Trying to keep this brief and have read a bit on it but still not sure. I started work at the local council as an agency worker beginning of July - the council requested Level 3 (agency pays £8 an hour for this) and as the work wasn't too high level thought it okayish - not great but a job - no one else did this role and it was to help out for 12 weeks. After 3 weeks I was offered a kind of promotion being in charge of Admin for the department and a chance that this will last more than 12 weeks - it's still Level 3 no hassles with that. What I am concerned about is that from my reading on the council jobsite is that Level 3 wages are 15875 up to I think 18500 - as my £8 an hour rate works out less than that, could I potentially ask for in 6 weeks the same rate from my agency that the council would pay a directly employed worker? The agency did witter on a bit that I would get the same holiday rights after 12 weeks but no mention was made of comparable pay. I'm lucky my boss at the council is quite cool - I mentioned something about this to her this week and she said she would show me what the agency were charging me out for and I know she wants me to stay - so maybe I can put something together that I would be better on their books than on the agencies cost wise for the length of the contract. If this doesn't happen - would just like to know if anyone knows where I stand after 12 weeks re what my wages should be. Thanks in advance:roll: Clare

Hi all, Just about to finish my 2 years on the Work Programme and have received a letter from JCP for an interview next week. They have asked me to bring in my CV which I am slightly worried about due to the fact I have a few jobs I have done on there which were not the best, factory work, packing etc.. I feel that if I take it in without redacting this info I will be made to take any crappy job to get me off the books, We could not survive on a zero hours cleaning or factory job. Can I redact any information that I don't want them to see/know about? Regards George

i have an hearing this week is it normal for the defence solicitor to send me their witness statment? does this mean they wont be attending court ? also i have a charge on the house 1 of the papers says somthing along the lines of "we have been instructed to commence possetion procedings" a few lines further down it says could you please confirm if you have begun precidings ? any advice would be great

Hi All I am looking for a little advice. To cut a very long story short,,, My fiancee has been suffering with daily migraines for the past 3 or 4 years, (along with the severe depression and anxiety possibly brought on by this),,,Has just received yet another admission at a hospital!! YAY you may say!!! BUT,, This original appointment with this particular specialist was carried out, back in NOV 2012! Below is a basic sequence of events... 12/11/12 saw Consultant 'B' when he advised of DHE treatment due to intensity (rebound headaches) 10/01/13 saw Consultant 'A' who knew nothing about what was happening and said he would find out whats going on During this time we asked Doctor 'C' to chase it up as I was constantly leaving messages. 28/03/13 nothing 03/13 saw Dr 'C' who received a letter from the hospital detailing what had been said at appointment on 12/11/12. This letter advised that the visit to the clinic was 31/01/13??? 15/04/13 still nothing 04-05/13 Got call from secretary after I called to ask about complaint procedure, and was told by her that I would receive a call back during the following week,, (Never did) 02/05/13 Was told by secretary that consultant 'B' had told her to put Fiancee on waiting list as Urgent 02/05/13 Dr 'C' wrote to hospital, after receving letter from Consultant 'B' to say Fiancee was going on the waiting list to be seen as soon as possible (We thought that we already were?). The letter also stated that if she doesn't get seen soon, Consultant 'B' will meet with her in the interim. It was agreed between Dr 'C' and Fiancee that there was no point going to appointment at the end of May as this SHOULD have been a follow up, and as no treatment had been given, there was nothing to follow up! 03/05/13 Got letter stating that the appointment for the end of May had been cancelled and rescheduled for October. 17/5/13 Told Dr 'C' about cancelled appointment who was not happy and drafted a letter to Consultant 'B' there and then. 05/13 got letter giving admission date 22/05 End of May, I got through to secretary who told me that Fiancee had admission date set for 22/05 and the letter was sent out 24/04/12? This does not quite fit in with actual events. This also said that you had to confirm attendance within three days of the receipt of the letter, or the appointment will be given to someone else. Which if this was the case, the appoinment would have already been given away? Also when I spoke to the secretary at the around this time she would have told me that we had an admission, but, instead, she said Fiancee was going on waiting list. 22/23 No beds, 24th,,, due to bank holiday weekend, Admissions advised that a Consultant said, because it was bank holiday weekend there was no point going in. this was then cancelled and rebooked for 02/06 02/06 Could not go due to dry socket,, was told to call when pain stopped but didnt know who to call, said (Maybe outpatients?) 1st week July got call from admissions to book the date for the 10th July! 10/07/13 No beds 11/07/13 No beds Now is this me expecting too much of our health system or is this time to complain? Could anyone tell me the best course of action? Many Thanks Fred

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/britain-is-facing-return-of-threeday-week-1515307.html

I was absolutely shocked today when I went to sign on JSA to find that my benefits advisor suspended my payment and referred me to a decision maker to decide if I am to be sanctioned for 4 weeks for not convincing them that I was fulfilling my JSA agreement. The problem was because I only took action on one of my three chosen jobs, because I have been trying to teach myself a bit of graphic design and get into that, so I've applied for loads of jobs but mostly in that area. i am still looking for other things, but just decided to have ac rack at getting into something that I liked doing, had been teaching myself and am quite good at. I am totally disgusted at the way they treated me today, they practically accused me of dodging work. This has never been an issue until today, which is interesting because I just finished my two years on the work programme, so it all sounds very much like they are deliberately imposing a stricter benefits regime onto me regardless of the fact I am doing everything in my power to find work. So now I have to wait for a decision, which no doubt will no be in my favour. I am going to challenge this all the way, and I have just emailed the DWP a letter of complaint about the way I was spoke to today by one of the managers, extremely condescending. Anyone got any advice on how I can tackle this? I going to go in tomorrow and stir things up more and maybe phone up the decision makers.

I've been unemployed for a few months now after managing to secure 6 months of work last year. I'm a long time sufferer of severe depression, yet find it is alleviated by work, I enjoy work and am proud to say I have never taken a single day off sick despite many issues in my personal life. I am trying desperately to find work, I am not restricting what I look for, I am happy to do just about anything. I am applying for several jobs a day and am getting really depressed by the whole thing. I am so anxious with worry I spend nights thinking only of dying. After the below incident I went to the Doctors and was signed off sick for one week. Can I use the sicknote to basically stay on JSA (counting as sick?) or do I need to sign on to ESA for the week? Sorry if this is confusing, not really in the best frame of mind. I am now basically being bullied by the Job Centre, my personal advisor today was looking for any reason to sanction me and told me that I have to apply for every single thing they consider me able to apply for, if I miss anything they are stopping my benefit. She went through a list of jobs (on Universal Jobmatch) asking why I hadn't applied for any of them, I explained I had. She then double checked and I was correct. She then found one that had been put up that day and was outraged I hadn't yet applied for it. I also got in trouble when she asked what the Work Programme were doing for me (nothing)... how is that my fault? I said how I was changing my CV as I wasn't having any luck with it and was told off for not changing it earlier. I was even told off for writing in the activity log that I had found a certain job (with link) and was applying for it later. She said that made no sense to put on and again I'd be sanctioned if I did it again. I am surpassing my Job Seekers Agreement quite comfortably, but it seems to count for nought.

I emailed quick quid several weeks ago regarding my outstanding PDL and they have agreed to a repayment that is suitable for me- I gave them my bank details and debit card details at least twice (I have an account for this purpose)they keep stating that they will continue collection procedures as I have not agreed to a payment plan or given my repayment details!!!!! I have corresponded via email over 10 times, made a formal complaint and reported them to the OFT as they fail to acknowledge my acceptance of the plan. I am sick and tired of emailing them- they don't read my emails. I am getting bombarded by texts, letters and emails despite me asking them several times to correspond by email- I am viewing this as harrassment. I have evidence of all emails sent and received- it amounts to 9 pages in word document. I have now received a letter this morning with a default notice!!!!!! I am livid- I have tried to pay them this so called agreed repayment plan for over 1 month now and am at my wits end. What can I do as I feel I have exhausted all possibilities!!! Any help greatly appreciated.

Hi! Somehow it seems the fates are out to get me! I applied for an Electronics Repair job in the Industrial Sector which I'm skilled at, with a large American Employer which had a UK Repair facility 35 miles from my home address. I was interviewed for the position, given a theoretical and practical test and later told my application had been successful and I was to start work on the 18th February. The morning I arrived (Monday of last week) I was taken upstairs for an "induction" which consisted solely of a great many forms to fill and sign, all based totally on US Laws, plus being issued with three company-logoed work shirts. Back downstairs I was shown to a bench and left to my own devices for the rest of the day, being told "you're not entered on our Job Booking System yet so we can't give you any work to do!" Tuesday was the same and it was Wednesday before I was able to access the Job booking System and pick up work to do, which consisted of large and complex electronic boards that can only be tested in specialist fixtures made for them. The company had these fixtures but the workshop supervisor sat on his backside all day without making any attempt to show me the operation and use of the test fixtures, instead jerking a thumb in the direction of the Production Manager with "Ask *******!" I asked ******* the Production Manager who said "All our test Software is in the United States and we haven't got it installed here yet!" Although I have the technical knowledge to fault-find and replace components on boards like these, the only thing that can be done is to book them out completed once I'd evaluated them and carried out any work thought necessary, and either return them to the Original Customer for test in the machinery they came from, or test them in the jigs, which as I stated, was not shown or had them demonstrated to me. On Friday at 3.15 pm I was called into an upstairs office and told by the Production Manager and the workshop supervisor that they were sending me home and they didn't want me to attend the premises from then on, they stated "we were looking for an average of £900 invoiced work/day from every technician and you're not suited to our immediate needs - we wanted someone that can replace components on a large processor board and test it and book it out in an hour or less!" As regards their job booking system, all I got was "we expected you to know that!" - how am I supposed to have intimate knowledge of every company's different database system and be expected to use it with no introductory training? The Recruitment Agency that put me forward for this post assured me that "the Production Manager will come over from the States specially to give you the training and support you need to get up to speed on our products", but as you can read above I was offered none whatsoever. The workplace itself was very poorly equipped - a lot of the technical equipment I would customarily expect to find in an Industrial Electronics Repair Centre wasn't even there, I could see NO written documentation for the test fixtures, (unless it was solely on the company's US servers, and I was given no oppurtunity to see it whatsoever - I even had to ask the chap on the bench behind me to show me how to use their job booking system!) I'm sorry for such a long tale of woe again, I applied for this position in good faith on the assurance of the agency that recruited me for it that all product training would be available and a reasonable 90-day probationary period would be allowed - how can you call three days reasonable? Have I spoilt my chances in getting a good reasonably paid electronics job in the future from this episode? I informed the chap at the Recruitment agency what went on there as soon as I left the bulding, but as this was only yesterday naturally he's not got back to me yet! Also was the fault mine in applying for a job that needed more skills than I had experience with, or totally this employer's? I have worked in the Industrial Electronics Repair sector for 11 years with very similar products for a local employer in the past up until 2010 and they said I'd given them every satisfaction and they were sorry to have to make me redundant!

Hello all. I've been in the ESA Support group for the last year and was just reassessed and put back in without a medical. I had my usual ESA and DLA fortnightly payment early due to the actual payment date falling on Xmas Day, and am due housing benefit on Monday 31st Decemner with my next ESA payment due on 8th January. However, my bank account this morning shows a payment of £119.85 (equates to a week of ESA) due in (alongside my housing benefit) on Monday. The Payment is simply marked as 'automated' with no other identifying information. I'm immensely paranoid at seeing this. Why has this occurred? Does this mean my ESA is now weekly? Could this be a potential problem? Any reassurance would be great fully received.

CSA will introduce the higher payments from Monday 10th.December. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2244303/Fathers-hit-rise-maintenance-children-following-sweeping-new-reforms.html

online photo sharing Better safe than sorry.... oh no, wait.... :oops:

Hi All, I have a course case with a PDL company early next week. I have filled a defence and acknowledged part of the debt, the loan plus one month’s interest. During mediation, I stuck to my guns and only offered them this said amount. They were not willing to accept this offer, and requested I pay charges and interest minus 20%, as a good will gesture. I stated I could not pay them this and offered a monthly payment arrangement for the full amount, but again they would not accept this offer. Anyway, the amount the PDL company is claiming is over 100% of the original payment of one month’s interest and original loan. I have not mentioned this in my defence, as I thought the excessive charges would be obvious to a judge. My main defence is an unfair relationship, as their interest has been calculated incorrectly, over the course of the loan. The said difference is a couple of £’s, over the course of 20 something days. I am also challenging their running credit agreement, as all monies owed had to be paid in full after a month, it is stated in the CCA that the maximum length of borrowing is 30 days. During a recent telephone call and calls in the past, I know but I did this before I found this site, I stated that that they had calculated the interest incorrectly, and they should drop all charges, this request was refused. During the last call, they stated that the loan was over a couple of months, and not 20 something days. Even though the default notice was sent 14 days after no payment was received. They seem to be changing their story over the course of this process. As said conversations have been over the telephone, I have no proof of this. In their statement to my defence, there are a number of anomalies, e-mails that have been drafted to support their case, and not in an email format, a letter from a solicitor which has no letterhead or name on it and repeatedly stating that I have not paid any money back. Even though I have continuously contacted them via telephone to get the account sorted, but they would not drop their excessive charges. The main reason for posting is asking for any advice, as I do not want these loansharks to get away with this. Also, during the court case, can I mention aspects of their statement that I have not mentioned in my original defence? Sorry about this long post, but I am getting a bit giddy with the looming court date and just want a result to make them crawl back under their stone!

hi this is my first time here and hoping to get help fast. arrow global are taking me to court for a un paid phone bill. ive told court i will defend it and ive sent a validation letter to arrow asking for prove of the debt ( phone bill statements etc ). the bill is for 445.77 all they sent me back is a copy of there own made up crap its got the orange logo on it with orange address etc but the statement is dated 7 sep 2012 now this dept is nearly 6 years old there are no phone numbers on it or times calls were made.. my name is spelt wrong and it also as my middle name initials on it, i never ever use my or give them to anyone except anything government ( tax papers driving licence etc ) so i know this so called statement is printed by them and its not orginal, the court as sent me a letter saying they have moved the court hearing to court of my choice and will be letting me know when date to attend... can i send arrow anything saying this it not a true copy, also i thought with phone companys if u missed a mths payment they would stop all outgoing calls until its paid, this statement shows i never paid 24th fab 2007 £221,43 24th march 2007 £135.75 24th may 2007 £80.01 would they let a customer run that long with that much bill.. . thanks for ur time in reading this

Sorry for the long explanation. On the 06/09/12 I lost my job. On 07/09/12 I made an online claim for JSA(C+IB) and for Housing/Council Tax Benefit. On 07/09/2012 my wife went to the Peak Valley Housing Association office to tell them I was out of work, of the above and that we will be paying rent of £250.97 on 29/09/12 to bring our rent account to a nil balance. My wife was told that any overpaid rent would be refunded once the housing benefit was awarded. Full housing and council tax benefit was awarded from W/C 10/09/12 and this created a rent credit of £239.85. We had a letter saying that we had overpaid our council tax by £143.00 and this was to be refunded to us. So my wife went to the housing office to ask how we got our overpaid rent refunded. This is where the problems start. She was told it's not that simple. First our account would have to be looked into, then referred to their finance section who would then make a decision on if we could get the money refunded. We would then have to wait for someone to send us a form to complete. My wife spoke to the same person yesterday 01/11/12 at the housing office and was told a different story. Although our account is now in credit, they will be keeping a week of the rent we had overpaid. This wasn't mentioned on 07/09/12. They accept that housing benefit is paid in arrears, but because our account was in credit they are keeping a weeks rent. Also to get any of the money back we had to request a form in writing, which we did yesterday. Can they do this? How can they keep rent for a week that Housing Benefit has been paid?:mad2: We had no problem getting the council tax refunded, all that took was one phone call to give them bank details to pay the money to.

I have a court case next week finance company are seeking a order for repossession of my vehicle it is for the balloon payment due at the end of the agreement at the garage where got finance i was told they can re finance the balloon payment they have stopped doing so prob in the hope you give the motor back and start a new agreement with a nice new motor! what are the options do i contact them before the court case and arrange vehicle to be collected or let them get the order from the court with more costs added on if they take the vehicle back how do they go about chasing any shortfall from me would they go down a CCJ route they have added agent fees for phoning and home visits after speaking to them to discuss the options the solicitors state our client is seeking recovery of the vehicle and wont accept any payment other than the full amount have offered a FF settlement a month ago they were going to get back to me they never did. thanks

wife works 3hours 10 mins this has been in the morning since 2008 she had been off with a doctors note for the last two weeks (see other thread) shes now been told that when she comes back they want her time to be done in the afternoon now shes worked mornings for over 10 years all the appoinments (and theres alot coming up) are in the afternoon she also cannot work afternoons for other reasons is she entitled to refuse? is it worth stating customs and practice for these hours to be in the morning