Change jsa date due to volunteering

Jamiecg290685

Hi there

I have had to set up a new account due to forgetting my passport (doh)

Quick question really, I have been unemployed since returning to the UK in January and despite everything I have tried I have been unable to gain work within my previous industry (childcare) I have therefore decided to change careers and work with adults with learning difficulties. I have applied for a job and despite a great interview was advised I need a little bit more experience within the sector.

Now I have been advised if I was to volunteer for 2 days a week for 6 weeks it would give me the experience and understanding needed and then they would re interview me for a position as well as being able to include the experience on my cv.

Only issue I have is I am currently signing on and the only days The company can provide include my sign on day. Now I really feel that the experience can help me gain a job within the industry but would the job centre be able to change my sign on day, the manager has said she thinks I will really shine within the role but she needs someone else with the experience which I really believe the volunteering will give me, from speaking with friends who work in the industry they have also mentioned the company is highly regarded for training their staff and volunteers and If I was able to get a few weeks experience with them this would really improve my cv to other employers as well.

Thanks in advance for your advice

Jamie greenhough

pmduk

It depends on your adviser, remember, your payment day hinges on your signing day.

Podge52

Personally I don't think they would allow you to change days. I think they might take the view that if you're not available to sign on then you may not be available for any interviews that coincide with your working days.

CCFC_80

I disagree with the previous poster. You are allowed to do a voluntary role and think they will change dates. Check for sure with your adviser

SinDinero

I think they will allow you to change sign on day just so long as you agree that you would leave your volunteering position should a paid job become available and that it doesn't stop you looking for work in the same manner as before.

Just note that if you sign a day later, for example, then your payment will also go out a day later.

elsien

Worth asking if you can show it will help your job prospects - I got a signing day changed as a one off because it clashed with a volunteer training day. They let me off signing on at all that week and rearranged it for the following week instead.

Or if that is difficult, could you ask to change to sign on time for the start or end of the day, and do the volunteering to fit around it?

p00hsticks

you could try asking your advisor if it could be treated a work experience or a work trial - if the job centre can formalise and approve the arrangement you could then get any travel expenses paid by them...