move back home. I am in about £3k worth of debt, due to taking out loans, trying to keep myself afloat, paying my rent etc until the next job came along, which of course it never did. I am currently paying this money back in instalments. on top of that, I am paying my parents board (£40-50 per fortnight) I have to buy my own toiletries, food, my own pay as you go internet and pay some money towards the gas meter, oh yeah my parents are also in debt (they work) and can barely afford to keep me here as it is. So for me it's can't pay, dont stay.

    After searching online it looks as though I am not eligible for help, I am not classed as someone in a vulnerable group, but maybe I am wrong.

    Someone help me please :(

    I won't be liked but right now can I ask if your loan debts are unsecured? You are vulnerable so can you get yourself to the CAB? or other debt help agency for starters - I promise you there are ways to ease your debt troubles, look after yourself right now xx
  • Takeaway_Addict
    Takeaway_Addict Posts: 6,538 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    hieveryone wrote: »
    Sorry, but neither I nor the JC will believe you - you have misunderstood.
    I agree.....
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
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