Signing on for the first time

[VannaB]

I have to sign on tomorrow having been made redundant from my job and I am dreading it. I have heard that the staff can be very patronizing and make you feel bad.
Is this true? What can I expect? What should I wear? Thanks.

[Postdog]

Not been out of work for years, and it has all changed since I was. That said, don't worry about what to wear, cos it's not an interview, and from what I can recall, they may seem patronizing, but they have a job to do and as such have to ask certain things, maybe in certain ways.

I wouldn't worry - you can't help being unemployed, and it is your right to make a claim.

[VannaB]

I know, but I work so hard and feel so ashamed to now have to sign on. The money won't even touch the sides of my outgoings either, but I need every penny. I wonder why if you work hard to buy your own house you don't get help, but if you rent you do? Sounds crazy to me!
Thanks for your answer.

[Postdog]

I'm with you on that one - the more you try yourself, the less help you get when you need it, and yet some seem to get it all.

Don't feel ashamed - it's people who have never cared about working should feel ashamed.

[CheekyChops]

I went for my initial interview at the JCP a couple of weeks ago and have to sign on for the first time later this afternoon. The lady who cionducted the interview was lovely and not at all patronising.

I am 40 and this is the first time in my life that I have had to sign on, luckily I have protection insurance on my mortgage and will be entitled to council tax benefit but the JSA won;t go anywhere near covering my other out goings!

[VannaB]

Well I went today and the lady was sweet-I think they have been on some sort of course ready for the influx of redundant people. They kept asking me if I was ok, so I'm guessing I looked horrified?
The bad point was, whilst I was there, something bit me on my finger and it is now swollen and a bit blue. Looks like not everyone who goes in has the ame level of hygiene?

So that was done and I am thankful it's over-now I dread going back in 2 weeks as apparently they shout out your name to go to the cubicle so everyone will know. Looks like I have exactly 2 weeks to find a job!!! Thanks for the answers everyone and good luck if you are also job hunting x