can you claim Job Seekers Allowance if volunteering

[fabemmy]

Hi

I am due soon to start volunteer work soon as a administrator for a charity, I will be working 3 days a week 9 till 5 full days, Which means I will not be activiely looking for a paid job on them days.

Can I still claim my job Seekers allowance if I do this. I am willing to quit my volunteer job if the right paid job came along of course.

[redman41]

As long as you are actively seeking work and available to start work at short notice if a suitable job comes along then there should not be a problem as long as the Job Centre is informed of your circumstances.

[TCL-MUMPING]

It's not a question of actively seeking employment (ASE) as you can be ASE at any time but it is what is called Availability i.e. availability for employment. You must be willing to attend an interview if given 48 hours' notice and willing to start employment if given a week's notice (this is more than normal since you and the organization will need to make alternative arrangements.) It's not a case of giving up the volunteering if the right job came up, you must be prepared to apply for and accept the offer of suitable employment.