Rant ..........

[pericat]

I went to sign on for the first time ever today as there have been lay offs in my job - just a 6 week period - I found it a most unpleasant experience being spoken down to by the guy in the cubicle. I was given a form to fill and my number came up and flicked to the next number very quickly and when I tried to go up I was totally dismissed. At the end I was told there was a backlog and I would probably be back at work before I got any money from them. Rant over

[B00]

Horrible aren't they? Hubby was out of work for a couple of months and he dreaded going to sign on, as he said they made him feel like he was something they'd stepped in. Wouldn't mind, but he's 39 and its the first time he's ever signed on and it was only for 3 months too.

[pericat]

Hi BOO - nice as always to talk to you - I actually had to hold back the tears like a right fool.

[B00]

Aww bless you Peri.

Nowt foolish about wanting to cry, hubby said it was humiliating, so I can't blame you at all. Would a voddy make you feel better?

(PS, I haven't actually got any vodka- but its the thought that counts- right?)

[pericat]

I suppose it is LOL - a bit of cake wouldn't go amiss - I think I will make choccy cake tomorrow and use my energy for something good

[Panic Button]

I was made redundant in the late 80's.

A year before I had been working abroad, and had voluntarily paid what NI contributions I could. However this meant I couldn't receive unemployment benefit. I signed on anyway, so that my 'stamps' would be paid while unemployed. Not that I planned to be so for long (and I wasn't)

They were very cold and distant at first. I tried to pull the chair closer, so I could have a proper discussion, only to find it was bolted to the floor. I suppose that was in case I hurled it at them.

When they realised I was a worker, not a shirker they warmed up quite a bit.

[dustypuss]

Hi panic

You want to try getting something out of them when you've been self employed for the last 20years . They dont seem to understand the works dried up for a lot of us.

[China Doll]

I claimed job seekers for three months last year before I got the job I do not and it was absolutely soul destroying. How anyone can do that for any length of time by choice I will never know.. Chin up, it gets better.

[Ankou]

in fairness to them, and i have worked for jobcentre plus, they have to deal day in day out with some of the rudest and most aggressive dregs of society. it can be a scarey experience sometimes sitting in one of those cubicles, but at best demoralising and ultimately unrewarding. occasionally someone comes in for the first time and is genuine, concerned and hopeful of a happy outcome - the staff are generally not geared up to deal with that once in a blue moon event. so i know it is your life and situation but at least spare a thought. would you want to sit on their side of the bullet proof glass ?

[pericat]

that's exactly what I said today china it's no way to live - soul destroying

[caslass]

At the age of 56 I signed on for the first time in my life. I have worked since the day I left school. I found them very rude when they asked why my husband could not keep me. I had paid in to the system for 41 years. When I pointed out that because of this I was entitled to the money she just gave me a look. I came out feeling like a scrounger. So much so that when I eventually got paid I gave it to a charity shop. I know most people can't do this but it made me feel a lot better

[snags]

^ Thanks for the info... I must have missed it...

[dothawkes31]

I've been too busy to mention it of late, but if you are concerned I will update you.

Peri I signed off the dole on 1st October and sent in the sheet they neded etc, I rang them yesterday to ask where my P45 was or how long it would be, and they had not closed my claim, they hadn't got round to it, they said they would send me the P45 shortly and also any dole they owed me, today I have had a cheque from them for £119.00. No idea why they owe it me!!!!

Your system must be different to England peri, here we register online and then via phone and only go into the jobcentre when everything is sorted. It would be quite an efficient system if they employed people who knew how to use a computer.

[pericat]

Here we go in to social welfare to sign on dot and then after we go to our post office - hopefully I won't need to go near them again

[dothawkes31]

I have to say it was the most ridiculously long winded process, in retail we always try to do a job the most efficient way, not handling something more than once, with the JSA claim, you have to go over your details over and over again to several different people.

[ItchyMoti]

Some things have never changed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ctb-SrwL884&feature=related

Ralph Mctell