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Can I claim JSA if I work for an Agency?

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I am due to start working for an Agency in February which will mean there will be weeks or even months at a time without work or pay! I need to join the Agency to work in a area that otherwise I would never get into so easily. So I don't just want to give up on the opportunity because I can't afford too.

I currently work in full time work but will need to give up this job to make myself available for the agency work. I literally only need enough money to survive on which means I need to be able to claim something when I am not in work. I live at home with my parents so I don't have the same money worries as most people would have.

What can I apply for and will me leaving a already stable job affect my claim?

I have considered taking on a Saturday job to cover basic bills while am out of work but Indeed and other online job sites don't have any jobs that are Saturday only work in my area.

Comments

  • Torry_Quine
    Torry_Quine Posts: 18,872 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I am due to start working for an Agency in February which will mean there will be weeks or even months at a time without work or pay! I need to join the Agency to work in a area that otherwise I would never get into so easily. So I don't just want to give up on the opportunity because I can't afford too.

    I currently work in full time work but will need to give up this job to make myself available for the agency work. I literally only need enough money to survive on which means I need to be able to claim something when I am not in work. I live at home with my parents so I don't have the same money worries as most people would have.

    What can I apply for and will me leaving a already stable job affect my claim?

    I have considered taking on a Saturday job to cover basic bills while am out of work but Indeed and other online job sites don't have any jobs that are Saturday only work in my area.
    If you voluntarily leave your job then you may well be sanctioned for a period and not be able to get JSA.
    Lost my soulmate so life is empty.

    I can bear pain myself, he said softly, but I couldna bear yours. That would take more strength than I have -
    Diana Gabaldon, Outlander
  • Do you know how many weeks sanctions can be for?
  • Mersey_2
    Mersey_2 Posts: 1,679 Forumite
    Best moving this to the 'Benefits' section.


    Leaving a job for no 'good reason' is sanctionable by the DWP; but, I haven't heard of any claimants being sanctioned for changing jobs.


    I suspect Universal Credit may suit your circumstances better than JSA. Indeed your post code may mean you are directed to claim UC online in any event. It is designed to aid those in particular whose income varies from month to month and 'top up' shortfalls.
    Please be polite to OPs and remember this is a site for Claimants and Appellants to seek redress against their bank, ex-boss or retailer. If they wanted morality or the view of the IoD or Bank they'd ask them.
  • theoretica
    theoretica Posts: 12,691 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    To claim JSA you need to be job seeking - it doesn't read to me as though you would be actively seeking a job that might interfere with the agency work.

    How much would you be earning in the weeks when you do earn? If you make a point of only spending the JSA amount (or less) each week could you save enough to tide yourself over the times you aren't working?
    But a banker, engaged at enormous expense,
    Had the whole of their cash in his care.
    Lewis Carroll
  • gaviino1990
    gaviino1990 Posts: 3 Newbie
    edited 21 January 2017 at 4:32PM
    £60 a day... some weeks I would be needed Mon - Fri, others I may only be needed one or two days and then there would be weeks with no work available.

    I would be seeking work as like I have said if I had a Saturday/Sunday job the pay from that would cover me for the basics so I would be able to sign off.
  • Bogalot
    Bogalot Posts: 1,102 Forumite
    You would be expected to seek full time work.

    You're not changing jobs, you're giving up secure employment to go onto agency books. That is likely to result in a sanction.

    It sounds like your work could be treated as cyclical, in that you know there will be quieter and busier periods. If that is the case, your wages would be assessed over the quiet periods also, you'd be expected to budget to cover those times.
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