Being made to do voluntary work

[discodolly]

Hello im 58 have worked for 40 years and have just been made redundant. I have been out of work 12 weeks now and i have been told i must do two days voluntary work every week otherwise i will not get any benefits,is the correct please

[Richard1966]

Yes. Though its not really voluntary work if its compulsory, but if you don't agree to participate your benefits can be sanctioned for a period of time. I work in a voluntary organization and we think this stinks. More than happy to help those who want to maintain their experience or learn new skills but only if its a free choice.

[buildersmate]

It is the way the DWP runs things.
It is surely work in the voluntary sector (rather than voluntary work), in exchange for a benefits payment, given that you are of working age and perhaps also wanting a pension from the State at some time in the not-too-distant future.

[brenda]

The rules seem a bit of a bummer to me , but give it a go .You may find that it helps you to get over being made redundant , you may learn a lot you didn't know and make some good friends as well.You may even find a job opportunity.Good luck

[CheekyChops]

Well I've been for my 13 week interview today at the JCP and haven't been told I have to do any voluntary work so it sounds a bit strange to me? I've been unemployed since the beginning of April.

[caththecrazy]

Could it be different areas? Or maybe it is a new ruling that claimants from a certain date have to do something?I know a guy who hasn't worked for at least 9 months and he certainly hasn't done any voluntary work.

[discodolly]

Thanks guys and tbh i think they make the rules up as they go along.My neighbour who has been out of work for six months hasnt even been on any back to work interview yet,it stinks!
I have to go in every week,one week to sign on and another to sit and look for work with an adviser (like im 18)costs me 2.50 yes not much but it is when u only get 64 a week,i complained and was duley told by the stuck up bitch from behind her desk 'well walk' even though its around 3 miles there 3 miles back

[caththecrazy]

Have you asked why your neighbour is being treated differently?

Report the stuck up biatch she is supposed to be helping and encouraging you. She isn't there to make snide remarks.

[brenda]

You report the stuck up cow --will make you feel a bit better and I bet you get better treatment in the future.
Good luck.

[pinktwink]

well at the risk of being radical i actually agree with this. The economic recession has led to lots of cuts and services for vulnerable groups cut. By doing voluntary work you give back to the community and help in times of need. Also work serves as a social function so the voluntary work can assist with this. Too often those unemployed give up seeking work, feel depressed or have a reduction in self esteem. By engaging in voluntary work you give people the chance to get out and to serve a purpose

[cassa333]

I also think this is a good thing. However It should be for everyone who is out of work and should be looking for work so why your neighbour hasn't had to do it is beyond me.

[marval]

Well I have been unemployed for longer than that. I haven't been asked to do anything, I just have to sign on once a fortnight. Where I live there are so many people out of work, that I don't think they are bothering too much, or don't have the time. I am thinking of doing voluntary work, beacause I would rather be doing something useful. I am also 58 and the people at the job centre seem to think I stand no chance of getting a job, it hasn't stopped me looking though.

[buildersmate]

It may well be something to do with 'New Deal for the Over 50s', as well as it being implemented differentially across the regions.

[mosesg]

I think it is unfair you have to do this after working all your life, when there are young people out there who have never done a days work in their lives nad get their dole money and rent paid for them.

I know 2 of my neighbours don't work and get their rent paid and all they do is drink all day and make a lot of noise.

think the government is targeting the wrong people.

Rant over !!!!

[discodolly]

Thank you to the above poster i do agree,why aren't the 18 year old being made to do voluntary work or put in the army and so on.As for the poster who says about putting something back i think giving 40 years of my life working for a living is quite enough why should i be made to stand behind a charity shops counter all day when all i want to do is get back into work.Concentrate on the youngsters who get away with it all i say