Question regarding Jobseekers and the Work Programme

Rebeccaaa

So it's been way over a year since I've been in Job Seekers after moving in with my boyfriend who works, therefore I haven't been able to sign on. When I left, I was a couple of weeks (maybe months) into the Work Programme which flared up my anxiety a hell of a lot. It probably wouldn't so much now but I really, really disliked the Work Programme as a whole as the people weren't very helpful, nor was the programme itself.

I now have some experience and a Saturday job, so I believe finding a part-time job wouldn't be so hard for me if I were to go back on job seekers. I'm asking this as I'm considering moving elsewhere where I can sign back on, but wondered if I would be forced onto the Work Programme if I were to sign back on, as I was told I might not have to go back on it because it would be a brand new claim. I was taken off the Work Programme when I signed off job seekers, but I still received letters as if I was still actively on the programme and even received one to say I had finished the "course", but I'm unsure if I'd still have to go on it if I signed back on.

Thanks in advance!

Firetastic

You are on the Work Programme for 2 years. If during those 2 years you come off JSA and then sign back on then you would go back on the Work Programme.

HappyMJ

Keep an eye on your national insurance record.

If you keep signing even though you get no cash you keep getting ni credits keeping your pension up to date.

You can pay voluntary ni if you want to.