[waterhog]

Originally Posted by Jamesy

Thing is what is being reported in the news is already happening now, in a way.

I've been on jobseekers for 7 months, I've tried my hardest to find a job. I'm not a 'bum' and try very hard daily to get back into work. Although the treatment of others and myself has been disgusting. I get spoken to like a two year old with no brain cells, I've been threatened multiple times of having my benefits taken if I don't go on this course or that, I have a degree and the courses I have been forced (they say it's a choice but go on to threaten you will get no benefits) that have helped me in no way, they habe been easy and it's clear the jobcentre is only of use to those who didn't do well with their GCSEs and need to learn basic skills.

Now I am being forced to work 30 hours a week filing paperwork in an office. I'm happy enough to do it, but I don't like the manner in which I've been pushed to do it and threatened with no money. The thing that irks me most is that I'll be working 30 hours a week for £55 jobseekers, I'm grateful I'm getting something but honestly it feels like I'm being used as free labour for 2 months, which I probably am.

jamesy - that broke my heart and this was one of my points. its totally disgraceful what they are doing and you are right - if you are working 30 hours a week for your benefits why don't they just give you this job and pay the minimum wage then you will be better off - less people will be unemployed and all is good - but i have a feeling its all to do with money and as they can get you to do it for free they will.

i am on your-side and i feel for you. chin up mate because it does seem like this world is

[Jamesy]

Originally Posted by waterhog

jamesy - that broke my heart and this was one of my points. its totally disgraceful what they are doing and you are right - if you are working 30 hours a week for your benefits why don't they just give you this job and pay the minimum wage then you will be better off - less people will be unemployed and all is good - but i have a feeling its all to do with money and as they can get you to do it for free they will.

i am on your-side and i feel for you. chin up mate because it does seem like this world is

I agree entirely, and thank you

Originally Posted by Kizzy

This is an excellent example of my issue, this man is working for a company... he's doing a job.. why then is this not a position that he could legitimately fill if he wished?
He is still on welfare plus he's taking employment from someone who could really benefit from part time work, it's lose lose as I see it.

Yes that's a big problem. I've heard some voluntary opportunities they get people on do lead to long term employment although these are very few and far between. A better system would be to place the unemployed on placements like that, then the 8 weeks works as some kind of work trial that could lead to a long term job if they perform well. There are always job around and I've thought that would be a good way to allow the employed to get back into work quicker.

Originally Posted by joeysteele

[/B]
You have evry right to feel that way because that is exactly what it is.
Good luck for the future Jamesy.

Thank you

Originally Posted by Vanessa

I agree. I have been off work for a while a few years ago and honestly it was hell. Not only you feel worthless and depressed, but the Jobcentre make you feel worse by always threatening to cut your benefit. I was so happy when i got my old job back.

Originally Posted by Vanessa

That is so true. Of course i have met some people who genuinely tried to help me at the Jobcentre, but most of them are on a power trip.

Not nice is it I'm only powering through it because I have family/friends on my side I can vent to and get support from. Hopefully I will get off it soon though!

I agree there are some nice people at the jobcentre, I spoke to a lovely Employment Advisor last week and she did try to help me with some things. Agree with the power trip thing, I've heard some horror stories of treatments people have had. Some staff seem to think they can do what they want.

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

I think they have this idea in their head that all 18 to 21 year old have parents who can support them if it comes down to it. Which, obviously, is just not true for everyone. Everyone gets lumped into one category with no scope for other personal circumstances.

That's very true! Sadly it will never change either. As much as they could tailor support for each individual the government is not willing to invest in that, or push up the number of staff required to do that.

[Vanessa]

Originally Posted by Jamesy

I agree entirely, and thank you



Yes that's a big problem. I've heard some voluntary opportunities they get people on do lead to long term employment although these are very few and far between. A better system would be to place the unemployed on placements like that, then the 8 weeks works as some kind of work trial that could lead to a long term job if they perform well. There are always job around and I've thought that would be a good way to allow the employed to get back into work quicker.



Thank you





Not nice is it I'm only powering through it because I have family/friends on my side I can vent to and get support from. Hopefully I will get off it soon though!

I agree there are some nice people at the jobcentre, I spoke to a lovely Employment Advisor last week and she did try to help me with some things. Agree with the power trip thing, I've heard some horror stories of treatments people have had. Some staff seem to think they can do what they want.



That's very true! Sadly it will never change either. As much as they could tailor support for each individual the government is not willing to invest in that, or push up the number of staff required to do that.

I'm sure you will find a job soon. Just try to stay positive.