I'm in a pickle re: job issue

Predaleko1984

I've managed to nab a long-term temporary contract with a position based in Bath.

I honestly applied for it without not thinking they'd bother, and by some kind of miracle I've managed to gain the job. I start the Monday coming.

However I'm in a pickle. I have to get a train then get off and catch a bus. Problem is, I'm on ESA but I can't afford the daily rail and bus fares.

What do I do? I'm 32 years old, and don't qualify for other railcards.

PixelPound

Is it the initial outlay or the ongoing costs with the job. Can the JobCentre help with a loan?

Predaleko1984

Well I am paid weekly so I won't see the first pay check until the 16th/17th of November, but the money I've got between now and then won't be enough to fund my journies.

The job centre down here is a bit lax, and they don't really help.

Predaleko1984

The train fayre to my town from to Bath is £16,10 a day and I have to catch a bus journey there and back from the station for £4 a day. It's nearly £100 a week, and I only have £95 to live on and buy electric etc.

TBagpuss

I'd suggest you pos on the benefits board where you might find people have a bit more knowledge to respond.

I'd say it is definitely worth speaking to the job sense to ask whether they can help in any way.

Do you have, or could you borrow a bike to save the bus fare?

Predaleko1984

I can't ride a bike as much as I hate to admit it. Plus I am an asthmatic, and it's bad as I have trouble walking.

Flyonthewall

Is it cheaper to buy a pass for the week or month rather than each day?

Can you buy online and see if there are any discount codes you can use?

Can the company give you an advance on your wages to help?

Have you got any friends or family who can help?

Would it be possible to catch a lift, cycle or walk part way to cut down on the cost of the journey?

Predaleko1984

I've done a journey planner on the local transport companies website and it would be two hours there and back by bus only and a week bus pass for the West of England is around £27-30. I wouldn't get home til about 7-30 and would have to be up at 5-30 to leave at 6-00.

Family, my Mum is in a low income situation and my sister is in the process of moving to Plymouth in the next few days. Most of the people I know are retired or work in Weston so that's a no-no.

Flyonthewall

Predaleko1984 wrote: »

I've done a journey planner on the local transport companies website and it would be two hours there and back by bus only and a week bus pass for the West of England is around £27-30. I wouldn't get home til about 7-30 and would have to be up at 5-30 to leave at 6-00.

I get why you wouldn't want to keep doing that long term, but £30 is far cheaper than £100 so to do that for a week or two isn't that bad.

Once you've been paid you'll be able to afford the other fares.

kazwookie

How about seeing if any one can do a car lift to near your works, and pay towards the petrol? ask on your local FB page or ask HR at your new works if any one lives your way, no harm in asking

[Deleted User]

I understand why now employers get techy about taking people on with a commute and a half!

If you have a credit card rely on that - I once used my card and I didn't even need to put in the long forgotten pin in at the service machine to collect a whole week's worth of train tickets (brought in advance for best prices) it was great, though this was last year. Even if you borrow a family member's card? (with their permission)

As been said ask the company/agency for a sub or advance. Your in a desperate position etc and any company worth their salt and requiring you to be travelling so far would assist - they do know the distance you are travelling? They must have known you been out of work for sometime?? What do they recommend as something doesn't stack up and perhaps it's better not to travel such a long distance to fall.

Congrats on the job for what it is worth