JOBSEEKERS HAS BEEN SANCTIONED

[Officialusername]

Before you all jump to conclusions, I am not a junkie, I have never taken drugs, nor am I work shy in any way, shape, or form. I have recently finished university and my search for work has been with little luck, leading me with no option but to sign on.

I wasn't 100% sure of the way job seekers worked and have been significantly applying to more than my agreement requires of me each week. One week my advisor gave me a print off for a job in which I lost the handout, however, wasnt aware that I had to apply to this exact job and I assumed because I had applied for over 30 jobs that week I was sticking to my agreement (Let me again, point out, I have never claimed job seekers so wasn't entirely sure). My advisor asked had I heard back from that specific job I was told about and I honestly told her, I hadn't applied to it. From this? My job seekers is sanctioned for two whole months, and now? I'm left in a massive mess. My advisor had never told me that it was set in stone for me to apply to this job, had so, I would have taken better care with the handout/made effort to contact the job centre about getting a replacement. I didn't do the latter because I assumed I had applied to loads and I was still sticking to my agreement.

I am so worried now, how will I pay all my bills? I never go out much anyways and I have never been a big drinker so that doesn't bother me. It's all my bills. I can't make debt repayments, my digs, my car insurance, my phone. Nothing. My mum is a single parent with a 9 year old dependant whom cannot afford to help me out. I really am so stressed. I am applying for jobs but I can't do anymore than what I am doing. Should I resort to selling my belongings on eBay?

[AB Editor]

What skills do you have?

You could try and get some freelance work on something like peopleperhour.com?

[albaqwerty]

Should I resort to selling my belongings on eBay?
Why?

Appeal against the decision. Was it a Temp job? Self-Employed?

[Dee Sa]

next time yes say -yes I have applied but have heard nothing back, they cant disprove it, I think you can appeal against the decision. Good luck and I hope things work out for you.Are you eligible for Social Security ? and yes if you have things you dont want or need sell on Ebay or do a boot sale over the bank holiday weekend.

[boxtops]

Certainly appeal on the grounds that it was a misunderstanding, say what you have said to us on here. Do it now.

[pink-kittens]

Paying rent is nothing to do with job seekers
It's paid by a completely different authority for a start - or do you live at home? In this case then, surely your mum will feed and house you for a while without payment?
And why not sell a few bits on eBay?
Definitely appeal, this sounds grossly unfair

[Officialusername]

I will appeal it.

I don't know what Social security is. I am going to go to the Citizens advice to see if they know what else I can do.

[joeluke]

Maybe you should have returned to Job Centre and got another copy of the printout for the job they sent you for?

Sign up with a recruitment agency, more chance of finding work there, low paid work but best time to be looking for work is while you are actually working

Also if you've just left uni are you setting your sights too high?

Sounds like you've resigned yourself to benefits, jobs don't just fall in peoples laps you know

[furrypusscat]

Job seekers allowance is 'social security' isn't it.

[Officialusername]

Joeluke...I am not setting my sights too high unless you regard Tesco jobs as setting my standards too high? Thats slightly judgemental. I have been applying to ANYTHING. It's not as if I expect a job to fall on my lap, again, judgemental.

[bednobs]

i don't understand why you didn't apply for the job - just because you had applied for others? do you have a set amount you want to apply for per week or something?
Anyway, have you tried signing on with a temp agency and doing disgusting things to chickens in a factory for 10 hours a day?