JSA help for a newbie

[fightingback99]

Brother aged 59, totally unfamiliar with Job Centre Process, been in continuous employment all his life. Went for first interview to complete sign on on. Not sure if relevant or not, but he'll only be eligible for 6 months JSA CB. No other means tested benefits whatsover involved due to SIL's income, and he's already got enough NI for pension. .

 

She asked him if he had a car, and he said yes. She printed out a job at just over NMW in his field which is 1 hour 27 minute drive each way according to Google.

 

His JSA says for first 3 months he can limit work to his normal work and rates for about 3 months. The rate offered is significantly ower than what he's used to. If offered an interview does he have to go. And if offered the job, can he refuse to accept it, or is this a sanction?

 

How would it have worked if he'd said he didn't have a car, as bus travel time to this job would be 7 hours due to number of changes needed.?

 

Any advice appreciated.

[Feebee_71]

I think that, as of fairly recently, the restriction of travelling distance and salary bracket may have been removed for the initial 13 weeks of job seeking. Therefore, it's reasonable to expect someone to travel up to 90 minutes to get to their place of work based on the transport they've got available - in this case by car.

 

If this were to change - car has to go SORN or unable to pay for essential repairs due to being on benefits and can't afford road tax, insurance or repair costs - then he should be able to inform his advisor and the JSAg should be amended to reflect that.

[fightingback99]

Thanks. Was more to do with not accepting it due to rate of pay which is nearly half what he'd normally get. He used to tavel 75 minutes, car, train + walk each way to last place . Can't see him being happy to take work at £7 per hour involving fuel costs of about £100 per week, never mind car wear and repair . Would be better financially taking something at basic nmw if it comes to it nearer home, but imagine the government would prefer someone to take it rather than paying JSA.

 

He'll probably find work himself fairly quickly , would just prefer him not to be sanctioned before he even receives his first ever JSA payment!!!! I'll suggest he gets his JSA amended pronto when I see next speak to him.

[Feebee_71]

I think there is also a case that, if you can show you'd be worse off by taking the job - for instance if you're earning nmw and paying out a significant amount for travel costs (whether by public transport or car) then you are less likely to be sanctioned for not taking the job if offered. Others who are more knowledgeable will be along soon enough.

 

Feebee_71

[fightingback99]

Spoke to brother today. I underestiamted the cost , he's worked it out his fuel would cost him £600 out of a net pay of £998 per month, not including extra repairs from the extra mileage. But he said theres a bit on the JS agreement which says for the first 3 months of his claim , he can limit himself to accepting work in his usual job, or at his usual wages or both, so he's going to apply as he's been instructed to, but if offered it, won't accept it.

 

What a first experience of the job centre for someone who's worked non stop paying into the fund for over 40 years, and never claimed a penny in any kind of benefit all those years, not even child benefit.