Jobcentre interview...arrrghhhhhh!!

Hello Friends,

Hope u don't mind but I just had to vent for a minute.

Today I went to my local jobcentre for a 3 month interview following commencing signing on. Well frankly I feel like banging my head off a brick wall.

I resigned from my job at the hospital on health grounds in Dec 2009, as I just could not cope with the demands of A&E and the stress had become too much. My anxiety, panic attacks and DP returned with a vengeance and after years of a mental rollercoaster I decided enough was enough. It was a very hard decision to make, but one I had to make.

It took a while for me to get my head sorted out and deal with my anxiety again after starting meds again, but during that time I was looking for work anyway, although I was very scared at starting something new.

After 16 months of living off my savings and help from my family, I started to claim jobseekers as it got to a stage I just had to. I dug my heels in for ages as I really, really did not want to claim as I HATE the jobcentre. I find it demoralising, depressing, demeaning and to be honest stomach churning. Everyone was telling me to claim as I was entitled, but I did everything I could not to.

So.......3 months down the line I had another 'job advisor' intervew. The woman I saw asked me how the job search was going, to which I said well, not great but the jobs I am seeking are hard to come by (school nursing/welfare assistant/GP auxiliary nurse, normal working week, no shifts) and are few and far between. I am a kids nurse too so my options are limited as adult positions are more readily availbale. Well she wasn't happy with this. She said my job search was 'too narrow' and i needed to look 'outside at other things'. I told her I had. My original agreement was to search for ' admin, nursing and retail' but retail and admin jobs were not working out for me as they all want experience for retail and specific computer skills for admin which I dont have. I have applied for tens of retail jobs to no availl. She said that the job I was seeking was ' too limited' and maybe I should look for other jobs apart from nursing, to which I told her I was a reg. nurse, i had a diploma and I could not just sit on a diploma and not use those skills. She looked at me blankly.

To cut a long story short I felt pressured, like I was leeching off the state and that I was digging in my heels as far as work is concerned. I also explained to her about my anxiety and stress problems, so NHS nursing was a no no at this time after 12 years, but she simply ignored this and said ' so u cant look for any NHS work then?'

She also reminded me that after 6 months on JSA they would be scrapping job 'options' and I would have to search 'outside the box' and get any job if I could do it.

I told her that I would stop claiming all together rather than have the DWP force me into a job I don't want, to which she looked gobsmacked. I told her I had worked all my life since the age of 18 except for 3 yrs at Uni and yet I was being hounded after 3 months on benefits when some people never work a day in their lives and sit on benefits for years. She had no answer for that except, 'well yes, but those people have to have regular job centre follow ups too......YEH RIGHT.

I tried all I could to explain my situation and that my anxieties and stress problems meant that I had to be fairly specific in terms of my work now as I wanted to stick in a job that doesnt flare everything up again, but she just was not receptive.

It angers me so much and has made me want to jack in my claim immediately. I am not in a position to do so however.

Sorry...just needed to let rip.xxxx:mad:

HERE HERE!!!! Well said Debs.

I completely agree with everything you said. My best friend (qualified librarian) until recent council cuts, went to the job centre last week armed with all the information regarding jobs she had applied for and interview dates. The advisor didn't look through my friends paperwork properly and started asking her questions. Mo (my friend) had to keep telling the advisor to read the paperwork properly as all the information was in there.

This happened about four times until the advisor was drawing her daggers. Lol :roflmao:

I have a lovely advisor but i know so many of them are just plain nasty.

Big hugs hun and take no notice

:hugs:

Lisa
xxx

Thanks so much Lisa xxxx

It just really got my goat. That has also happened to me with the paperwork you have to keep about your job searches. Some of the 'advisors' (I use that term loosely, lol) there immediately ask for those and scan them scrupulously, and yet others couldn't give a monkeys!!

The whole place is ludicrous IMO and it appears there is one rule for some, and one for another, and usually the people that are actually trying desperately to get work are hounded, and yet others can do as they like.

Oh well....deep breaths I suppose, lol.:wacko:

Thanks again BB.xxxxx:hugs:

Debs I can really feel for you as I am in the same position as well.

I also lose all my benefits in just over a week as I have had JSA for 6 months and then it is means tested so I won't get anything at all.

The jobs they found for me were a double glazing salesperson and working in a call centre which I refused to do!

Debs I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I have had long periods away from the workforce either in hospital or on the old incapacity benefit. I know that I wouldn't last five minutes in the new system. I appeciate that wherever you live in the country that there are very few jobs available in any field. I work in a specialist shop and as people leave my boss is not replacing them. He is offering us more hours and weekends to cover. There has been a lot of uncertainty as the boss hopes to convert the top two floors into a flat so we will lose a workshop and storeroom and kitchen. Uncertainty all round. Part-time doesn't really mean part-time any more. It seems that employers can expect someone to work different hours each week and have no set hours or pattern of work and still call it part-time. I hope that you are able to find suitable work very soon. EJ.

Sorry you had to go through this Debs .:hugs:.Being married you dont get anything if your partner is working ..While others breed like rabbits and live like theres no tomorrow off the state ,Never had a job in their liife ..Disgraceful ..Hold your head up and take no prisoners ..Cheeky swines .Hope you find something suitable soon .Many are in the same boat and the system stinks ..

Nic ..Hope when you were offered the Double glazing job ..you told them to BOGOF ...? :roflmao:..Good luck everyone in the same boat too ..Sue x

Hiya Deb my lovely mate x
I hear everything you say and agree 100%. The job centre is so depressing. How dare she make you feel that way and talk to you in such a manner....It sounds like a gestapo interview to me! Why didnt she tie you to the chair and stick a 100 watt lightbulb in your face too and go the whole hog!??

Im glad you made it clear youd rather give up the pittance they offer you rather than take a job which will probably end up making you ill. Well done for standing by your principles. I know its hard. I had to choose between paying the bills (overdue already) or buying food. So, money is tight, but its not everything yes......you will find something you want to do I know it. Im a firm believer in Karma, and you will get that job you want...you are too wonderful not too. Anyone would be proud to work with you, you just hold on til the time is right for you. Keep your chin up kiddo x:hugs:

Thanks so much Nic, EJ and Sue for the lovely replies.xxxxx :hugs:


Oh Nic u made me laugh.....double glazing salesperson!!!!!! :DThey just take the mickey, they really do. So sorry to hear of your situation, which totally sucks.

I think that in all honesty they just want to shove you in to any job role to take you off benefits, but at the end of the day, their interest in whether you are suited to or happy in a job without it potentially creating anxiety again is a non-starter.

You're right Sue, it is so imbalanced, the whole system. :mad:

xxxx:bighug1:

Paula, you always brighten my day....thanks so much for your lovely words and support.xxxxx Hope you are ok.:flowers:

I'm like you hun. The only reason I am claiming at all is to pay my one credit card bill and to give my Mum some cash for housekeeping. Were it not for that I would live on bread and water rather than take a penny from the state. Of course I am more fortunate than many as I am living with family so don't have to pay a proper rent/mortage. Goodness knows how pressured those poor people must feel by the DWP.


xxxxxx:bighug1:

I've had similar experiences with the Job Centre. I had to sign on in January when my maternity cover contract as a teacher ended. When asked about what jobs I'd like to search for, I replied with just teaching jobs, the "advisor" said it was too specific and that I should add retail and customer service jobs into the search. I told him I hadn't worked on a 2 year BTEC, and a 3 year degree, racking up thousands of pounds of student debt to work in a shop! He refused to back down so I said well I'm not signing an agreement that states I have to look for and take jobs in areas I don't want to work in, only then did he let me just say teaching. While I was on JSA I did a couple of days as a supply teacher, earning about £100 a day - the Job Centre found this so difficult to process as they couldn't grasp that I wasn't working in a part time job, and wasn't contracted a specific number of hours a week, they made me feel so guilty for trying to get my face into schools and earn some cash. One advisor actually told me it would be much easier for me to not do the supply work as it would save the hassle of working through the paper work. Another advisor thought I was lying about my wage as a supply teacher, I said I earned £100 a day and he said "no, it'll be minimum wage" he just wouldn't listen. He also refused to put my occupation down as a teacher - he kept saying "we'll just say teaching assistant shall we?", I was like no, that's not my job but he was too incompetent to understand.

In the end I signed off from JSA, half through choice (sick of the hassle involved with the demoralising, needless meetings and lectures) and half through necessity - I moved in with my boyfriend and the advisors told me his wage would stop me being allowed to claim JSA despite him not giving me a penny.

It really annoys me when people who need to make genuine claims are treat like idiots but yet people who scrounge off the state are welcomed into the setting. One guy when I was up at the job centre was shrieking at an advisor as his Sky tv bill hadn't been paid for him and he was having to use his "booze n fags" money for it! It was at that moment I realised I'd be better off without the benefits!

this is a tricky one. i kind of know where youre coming from. for me i would have been quite happy to sign on every fortnight and just quietly live on the jobseekers allowance until all my health issues were sorted. but you can get caught between a rock and a hard place. on the one hand if you were successful in getting another job would it be a case of out of the frying pan into the fire? many people suffer jobs they feel they cannot do to their best ability not because they hate the job but because their health problems creep in and affect their work or put them into situations they cannot cope with ie: for me its - social gatherings involving meals.
you have to show the jobcentre staff every 2 weeks that you are seeking work and i dont think there is any mechanism for people certainly like me who wish to take time to seek help and recover. i wouldnt want to place undue pressure on an employer for whom id worked for a few months or years by then getting a doctors note and taking months off expecting to be paid (nice as that would be).
i was due to start a new job today and didnt turn up for it! this was out of sheer frustration anxiety and a lack of balls all because of the dysphagia. not sure if my comments help but i do know what youre going through.

That's what I was kind of attempting to get across to the 'advisor' as well Stuart.

My way of looking at it is that I not only want to use the diploma I have, but I also want - and more's the point - NEED to be in a job that is suitable for me in terms of not flaring up my anxiety again, which then prevents me from working, and eventually puts me back on the dole again, as that completely defeats the whole object. I so wish it was as simple as just saying 'oh anything will do' but it just won't.

Maybe it comes across as picky and prima donna-ish to some, but I damn well think I have earned the right to find a suitable and appropriate job after paying my taxes for many years and not claiming a penny.

Unfortunately, there is no leeway with this as far as the DWP is concerned, as as far as they are concerned, any job is a good one.

My philosophy is that the DWP don't live my life.....I do.:shrug:

mmm....the only thing i can think of is that the cuts are already eating into the numbers of staff at jobcentres. my JC has cut lots of advisors meaning the ones left have less time with each jobseeker. as bad as this sounds it could mean youre far less likely in the future to be unecessarily "grilled" or corraled into a job you do not want to do.
it is annoying to be put through some serious hoops by the DWP when youve paid into the system for year after year to pay for the lifetime spongers with no intention of working to have their 42" plasmas, beer and fags and tommi hilfiger clothes and gold chains etc.
the system has no slack in it to cater for people like us who want to work who want to progress but just need to get sorted first. exactly like you i survived for so long using up some of my savings and now they are dwindling. you feel caught in a circle.
is there a particular health issue that your anxiety is being fed off or is it just an anxiety in isoltion? usually there is something else underlying. for me all my outward signs result directly from the dysphagia. get through that and my other issues will melt away.

oooooh Debs :hugs:

cant say anything that the other lovely postees havent .
it is just brutal and awful !!! so feel for you xx

been through similar myself when I had to leave my 35 year nursing vocation.
waking up each night with nightmares and weeping in my sleep .
went to job centre and got only care roles offered .........the reason I left was I was burnt out .......could have stayed and got paid half pay .
in the end I was hounded off job seekers cos I refused the sort of work that made me so ill in the first place . coudnt do it anymore . horrible tick box tyrants .

stay strong lovely lady :hugs:...............so sad this has happened to you. xxx

Call me cynical but I don't think the real (not the headline) unemployment figures have really dropped at all recently...I think it's just the staff being told to get stricter and deter more (often genuine people) from claiming/continuing to claim...

In my experience, just as with ESA it seems, it's the honest claimants who don't know how to 'play the system' who are disproportionately put off. I certainly felt picked on at my interviews, just because I was mild-mannered, and not particularly assertive way back then (also going through a very difficult and emotional time with two critically-ill family members).

I'm on ESA now, but when I feel able to change back to JSA I'm not going to take any shit from these people. I'll go for their interviews if that makes the difference, but if it's not something I feel able to do I'll tell the employers that straight to their faces. I'll also tell them (if it's not what I'm after) that I'll still be looking for something else which is if I start work with them.

If I feel able to do the job and they're happy to take me on, possibly very short-term, then great :yesyes: Otherwise I will continue to expect the money I have every right to from JSA.

It sickens me that people who are honestly entitled to this not-large amount of money each week are being bullied off it :lac:

/rant over

Debs, you seem very able of doing something productive right now, have you thought of voluntary work? It looks good on the CV to keep busy if you can, and you honestly never know, you might find something that interests you and that is different but a job opportunity comes up because of it. You have those qualifications and experience, so you can always go back to your career once you have some money coming in (like me with my teaching) :)

just an addition here

my mum is in a care home . lots of stuff in the press about the owners recently .
so good staff have been leaving obviously .
and the vacancies have been filled by resentful uninterested others who are forced into it .
I know it has to be done ................but it is awful to see [going in daily now ]
no answer I know .......

Quote:

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Originally Posted by stuart39

is there a particular health issue that your anxiety is being fed off or is it just an anxiety in isoltion? usually there is something else underlying. for me all my outward signs result directly from the dysphagia. get through that and my other issues will melt away.

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It's kind of complex really Stuart. I hadn't been happy in my job for many, many years, but I carried on regardless. I knew from early on in my career that I was not dealing with the stress of the job very well at all. I would feel panicked and under pressure against time deadlines and keeping up with other nurses and their ability to handle pressure and workloads. When I first became 'in charge' on shift I remember feeling so overwhelmed I locked myself briefly in the toilet and cried, then went back out again on the ward. I felt I was not cut out for nursing, but I stayed in it as I felt that if I didn't then I had wasted 3 years at Uni. I then changed to bank nursing so I could work what hours I wanted, but even so, the two or three shifts I worked I still felt very stressed.

It culminated in a slow burn that lead to me becoming physically ill, so I couldn't work, then depression, then anxiety, panic and a breakdown.

After I recovered of sorts, I went back to work but just got on with things like before. The straw that broke the camels back was when - during a tense conversation with my manager - I had an anxiety attack and passed out. All my anxiety and panic came back again and I resigned.

I think that panic attack scared me senseless. I just became aware that something had to give.

hi Debs :)

have you thought of retraining in the counselling field ?
perhaps doing voluntary work with a childrens support /illness charity .it will lead to paid work .

your posts here are so eloquent and wise [not being brown nose at all :blush:]

I see you in a very valuable role using your childrens nursing skills supporting families ........ the most valuable of roles that will use your empathy and skill without the dross that makes working on a ward killing .
like rainbow or macmillan?
xx

Thanks so much for your nice post snowgoose.

It is strange that you mention counselling, as it has kind of crossed my mind at times. I do love to help if I can and advise other people who suffer with the same things as I have. I get so much out of it personally.

It is something that I may well look into I think.

Thanks so much for your kind encouragement.xxxx:hugs:

Unfortunately, I suppose the job advisors have to be a bit "hard" on people as there are so many scroungers that have been on benefits for years.......... I would imagine a lot of them use mental health issues as their reason for not working which doesn't help the genuine mental health sufferers like ourselves.
I do feel though that people need to be more flexible in accepting jobs that aren't necessarily in the field they originally trained in ............ they might actually get to enjoy doing something a bit different and I always reckon keeping busy helps keep you reasonably sane!!

I find your post a bit sanctimonious to be honest Geoff.

As I mentioned in my post, I have looked FAR outside of nursing - retail, admin, education - anything that I could translate my experience and skills to basically, but I am just not getting a foot in the door as I don't have experience in those fields and don't have comprehensive computer skills for admin. I looked outside the box on the suggestion of the DWP who at my 3 month review/interview then agreed that the likelihood of me getting retail work without sales experience was slim!!!!!!!! LUDICROUS.

I have been so flexible I am bending over backwards frankly, as I know how limited my opportunities are. Preferably, I want to use my diploma. I don't see that as a crime, I'm sorry. I earned the right to get a job that utilises that (and worked my arse off to achieve it) not one the DWP think I should get. The government also paid me a bursary for the entitity of my nurse training, so is that acceptable to them that that money should now be wasted?

I think not.

Yes, working does keep you sane. I feel much worse when I am not busy as I have too much time on my hands to dwell, and the anxiety and panic rises up. I think that most people agree with that, but do know that already actually, which is why they are seeking employment that maintains a balance of allowing them to work but also NOT allowing their anxiety - if at all posssible - to be provoked in any way by that work.

I think it's a disgusting way to treat people. They are hell bent on shuffling people through the system to drop the unemployment figures at all cost with no thought of their illnesses.
I'm just so glad I don't need to go through what you had to Debs. It's unfair and shows how much the Tories care about the genuine people in need of help.

I can see it from both points of view and I kind of agree with both sides. They shouldnt be allowed to be mean to people but they do have to be harsh on everyone to try and weed out timewasters. It is afterall their job to get people back to work of some kind.

I think that Geoff was trying to say that doing any job meantime while you look for something else is a viable option, not just disregard your skills and do whatever they tell you to. But taking a job ur not trained for gives you wider experience and people are willing to look at a cv with a wide range of experience.

Im a trained archivist and paid over 5 thousand of my own money to qualify but due to lack of jobs in the field, before my current job i worked in a bingo hall as a hairdressing junior, a sales rep an administrator and a take away counter assistant. I dont think doing any of those jobs wated my degree my money or my potential and several employers were actually mroe interested in my previous jobs and the transferable skills i learnt while doing them.

No one is saying that you should take a job you dont feel your illness allows you to do but there are more options available than that. Job hunting is hard at the best of times never mind just now when so many people have to do it with no result.

I understand what you mean Munkey.

My preference is to use my experience. I am open to other work, but so far, it just isn't open to me. I would love experience in other fields, but when it is totally new, the bottom line is opportunities are offered to people already with experience in it I imagine.

You can only gain experience if that one employer is willing and able to give you a chance.

That's terrible that you were treated like that. Like people have said, there are so many people who just can't be bothered that are making a fortune off benefits, and it makes it so much harder for those who genuinely need and deserve them. I can totally understand what you mean about having been to uni and not wanting to waste that. I went to uni and did a teaching qualification, which I am lucky enough to be using. However, I wouldn't want to have to settle for another job that I didn't want to do (without having known I've exhausted all other job options first) - not that there's anything wrong with other jobs, but I've worked hard to get my qualification.

The fact that you are seeking work despite your anxiety is a huge step and you should be proud of that. It's a shame the laws and systems in this country seem to be weighted against those that actually bother.

Thanks so much Lizzie for your kind post and support.:hugs:

I don't want to come across as wallowing in self pity and asking people for sympathy, I really don't mean to at all. All I was trying to vent about was that it is hard to express to the DWP that seeking work is often not cut and dried for those who have mental health problems, and to some extent, some things are limited by having to consider not 'flaring things up' again.

xxxxx:flowers:

Yes I definatly know what you mean there.

I dont really understand how employers can claim they want experience but arent willing to train anyone up? How are we supposed to learn if no one ever gives us a chance!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by debs71

I find your post a bit sanctimonious to be honest Geoff.

As I mentioned in my post, I have looked FAR outside of nursing - retail, admin, education - anything that I could translate my experience and skills to basically, but I am just not getting a foot in the door as I don't have experience in those fields and don't have comprehensive computer skills for admin. I looked outside the box on the suggestion of the DWP who at my 3 month review/interview then agreed that the likelihood of me getting retail work without sales experience was slim!!!!!!!! LUDICROUS.

I have been so flexible I am bending over backwards frankly, as I know how limited my opportunities are. Preferably, I want to use my diploma. I don't see that as a crime, I'm sorry. I earned the right to get a job that utilises that (and worked my arse off to achieve it) not one the DWP think I should get. The government also paid me a bursary for the entitity of my nurse training, so is that acceptable to them that that money should now be wasted?

I think not.

Yes, working does keep you sane. I feel much worse when I am not busy as I have too much time on my hands to dwell, and the anxiety and panic rises up. I think that most people agree with that, but do know that already actually, which is why they are seeking employment that maintains a balance of allowing them to work but also NOT allowing their anxiety - if at all posssible - to be provoked in any way by that work.

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Sorry.... didn't mean to appear sanctimonious............. I just get fed up with all the scroungers claiming benefits and refusing to do work that they consider beneath them or they just don't fancy the work ......... this does not include yourself I promise!! If people can't get the job they want or are trained for, surely they can do something else in the meantime as a stop-gap until a more ideal job comes along.

The problem is Debs that if you're claiming JSA then they won't take mental health issues into consideration because you're saying you're fit to work. They have a one-size-fits-all attitude which I disagree with. If you're on ESA due to mental or physical illness then you're deemed unfit to work. If that person recovers and is moved to JSA they are treated in the same way as everybody else.

There are armies of graduates now taking jobs in sales, plumbing, catering etc which require no formal higher education. On this point, as long as YOU make this choice there is no problem. Being told you MUST do it goes against my principles of a free society which we're rapidly moving away from. However, doing such work in the short-term can broaden your skills and add to your confidence. Long-term I think job security has been severely eroded and I don't think "jobs for life" exist any more.

Coming to attitudes, I think many DWP staff are clones - robots following set procedures and commands - and from this perspective I really sympathise with people going through all this.

Just seen this & wanted to send my support to you Debs. I only signed on once when I was a student and got a cheque for 8p - it cost more to post the blummin thing! I then got 2 jobs to pay my way and have never asked for help since. You have a strong work ethic and deserve to find something that suits your talent and training. Don't let this set you back too much if you can, the right role is out there for you.

:)x

Hi Debs

I know exactly where you are coming from with the treatment received by employees at the JC. Whilst I completely appreciate that they have a job to do and guidelines to work within, they can appear very abrasive and uncaring at times.

Equally, they must meet many claimants who are not being entirely honest about why they are claiming or the efforts that they are putting into finding work - or not as the case may be.

To be eligible for JSA it states quite clearly that you have to be actively seeking work and that includes any and all jobs going after you reach the 6 month mark at present.

If you are not prepared to operate within these guidelines, what are they to do - they are only "going by the book".

It is somewhat of a cleft stick!

However, have you ever thought about setting up your own business ? If you have, it may well be the time to start now! I do believe that you can claim tax credits if you start your own business and it presents you with no hassle from attending the Job Centre and being told to accept any work.

All you need to do is sign off and say you are starting up a business (ask if they have any current courses or financial incentives to do this - they do sometimes depending on funding). Contact tax credits hotline and they will do an appraisal for you.

If you look at the Tax Credits online calculator, you can do a quick forecast and complet it as a self employed person - obviously in your first year of trading, you could well anticipate zero profits whilst you get started or a very low level of income.

Just a thought honey. It may be worthwhile investigating.

Good luck

Macc Noodle
x

Hi Macc,

I'm afraid that I can be very stubborn and I do think that I will drop my claim if I am forced into a job of their choosing. I simply won't accept that. They just want another claimant off their books, regardless of that person's situation, and across the board rules or not, that does not work for me.

It is strange you mention working for myself, as that is something I have been considering and would love to do. I had discounted it though, as I just do not have the back up funds or start up funds to do it. My ideal would be to run a business selling baby clothing and accessories, but as I say, I just am not financially stable enough to do it.

I am not naive enough to think even that would be a solution to my work probs as I know that starting and maintaining a business is not easy and with so much competition out there, even more tenuous. I also know it involves long hours and hard work (which I would hope the NHS prepared me for, lol)

I would just love to give it a shot.

To be honest, my life really is one big mess right now. I seem to have lost hope and direction.:unsure:

Thanks for your kind reply.xxx

hi debs xxx

the government is doing all sorts of investment in setting up your own business at the moment. speak to a business link in your area, JCP should also be able to point you in the right direction if you tell them that's something you would like to consider.

social enterprise is another option where there are various start up grants, you don't have to do an activity that directly relates to your social mission - you could sell baby clothes as a business model but your profits would go towards mental health or something similar. you can still pay yourself a good wage.

i feel your pain with losing direction. i've come to the realisation i'm a great 'starter' but not a finisher. i'm floating from one thing to the next and it's horrible.

hope you find the right path again soon :hugs:xxxxxxx