Potential JSA Sanctions?

lizzydarcy

I was made redundant two months ago and signed on as a result. I've conformed to all the JSA requirements and have had several interviews.

Now, I find myself in a difficult position - a rock and hard place so to speak and my "work coach" will not help or advise.

On Monday, I was offered a position. I accepted the position at once and was given a start date for next week. The role suits me and uses my past experience.

The downsides are the salary is below what I need to live on and the position is also temporary though the company has set no end date. Additionally, as the working hours are 9-5 Mon-Fri, I'd be unlikely to be able to continue my job search once I start so potentially I could end up back on JSA if the position was to suddenly end.

In addition, I have been rather messed around as I was told the employer would need to complete my paperwork and I'd receive final confirmation before I would start. Yet here we are - Friday evening and no confirmation - despite me chasing this up multiple times.

Their lack of organisation and professionalism along with the above issues has left me serious qualms about started with them.

In addition to this role, I am awaiting to hear about another position which I interviewed for today. Its a permanent role with a nationally reputed company. I would love to work for them and my interview has left me feeling positive.

Furthermore, I also have other prospects in the pipeline, have been registered with several agencies and am continuing to search and apply for suitable positions. I document everything.

So, here's my query. If I were to withdraw from this job offer and my claim got referred to the "decision maker", would I face sanctions?

I tried to get a straight answer out of my "work coach" so I could make an informed decision as to what to do but he could not advise. He just told me to wait it out and see what next week brings.

I'll follow his advice but I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and if so, what happened?

[Deleted User]

Yep - June 2015
No sanction ever applied - though it was a temporary 5 day job I turned down, the agent nor client didn't bother and were not wanting to put anything in writing,
I never heard anymore about it, no comeback, Advisor was like your decision as you've found.

FBaby

I'd be unlikely to be able to continue my job search once I start

Why? There are evenings/week-ends. Most people who look for new positions are in full-time roles already. I can't see how you would worse off than claiming JSA and can't see why you can't continue to look for better.

tomtontom

You've given no valid reason why you should not take the role. I assume it pays more than JSA? Should a permanent position come up then you give notice and take that role.

You'll find that many people search for work whilst working 9-5, not everyone has downtime between jobs!

lizzydarcy

FBaby wrote: »

Why? There are evenings/week-ends. Most people who look for new positions are in full-time roles already. I can't see how you would worse off than claiming JSA and can't see why you can't continue to look for better.

I'm referring to being able to interview. The temporary position requires me to take no leave or holiday for the first eight to ten weeks.

tomtontom

lizzydarcy wrote: »

I'm referring to being able to interview. The temporary position requires me to take no leave or holiday for the first eight to ten weeks.

You can't use not being able to search for a new position as a reason to turn down work - remaining unemployed in case of interview is not logical!

[Deleted User]

lizzydarcy wrote: »

I'm referring to being able to interview. The temporary position requires me to take no leave or holiday for the first eight to ten weeks.

or a day off sick?

lizzydarcy

woodbine wrote: »

or a day off sick?

Nothing has been specially said but I would suspect so as its all classroom based training at the start.

I think my meaning has been misinterpreted. When I was offered the position, I accepted and would have started to work for them despite the long list of negatives and issues. I would have made it work the best I could - financially and professionally.

It is only because of their lack of communication and the unprofessional way they have treated me since the offer was made that has left me with serious qualms. I believe working for them could be a major misstep.

I was offered the position a week ago today and heard nothing until Friday afternoon when I contacted them. I thought my phone call would be routine and receiving details of the first day. I was quite surprised that they had not completed my paperwork.

In addition, they would not advise when they expected confirmation, what they were waiting on and would not give me a straight answer as to whether I'd be starting or not on Monday (today.)

All I was told is that there was a small but slim chance I'd hear this weekend and to keep checking my emails. I didn't hear anything not even a "You're not starting on Monday, I'll be in touch" email. I've yet to hear anything today either.

In the meantime, I have other options - applications and interviews which I am still pursuing that could result in a job offer more conducive to my circumstances and which would be more beneficial long term.

I'll concede that the key word there is could but quite frankly, I am exacerbated and demoralized that I may have to start with this company solely because I'm on JSA.

rogerblack

lizzydarcy wrote: »

It is only because of their lack of communication and the unprofessional way they have treated me since the offer was made that has left me with serious qualms. I believe working for them could be a major misstep..

You are expected to take any work offered (pretty much)
Not accepting work may lead to a sanction.
However.
You have perhaps not been offered work in a serious manner.
Someone saying 'we will employ you' is not always enforceable, if they do not.

Until they give a concrete start time, it would be foolish to stop jobsearching.
For one, you would no longer be entitled to JSA.

swingaloo

So the salary they offer is not suitable with your lifestyle?

How does JSA suit your lifestyle. Its a no brainer really, take it till something else comes along.

FBaby

Have you contacted them today? Why didn't you go in as you were expected? At worse they could have said 'sorry, can't start today', which indeed would have very unprofessional, but at least you would not be facing a sanction.

You not going there despite being given today as a start date shows you being unprofessional. They might very much tell JSA that they had been expecting you but you never showed up.