[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Shaun

Let me rephrase: I'm not allowed my own room here because I'm only home for the holidays, and...expected to sleep on the sofa I guess but my sister isn't supposed to be here, no. Obviously forcibly evicting everyone staying with their mum after 18 in council housing is ridiculous and unrealistic, so nothing's been done yet, but she's expressed an interest in sharing a flat with some workmates in the future anyway (was saving for a deposit, but then spent it on driving lessons & tests IIRC)

I'm still shell shocked that this is the Law?

If so, the Law most definitely is an ass.

[Kate!]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

No one understands what it's like to be out of work until it happens to them. I lost my job last year and had to claim benefits. I was so depressed. Getting my job back has really helped my confidence.

I'm glad you got back on your feet Vanessa

Yes, it's pretty bleak tbh, I mistakenly and overconfidently thought that I would walk into another job very quickly, I have loads of experience to offer, backed up by the relevant qualifications in my field, which is office work. However, what I found was that for every job I went for there were over 100 applicants, and in the majority of cases I didn't even get an interview.

I lowered my sights and considered working in other fields, eg retail, but they all want you to be experienced in that particular field, even though I was more than capable of doing the jobs, again I wasn't getting interviews. It was and is very demoralising.

I know the only answer is to keep trying and eventually surely something will break for me, it might just be a case of being in the right place at the right time.

With regard to the thread topic, this is why I feel so strongly that this bedroom tax is so unfair, it will only add to the stresses of life for someone such as myself who wants desperately to be back in work, even part time would do, not just for the wage but also for self esteem and feeling like you're doing your bit, and its such a struggle to manage on the money Jobseekers get, God knows how we'll all cope losing a sizeable chunk weekly to offset this tax. It really does beat people down.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

I'm still shell shocked that this is the Law?

If so, the Law most definitely is an ass.

Heh, you only just realising this?

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

Good that you've got on your feet again Vanessa, nice positive note there.

Yes. I love my job. And i get help towards my rent. Sometimes the government does help the poor guy!

[Mystic Mock]

Originally Posted by *Kate*

I'm glad you got back on your feet Vanessa

Yes, it's pretty bleak tbh, I mistakenly and overconfidently thought that I would walk into another job very quickly, I have loads of experience to offer, backed up by the relevant qualifications in my field, which is office work. However, what I found was that for every job I went for there were over 100 applicants, and in the majority of cases I didn't even get an interview.

I lowered my sights and considered working in other fields, eg retail, but they all want you to be experienced in that particular field, even though I was more than capable of doing the jobs, again I wasn't getting interviews. It was and is very demoralising.

I know the only answer is to keep trying and eventually surely something will break for me, it might just be a case of being in the right place at the right time.

With regard to the thread topic, this is why I feel so strongly that this bedroom tax is so unfair, it will only add to the stresses of life for someone such as myself who wants desperately to be back in work, even part time would do, not just for the wage but also for self esteem and feeling like you're doing your bit, and its such a struggle to manage on the money Jobseekers get, God knows how we'll all cope losing a sizeable chunk weekly to offset this tax. It really does beat people down.

Do you sign on? I think that helps im not up on it all though.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by The Mockinator

Do you sign on? I think that helps im not up on it all though.

Everyone on jobseekers 'signs on'

But it doesnt help with looking for a job tbh. The advisors arent the most helpful of people and 9 times out of 10 the jobs they get you to apply for arent even suitable for you. For example when I was about 19, they forced me to apply for a keyholder job at a jewelry shop. The job required 2 years previous keyholder experience (I had no experience), retail experience(none) and a crb check (I have a record for fraud ) so clearly I wouldnt get the job. But they made me waste my time, and the employers time anyway. Its ridiculous tbh.

Aside from that you are forced to go on WEEK LONG courses to do a CV. I was made to do 9-5 everyday monday to friday. I had my CV before i even went to the damn course. And I had a new CV finished within 15 mins of entering the course too. Yet still had to sit there 9-5 every damn day that week doing absolutely nothing. So basically they used up time I could have spent looking for work...doing nothing but sit in a room so they could claim that I was not out of work that week(when on the jobcentre courses you are classed as 'in training', its how they fiddle with the unemployment figures )

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by *Kate*

I'm glad you got back on your feet Vanessa

Yes, it's pretty bleak tbh, I mistakenly and overconfidently thought that I would walk into another job very quickly, I have loads of experience to offer, backed up by the relevant qualifications in my field, which is office work. However, what I found was that for every job I went for there were over 100 applicants, and in the majority of cases I didn't even get an interview.

I lowered my sights and considered working in other fields, eg retail, but they all want you to be experienced in that particular field, even though I was more than capable of doing the jobs, again I wasn't getting interviews. It was and is very demoralising.

I know the only answer is to keep trying and eventually surely something will break for me, it might just be a case of being in the right place at the right time.

With regard to the thread topic, this is why I feel so strongly that this bedroom tax is so unfair, it will only add to the stresses of life for someone such as myself who wants desperately to be back in work, even part time would do, not just for the wage but also for self esteem and feeling like you're doing your bit, and its such a struggle to manage on the money Jobseekers get, God knows how we'll all cope losing a sizeable chunk weekly to offset this tax. It really does beat people down.

You could try agencies. They usually get you working straightaway. I feel like the working class is always the one who is worse off The more we work the more taxes we have to pay. Now we have to pay for an extra bedroom. What's next i wonder?

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

Heh, you only just realising this?

lol... I've had that opinion for quite some time now.... but I failed to realise just HOW MUCH of an ass it was.!!

Originally Posted by Vanessa

Yes. I love my job. And i get help towards my rent. Sometimes the government does help the poor guy!

That's why the benefits system is there Vanessa: to help in times of need and it's heartwarming that you found work - and even better, that you are enjoying the job. Win win all round - long may it continue for you.

Just don't start building new bedrooms.....well not yet... !

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

You could try agencies. They usually get you working straightaway. I feel like the working class is always the one who is worse off The more we work the more taxes we have to pay. Now we have to pay for an extra bedroom. What's next i wonder?

That's been my experience too Vanessa - agencies always seemed to offer far more than the job centre side of things.

Watched a documentary the other week - and interestingly: very good jobs that were available working in the DWP (and over quite some period of time) - somehow managed not to be advertised on their own websites that the jobseekers had access to in the job centre.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

That's been my experience too Vanessa - agencies always seemed to offer far more than the job centre side of things.

Watched a documentary the other week - and interestingly: very good jobs that were available working in the DWP (and over quite some period of time) - somehow managed not to be advertised on their own websites that the jobseekers had access to in the job centre.

Thats probably because jobseekers are pretty much forced to apply for every job, even ones they arent qualified for and have no chance at all of getting(thus wasting their own time AND more importantly the employers time)...and the jobcentre in question couldnt be arsed with recieving and sifting through 500+ useless application forms (including ones from people who are not fit for work in any manner currently, yet ATOS has deemed them fit against the requests of qualified health professionals) and maybe 1 or 2 that were suitable for the post. But they expect other employers to do this

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

That's been my experience too Vanessa - agencies always seemed to offer far more than the job centre side of things.

Watched a documentary the other week - and interestingly: very good jobs that were available working in the DWP (and over quite some period of time) - somehow managed not to be advertised on their own websites that the jobseekers had access to in the job centre.

I think it's worth a try. You may find a better job in agencies. They're always looking for experienced people.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

Thats probably because jobseekers are pretty much forced to apply for every job, even ones they arent qualified for and have no chance at all of getting(thus wasting their own time AND more importantly the employers time)...and the jobcentre in question couldnt be arsed with recieving and sifting through 500+ useless application forms (including ones from people who are not fit for work in any manner currently, yet ATOS has deemed them fit against the requests of qualified health professionals) and maybe 1 or 2 that were suitable for the post. But they expect other employers to do this

It was unreal: the 'heid honchie' was brought into the interview to explain... she couldn't... was admanant they were being advertised. Disappeared for ages, came back about 90mins later with the Press Officer - showed the interviewer 'supposed proof'.... and he pointed out that her proof was not the jobs in question. Shocking stuff.

The same programme showed how well (I use the term very loosely) the DWP staff actually checked on the jobs applied for etc... one guy completed his record card with his shopping list....... (quite deliberately & for the programme - to prove his point that his local DWP were completely ineffective) - and not an eyelid was bat - signed on for another 2 wks. !!

Deary me.

Originally Posted by Vanessa

I think it's worth a try. You may find a better job in agencies. They're always looking for experienced people.

Yep, certainly up in this neck of the woods that's the case, they are great for placing people - in fact - all staff I've recruited over the years have come via agencies - and when I'd had the need, I've used them myself.... my last two jobs have come through agencies acting for the Companies recruiting, rather than the job centre.

However... we digress.

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

It was unreal: the 'heid honchie' was brought into the interview to explain... she couldn't... was admanant they were being advertised. Disappeared for ages, came back about 90mins later with the Press Officer - showed the interviewer 'supposed proof'.... and he pointed out that her proof was not the jobs in question. Shocking stuff.

The same programme showed how well (I use the term very loosely) the DWP staff actually checked on the jobs applied for etc... one guy completed his record card with his shopping list....... (quite deliberately & for the programme - to prove his point that his local DWP were completely ineffective) - and not an eyelid was bat - signed on for another 2 wks. !!

Deary me.

Oh I was going to watch that but I forgot about it

The system is so ****ed up its unbelievable. Depdnding on where you live, the staff either dont give two ****s if you are actually looking for work (you are always meant to prove it by filling your booklet before each signing time) or are like little mini hitlers about it, demanding that you apply for 100+ jobs per week even if not qualified/experienced.

I really do feel sorry for the employers who advertise via the jobcentre though, the amount of substandard applications they must recieve will be shocking as everyone has to apply wether they fit the description or not :/

I know for sure that when we inherit Gavs dads company (which should be quite soon...) we will NOT be advertising for staff through the jobcentre. Im not going through literally hundreds of applications just to find one that fits what Im looking for.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

Oh I was going to watch that but I forgot about it

The system is so ****ed up its unbelievable. Depdnding on where you live, the staff either dont give two ****s if you are actually looking for work (you are always meant to prove it by filling your booklet before each signing time) or are like little mini hitlers about it, demanding that you apply for 100+ jobs per week even if not qualified/experienced.

I really do feel sorry for the employers who advertise via the jobcentre though, the amount of substandard applications they must recieve will be shocking as everyone has to apply wether they fit the description or not :/

I know for sure that when we inherit Gavs dads company (which should be quite soon...) we will NOT be advertising for staff through the jobcentre. Im not going through literally hundreds of applications just to find one that fits what Im looking for.

I found myself having to sign on some years back for a short while - there I was, appeared with my wee booklet crammed with jobs I'd applied for, places I'd registred with etc - the lady who dealt with me was incredibly helpful and I honestly couldn't fault her. Still... as I say; it was the agencies that came up trumphs....... which perhaps tells it's own story. so I don't blame you !!

[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

I found myself having to sign on some years back for a short while - there I was, appeared with my wee booklet crammed with jobs I'd applied for, places I'd registred with etc - the lady who dealt with me was incredibly helpful and I honestly couldn't fault her. Still... as I say; it was the agencies that came up trumphs....... which perhaps tells it's own story. so I don't blame you !!

Oh yes, it used to be much better than it is now. I used the jobcentre straight out of school, wasnt claiming anything but I was going there daily to find a job, and the staff couldnt be more helpful. There was a LOT more jobs out there back then too.

I think they are just too stretched nowadays, with so many unemployed and so little available/advertised jobs (the majority seem to be word of mouth, or depend on WHO you know, rather than anything else). But the way they operate really doesnt help people to find a job, it just seems to waste time, the jobseekers time, the employers time AND the jobcentres time. I mean, it doesnt take a genius to figure out that if an employer has specifically puts in their ad that they require, for example, at least 2 years retail experience, that making someone with no experience apply for the job is not going to help anyone

However if you point out to the advisors that its pointless applying if you dont fit the requirements, you are threatened with a sanction...just a vicious circle really.

[Tom4784]

When I was on JSA it was like being in a factory line, you'd sit down they'd glance at your booklet and sign it and then you'd be off with nary a word said. It just wasn't very helpful. apparently it's worse now though, I was talking to a mate about it the other day and basically you just hand in a letter at the front desk now and then they send you on your way without giving you any guidance or support.

How's that meant to be helpful?

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

Oh yes, it used to be much better than it is now. I used the jobcentre straight out of school, wasnt claiming anything but I was going there daily to find a job, and the staff couldnt be more helpful. There was a LOT more jobs out there back then too.

I think they are just too stretched nowadays, with so many unemployed and so little available/advertised jobs (the majority seem to be word of mouth, or depend on WHO you know, rather than anything else). But the way they operate really doesnt help people to find a job, it just seems to waste time, the jobseekers time, the employers time AND the jobcentres time. I mean, it doesnt take a genius to figure out that if an employer has specifically puts in their ad that they require, for example, at least 2 years retail experience, that making someone with no experience apply for the job is not going to help anyone

However if you point out to the advisors that its pointless applying if you dont fit the requirements, you are threatened with a sanction...just a vicious circle really.

The last part there.....that's shocking.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

When I was on JSA it was like being in a factory line, you'd sit down they'd glance at your booklet and sign it and then you'd be off with nary a word said. It just wasn't very helpful. apparently it's worse now though, I was talking to a mate about it the other day and basically you just hand in a letter at the front desk now and then they send you on your way without giving you any guidance or support.

How's that meant to be helpful?

It's not helpful, not at all.

When you experienced this ... did you raise it with anyone in a senior capacity - if so, what was their reaction? (after watching that documentary I mentioned earlier: I don't' think I'd be surprised if the reaction was 'nil', certainly from what I saw on that programme, as well as what I'm reading here).

[Vicky.]

I know, I disagree with sanctions in the first place. JSA is worked out as the 'minimum amount the LAW says you need to live on', and lets be honest, 70 quid a week or whatever is an absolutely pitiful amount when you have heating costs and that to pay aswell as feeding yourself...but the law is the law. I'm not disputing the amount JSA is...

What I have a massive problem with, is that people can be threatened with getting LESS than the amount the law says you NEED to live on...sometimes even recieving nothing at all for months at a time, for little things such as missing an appointment, or failing to apply for a job. While I agree that jobseekers should do everything they can to find work, the idea that they can just strip you of any money at all on a whim is barbaric to me tbh.

I know one guy who was sanctioned for 2 weeks (a relatively short sanction) for being late for his signing time. The bus he gets did not turn up, and they were only one an hour, so he was about an hour late. But apparently that wasnt a reasonable excuse, he should have gone for the bus 2 hours before his appointment was due to avoid possibly being late. Its pure bullcrap at times.

On a brighter note, he did appeal this sanction, and won, however by the time the appeal went through, he had already gone a fortnight with no money at all anyway, so it wasnt of much help.

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by Pyramid*

It's not helpful, not at all.

When you experienced this ... did you raise it with anyone in a senior capacity - if so, what was their reaction? (after watching that documentary I mentioned earlier: I don't' think I'd be surprised if the reaction was 'nil', certainly from what I saw on that programme, as well as what I'm reading here).

I never did since it seemed pointless but my friend did and he just got pushed aside. Our Job Centre is pretty bad though, they won't help you very much and after 1 or 2 sign ins they'll just refer you to this education place which apparently you aren't meant to go to unless you've been on JSA for a very long period of time. They just wash their hands of you really.

I'm glad I took myself off it, I'm earning more then I did when I signed on and I'm only applying for jobs I have a chance of getting instead of being forced to apply for ones I'd never get to satisfy a bureaucratic tyrant.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

I know, I disagree with sanctions in the first place. JSA is worked out as the 'minimum amount the LAW says you need to live on', and lets be honest, 70 quid a week or whatever is an absolutely pitiful amount when you have heating costs and that to pay aswell as feeding yourself...but the law is the law. I'm not disputing the amount JSA is...

What I have a massive problem with, is that people can be threatened with getting LESS than the amount the law says you NEED to live on...sometimes even recieving nothing at all for months at a time, for little things such as missing an appointment, or failing to apply for a job. While I agree that jobseekers should do everything they can to find work, the idea that they can just strip you of any money at all on a whim is barbaric to me tbh.

I know one guy who was sanctioned for 2 weeks (a relatively short sanction) for being late for his signing time. The bus he gets did not turn up, and they were only one an hour, so he was about an hour late. But apparently that wasnt a reasonable excuse, he should have gone for the bus 2 hours before his appointment was due to avoid possibly being late. Its pure bullcrap at times.

On a brighter note, he did appeal this sanction, and won, however by the time the appeal went through, he had already gone a fortnight with no money at all anyway, so it wasnt of much help.

That's unbelievable. (not as in ''I don't believe you''.... unbelievable that the guy went through all that - the amount of time and money involved in setting up the appeal, hearing it, decisions being made, replying to him..... would have most probably have amounted to more than he was due).

Originally Posted by Dezzy

I never did since it seemed pointless but my friend did and he just got pushed aside. Our Job Centre is pretty bad though, they won't help you very much and after 1 or 2 sign ins they'll just refer you to this education place which apparently you aren't meant to go to unless you've been on JSA for a very long period of time. They just wash their hands of you really.

I'm glad I took myself off it, I'm earning more then I did when I signed on and I'm only applying for jobs I have a chance of getting instead of being forced to apply for ones I'd never get to satisfy a bureaucratic tyrant.

Shocking, absolutely shocking.

Part of hearing all this stuff going on - does make me wonder how the actual DWP/JSA staff feel - in reality if they were able to speak up truthfully I mean without reparcussion: are these things happening as they themselves are being put under too much pressure - and this is the knock on effect?

Something's far wrong - that's for sure. It's sad to read of all this kind of stuff going on.

[Tom4784]

The whole system needs an overhaul. I'm just lucky that I've found some good sources of cash in hand work while I look for something more permanent, I'd have hated being in the system for any much longer then I was. The whole time I was on JSA was the most depressing period of my life. I was just made to feel completely useless.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

The whole system needs an overhaul. I'm just lucky that I've found some good sources of cash in hand work while I look for something more permanent, I'd have hated being in the system for any much longer then I was. The whole time I was on JSA was the most depressing period of my life. I was just made to feel completely useless.

The whole time i was on JSA i felt pressured to find a job quickly. I had one interview, where i was told to get a job so i wouldn't be on benefits. Honestly. I finally got the help i needed from LEAP. It's a charity that helps you to find work. They showed me what i was doing wrong and i finally got the job i was after.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

The whole system needs an overhaul. I'm just lucky that I've found some good sources of cash in hand work while I look for something more permanent, I'd have hated being in the system for any much longer then I was. The whole time I was on JSA was the most depressing period of my life. I was just made to feel completely useless.

It's lousy if that's been your experience - but the one thing I will say Dezzy - is that you yourself have managed to find an alternative in the interim - proving that you are far from useless.

On that note on the 'cash in hand' situ: one of the most lucrative ways is the fast food home delivery drivers: lot of money to be made there (plus a free meal every night just never goes wrong!).

[thesheriff443]

so many posts!
why dont the goverment fine house owners that have several houses or flats and let them sit empty, and beacuse of the lack of houseing people have to go into bed and breakfast.