Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Ive recently been out of work for a few months now, and have been looking for any job.Anyway the jobcentre suggested a work placement for me, which i attended the interview today and he said i can start on monday.However its a months trial which means i do a months work for nothing, but still having to find my own travel, dinner expenses etc, and theres still no guarantee of a job at the end of it.I just feel like some employers can just try and exploit people to their own advantage which is not fair.I have no problem with work trials, its just i feel a month is to excessive working for nothing, if i factor in the hours i will be doing to what i get paid on jobseekers it works out at £2.29 an hour, what do you all think.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

The details are a bit sketchy to say the least. could you elaborate a lot more?:confused::confused::)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

To be honest Rob I'd tell um to stick it end of story, but of course if you refuse they stop your benefits, I'm in agreement in encouraging people back to work but this ain't it, by the way which firm is it?

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I am currently on jobseekers allowance which is £71 a week.I have been given a work placement which i start on monday, which lasts for a month.I will receive no remuneration of the employer for the first month, even tho i will be doing 30 plus hours a week.I have my travel and food cost which i will have to incur which will leave me out of pocket, and at the end of the month there might be a job or there might not be.All i am trying to say is i feel a months trial for no pay with no definite offer of a job is to much, if it was a week i would have no problem with that.Plus he told me today the main aspect of the job is driving the lads to different sites as at the moment he has a lad who is only 21 driving and his insurance would cost alot less having me as a driver.It doesnt seem fair tho to me.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Its like getting a months graft for nothing, keeping his insurance costs down, then after the month, he could just say im sorry your not what we are looking for, and the cycle goes on.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

They give you work trials for experience, something else to put on your c.v, it's only like doing voluntary work

i started a 4 week training placement in February, i loved it that much that i am still there 7 months later, not because i have to be but because i choose to be, i get no expences paid, no bus fares, no dinner but i'm not moaning about it, i love being able to get out and meet new people, this will not lead to any permanent work from them but it is doing a lot for my self esteem, although i am on the dole i can hold my head high and say i don't sit on my arse 24/7

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

What i am saying is if i do a months work for nothing, my time would have been better off spent searching for a job that actually pays you at the end of the week.I mean for all i know he could have someone on trial every month just to keep his insurance down.It doesnt sound good tho does it after a few minutes the boss is saying he's trying to get his insurance costs down does it.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

You still have to look for a job even though you are on a work trial so whether working a month for free or sitting on your backside you still have to look so what does it matter?

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Do it for 1 week, work your socks off and then say thats me am I getting a job at the end of this. businesses need good staff just as much as you want a job I'm sure if there serious about employing you they will tell you after a week. Like you say a month is a long time to work for nothing and maybe have nothing to show for it.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

So if i work my socks off show enthusiasm do the best i can, then after a month he says sorry no, then thats a month wasted, when i could have been looking for a paid job.I believe if you do a hard weeks graft you should be given at least something to show at least they appreciate your efforts you have put in and i'm sure many will agree.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

These sort of schemes are insulting to anyone that wants to work fer a living, its that simple. anyone who cannot see this wants there heads testing. imho.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thankyou cashy, this is what i mean he said to me this morning, my driver at the moment is only 20 so its costing me nearly 7 grand a year in insurance as im older and have a clean license the insurance will be alot less.So in effect hes saving insurance money and getting a months graft for nothing which i feel is so unfair, and as ive said before it could come to the end of the trial and he could say im sorry your not for us and just do the same over and over again.I want to work, ive always worked but i dont want to be taken for a mug and no doubt this goes on the length and breadth of the country so its no wonder it demoralises peoples motivation to work.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Not being flippant, and fair play to you for doing this, and this is an honest question, are you keeping someone else from getting that experience by continuing to work there, or do they have more than one training placement?

Nobody on these schemes should be out of pocket....local politicians claim expenses, MP's with their guaranteed golden pension schemes claim expenses....but poor Rob has to fork out for his own expenses from his £71 weekly pittance. Disgusting!

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Ive been on jobseekers for 4 months now i have my rent, council tax, water rates as we all have to pay, as ive said i want to work, i just dont want to be taken advantage of, i had a brilliant job before over at east lancashire coachbuilders but sadly they have moved production over to leeds now.Ive worked days, earlys lates, nights ive been to countless interviews even for basic jobs picking and packing, they either tell me im to qualified or i will leave if something better comes along.The job climate at the moment is so tough but you have to try and keep on being positive.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I'll try again.
What age are you?
what experience/qualifications do you have?
Is the placement near by?
Would It be a tremendous task to get there?
Do you trawl for jobs on a daily basis?
What does the job entail?
Are there any other reasonable prospects on the horizon?

I think you will find that during the coarse 0f a life time most people will have worked a month for nothing I know I have and probably a lot more.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I'd tell 'em to shove it where the sun don't shine.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

It's a con basically. How are you expected to pay your own travel? Also you eat more when working so you got to buy more food.

Aren't these workplacements just a fiddle to get free work out of people? The thing is they know they got you buy the short and curlies that's why they get away with it.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I said 1 WEEK

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I think that this situation is not good. Either you are fit to do a job or not, I can see perhaps that to give a week or two trial with expenses paid and benefits intact might be worthwhile, but this situation sounds like massaging the unemployment figures to the benefit of the Benefits Agency and the employer, with nothing to gain for the person desperate for a real job.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

i know what you're saying Guinness, i work in a secondhand bookshop, i'm just in the background of it now, teaching and mentoring other trainees, i now have retail experience, cash handling, till work, coffee shop experience, mentoring and customer service experience, all thanx to what started off as 4 weeks unpaid work

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

As i said and my mum has said it does seem to me that the only reason the boss wants to employ me is because it will cut his costs in his insurance.Is that a good start to employing a new member of staff or just exploitation, make your minds up.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

kestrel you are are spot on but theyre always going to get away with it.Id spend £15 on fuel a week and probably the same or more on food which would leave me with about 10 pounds spare a week.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

And I agree it has given you a sense of purpose, self esteem, a feeling of being back in the workforce etc..etc.. which is really great, and I genuinely applaud what you are doing... but ultimately the bookshop owner/charity directors are taking the sweat from your brow and turning it into hard cash for themselves.

This is typical of Camerons 'big society', the rich get richer on the backs of volunteers and the forced to work unemployed. They have no employer national insurance or tax to pay, no concerns over holiday pay, no concern over working time directives, no concerns about employment law..in fact they are laughing all the way to the bank, and those in work sneer at those who are out of work who refuse to take part in these schemes, and call them workshy layabouts.

Those that are 'genuinely' out of work have no real chance of getting a job, because all the jobs are filled with volunteers and forced to work unemployed.

You are currently doing something you obviously love (comes across in your post), however you also say you have no chance of being taken on full time....the vacancy is obviously there, but you have no chance because they can fill the position with a volunteer or another work experience forced to work unemployed person. This is what is inherently wrong with Camerons ideal!

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Yeh got it spot on yon Guinness.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I remember back in the 60's when I was an apprentice bricklayer,stonemason,drain layer flagger and kerber plasterer,slater and tiler and all round good egg and you where an apprentice wood butcher:D we all worked for virtually nothing.:hehetable

Happy days!!:D:D

I started age 13 on a shilling an hour.:eek::D:D

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I personally this this is a disgrace, if the job seekers people want you to do a months work then if they are happy for the employer to not put anything in the pot then your JavaScript allowance should at least be the minimum wage for the hours you work. To me it like the government is actually breaking its own rules by making you work for less than min wage.

I'd like to hear Graham Jones view on this.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Turn to drink or drugs. That way they can't be bothered with you and you get extra benefits :(:mad:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

That's because he would no longer be classed as unemployed.

I know what he's going through, they give no real encouragement, just want a long list of jobs applied for, it doesn't matter what jobs, if you applied for a job as a heart surgeon it wouldn't matter that you aren't qualified or that you have no hope in hell of getting it you have to apply for something. You can't turn up and say, 'I've been searching Every day all the jobs I've found I've already applied for', you must find something to put down and they will do anything including misinformation on the Govt jobs website to get you off their books.
:(

Here's a question, I believe the minimum legal hourly rate is £6.19p how can the Govt site legally advertise jobs for less money than that?
(I know that under 21 can be employed for less but these jobs make no mention of a trainee rate, just advertise the job like it's for older people).
:confused:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thats why I started this business, I went there twice and vowed not to go again if I could help. Better off working for nowt here than dealing with the jobcentre staff

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

In February 2011, our Graham advertised for a parliamentary intern on an unspecified contract length to be paid lunch and travel expenses.

His argument for doing this...

Graham Jones MP: Parliamentary Interns. Right wing bloggers

The comments from Guido Fawkes and Ian Silvera blow his full page argument out of the water in a couple of brief paragraphs, but I guess his blog gives you some idea of his personal view on this kind of thing

Tory, Labour, LibDem...when it comes to jumping on the media led populist bandwagon that the unemployed are a workshy drain, they fall over themselves to condemn and get airtime....when it comes to dipping their hands in their own pocket to help...you won't see them for dust

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Guinness, i don't work for an 'employer' the company i work for is BOOTSTRAP(the place that helps people get back into work), the shop is a 'not for profit' organization, everything the shop makes goes back into the shop, electric, gas etc, everyone who works there apart from the manager is a volunteer, the shop was put into place purposely to train people up for a job in retail, i shouldn't be there now, i should have left after 4 weeks, but i asked if i could stay on until i found a job, by staying on i've developed more skills

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Ya those were the days Beni don't think my first wage was anything like that though, think I was on about 7p an hour, know it wasn't much, but that's the way it was in those days think a fully qualified joiner was only on about £7 or £8 a week:eek:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Yes, aren't they wonderful?
I've been attending since June.
First time I went there I was given a print out of their intentions of how they would get me back to work, extra training in any weak points, I may have, I asked about training in CAD, the reply was a definite no because it would be too expensive. So no course, They mentioned a first Aid course being held in July they might be able to squeeze me in if I apply quickly, now I had no problem with that, I think a refresher course would do me good. Here we are nearly October, no course, I didn't realise the rush was to fit me in for July next year.
Another intention was to ensure that I would be trained to be able to get a permanent secure position with a working wage. So far all they offered was a Temporary insecure job on minimum wage. They were shocked when I took out my copy of their promises and quoted it at them, they thought perhaps I didn't want to work.
On another visit to them I was asked if I would like to go back to College? There are plenty of full time two year courses I could come out with a degree.
I mentioned that in two years time I would legally be able to retire, so should I take up a course position including the Monetary grants paid for by the tax payer for a Certificate I might never use? They didn't like my attitude when I suggested that perhaps a younger person would benefit far more from being offered such a good chance.
The only other thing they do is check through the record that I create to show the Jobcentre what I have applied for, they then copy every job that I have on my sheet into a data base, I assume this is to show that they actually do some work, (I could make it easier for them, I could email them a copy of the spreadsheet I print it out from so they can copy and paste, but what the hey, it gives them something to do whilst supping their free brews).

Oh the last time I was there they had a starter course for computers, one of the people there that knows me and the job I do came over and asked, Is your name down for the computer course? My reply was perhaps a bit harsh, I said only if I'm giving the lecture and you're paying me.
God I hate that place, worse than the dole lots of non people pretending to do non jobs for my benefit? Yeah right. Still only another 18 months of the intensive training course to go, unless I'm lucky and win the lottery, or if I'm really, really lucky and can find myself a genuine job!
:(

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Oh dear

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Yes that's what I think everytime I have to attend an appointment.

:D

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I still sign on, i still look for work, i still go to Bootstrap, i've been on a first aid course, retail course, food hygiene course and an interview skills course in the 13 months i've been with them, i suppose how well you do all depends on the person you are, some people don't bother doing anything and are happy to just sit on their backsides and sign on every couple of weeks, thats not who i am, i've always been a pro active person and will continue to be, obviously what works for one doesn't work for another

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

It is not my attitude to sit on my backside doing nothing either, I would gladly go on the first aid course, I would gladly go on any worthwhile course to do with getting me into gainful employment, the sooner the better, unfortunately I can only comment on my experience of that place which so far isn't of anymore use to me and is even more uncomfortable than walking around after having a wet fart.
:)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Not denigrating anyone who gets off their backside and tries to improve their CV.

I've dealt with Bootstrap from an employers perspective, and I wasn't all that impressed. I think that they are basically a company that has jumped on the charity bandwagon which enables them to get funding from jobcentre+ and local government. The 'not for profit' tag is a smokescreen since they probably balance the books by asking for an appropriate level of funding. They have over 100 employees with pensions on an average of £11 an hour.

Their record of securing actual jobs for people is pretty poor. What they are good at is securing free training, unpaid work placements or college courses for people, all of which is out there for joe public to access without going via Bootstrap, and should be offered by the job centre anyway.

Basically everyone is paying through the nose, firstly and quite rightly they are supporting those thrown out of work while they try to get another job, but..... secondly they are funding this company via central government and thirdly they are funding it through local government.

I'm struck by a thought, in 2013 the unemployed of Blackburn will probably have to pay 20% of their council tax, I guess this means that they are, in effect, funding the wages of the people that ask them to work for nothing or find them free training from their weekly pittance. You couldn't make this up :confused:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I think it was during the 80's a Tv play about a high rise office block, all the employees busy busting numbers and going through the usual torment of doing a standard job.

Until one of them discovered that these jobs had been created as had many more in similar office blocks to keep the unemployment figures down, footstep reminds me of that, totally useless but what the hey, 40 odd thousand less on the over all country unemployment figures, so it must be a plus.
By the way, next time your down the dole, go on their machine and look for bootstrap vacancies, non of my searches come up with anything.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

firstly, I'm free to leave REBOUND bookshop anytime i want, i could just walk out whenever, no one is making me stay here, i'm doing this off my own back.

secondly the shop has had success stories, a guy who started here the same time as i did found a job with the help of the manager, trainees are encouraged to do job searches whilst here, they are told about job vacancies on a daily basis

negative breeds negativity, there will always be the sceptical out there who refuse to see anything apart from what they want to see, the help is out there if people can be bothered to look for it

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I don't know why you're being so defensive I haven't criticised you or your wish to be a member of this, 'team', if it keeps you happy great, I personally would prefer to put all my effort into finding a real job and then I can start paying taxes to subsidise you and your phoney employer.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Cart on with your way of life Less, if you're happy sitting on your backside until you're 65 then so be it, i hope you can get away with it, good luck

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Why do you think that's what I've been doing? Can't be from the posts in this thread, however if you wish to think that you are contributing to society, you 'cart on', I will continue to look for a job where I get enough to live on and can pay the taxman his due.
:D

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Very good

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Ive been fortunate today to get an interview tomorrow, at the new tesco's in padiham which is opening soon.So fingers crossed it all works out and I can get back to earning a wage again.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Best of luck Rob, hope your successful

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Good luck for tomorrow Rob.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Hope yeh get a break.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thanks chaps, im really hoping this comes off and i can get back to working and get my self confidence and esteem back.Being out of work really does get you down so much.You can add another 1 to the stanley attendance aswell if i get the job, something ive missed alot as i used to go to alot of home games, but with money being short i havent been able to manage it.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Good luck with the job interview.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

If your good on phones and computers you could try Express Gifts in Clayton. They just took a load on, but might take on more? Not everybody gets past the training....

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Unless there Polish.:rolleyes:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

:) To be honest there isn't many Polish in the Clayton one that I know of. That is more the warehouse.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I am confused, in two minds (or more than two) about this. On the one hand I totally see the OP's points, when you don't have much money it makes sense to not spend it-unless it's worth it-if you are on a work placement your travel has to be considered. Do the DWP still do the whole paying a jobseeker money to buy clothes/for travel etc when they get a job? Perhaps they should do something similar when placing on work placements and/or at least make sure that the placement is within walking distance if possible? Working costs money-travel, food, clothes, grooming, other things I am sure.
Do they put people on suitable work placements, to their skills and experience?
On the other hand, for the people who have no intention of getting a job and do not make any effort to get one, I would be happy to see them forced into doing some work in order to keep their benefits. But how would the gov have them differentiated?Sorry if I sound droll, I'm stumped on this one.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Nowt to be confused about, Its just a cheapskate way of massaging the employment figures.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I asked all those questions a while back but hit a wall of silence so I've given up.:confused::mosher:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Lol :)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Had my interview this morning and should find out the early part of next week, fingers crossed i'l get it, i really hope so.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Im 29.
Ive got my city and guilds in vehicle respraying.
The placement is in blackburn.
Its not a tremendous task to get there but thats not the point i have to pay my own travel expenses.
Ive applied for countless jobs, picking and packing, im willing to do any job, been to interviews only to be told im either to qualified and will leave when a better job comes up ie paintspraying.
This work placement is labouring and driving mainly.
As far reasonable prospects on the horizon well im hoping this tescos job comes off i really do otherwise i despair.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I had a job involving recruiting and interviewing,a while ago for a finance company..Any CVs with degrees or qualificatins that were trade-specific,went to the bottom of the pile,I learnt that in my training :(

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

it is understandable and a cv should be an honest reflection of a persons capability so I wasn't pleased when the bloke at the dole told me to have a second cv that didn't include my qualifications so that I could lie at interviews for unqualified work.
I told him that both my cv and any questions answered at an interview would be as honest as i could make them, after all if you lie at an interview that gives the employer grounds for dismissal if your found out.
He wasn't pleased with me.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Hmmm...this is an urban myth, although I have no doubt that the morons working at the job centre believe it is fact and advise people accordingly.

Think about it....

In big multi-nationals employment is handled by the HR dept and they put those with relevant qualifications at the top of the pile, why wouldn't they? Their jobs aren't threatened.

Medium sized companies are the ones that have an eye on expansion, makes sense that they employ people who could slot into higher positions if necessary. Employing a numpty is extemely short sighted.

In small companies it's usually the owner who interviews, why would he/she care about employing someone with better qualifications, ain't like he/she is gonna lose the company to the applicant. Employing a numpty could be disastrous to them.

There are always exceptions to the rule, (e.g. where a jobsworth gets a position of power), but these are a rarity, unfortunately these are the ones that get published in the mainstream media...Those who get jobs based on qualifications do not post or complain..silent majority

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

For fear of lengthening the above post... (it got deleted, no surprise)

I worked in the computer industry for 5.5 years. I then went on to spend time working in charity abroad for 2 years where natural disasters/wars had struck, completely voluntary, all expenses mine. I sat and slept on the floor with insects and cockroaches, just to be clear. I then returned to the UK and had been offered work in KSA within a month, was meant to leave any day, but in Feb 2010, randomness struck.

That all took 2 years for the multiple ops and recoveries, and so on. 2 years wasted and again no income, no benefits.

Now, since being fit enough to walk/speak, been hunting for work since Jan 2012. What do I get?

You may ask the lethargic Job Centre how shocked they were at the proof I supplied them of the applications I've sent and so forth. The whole JC floor was shocked. I applied to 1873 jobs inside 3 months there, I phoned many more and I walked in to and asked every firm I could find upto the outskirts of Blackburn in addition. I felt like a piece of scrap. I couldn't believe what was happening. I said to each and every, "any basic job, minimum wage or not, any hours you want me to do". Yes, I walked it from Richmond Road to the Whitebirk Industrial Estate area's and Shadsworth/Roman Road Industrial area's (Blackburn) and back, begging for work, four times. My old friends and paternal uncles drove past sneering and jeering. I registered with 13 agencies as far as Stockport and Warrington. I applied for jobs as far as Bradford, Warrington and Liverpool. I didn't apply for any specialist field expect computer related and accountancy, since I had work experience and knowledge of these. I applied for every general work that I can do without lying. 99.9% of them never phoned/replied back (most were online/email).

I wasted +£120 just phoning these firms, and on phone interviews, and so forth.

I'm not illiterate. I went to a grammar on scholarship and have A-Levels and finished one year of BSc Optometry. But that was near a decade back. I've worked in an Accountancy, an Optician, a few warehouses, a call center, a takeaway/restaurant, ran my own I.T. business and self-employed on contract hire in the computer industry. And what do I hear repeatedly (they lie blank faced, and never give a reason, except the odd one or two)?

Over qualified
Too far away
You'll leave if you find better
Jobs too low for you

FFS. Any training I asked for, even saying they can deduct costs after I find work in the trained field later, was turned down. Sham courses which very few employers care about were shoved in my face, all costly, all I could not afford. Duh.

I left back to abroad because the idiots there robbed some land and property that belongs to us. Now, every penny I had is gone fighting flawed cases, and I'm supposed to be returning any day but dreading it. 4 months back, I had savings to drip on. Not anymore.

Just my car insurance would be minimum £3000, hence why it's sleeping in the garage. I've never claimed or done fraud/theft of any kind in my life. This is what honesty gets you in the UK.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Well, you have had a rough couple of years, I know exactly what you mean so far as results of your job searching. Unfortunately the Jobcentre don't give out brownie points to people that try hard to find work, in fact I sometimes feel that they like triers far less than the people that can't be bothered, I had one once threaten disciplinary action because non of the jobs on my spreadsheet where from their web site, he claimed jobs from other agencies were only a bonus and in future I should concentrate on the jobs they the jobcentre offer, so now I make sure the paper is filled with their jobs and agency jobs I keep to myself, much better than being told off by someone stupid.
:o

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

LOL I agree with you mate.

I realised about the JC mentality very quickly... I couldn't care less about them. I run around for myself and my family. It was the worst time to become jobless for me :(

The job situation was so terrible in Accy, I wouldn't be surprised if the population decreases from people moving away to near cities.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

See things haven't changed much. Well, Apart from the JC having a website. Thankfully I haven't been out of work for 12 years. I could've taken voluntary redundancy a few years back. I am glad a didn't. Not the best paid job in the world, but it's a job, and A lower paid job that you like doing is better than A higher paid job you hate with a passion. Sure I complain about my job, but that is just one of those things :)

It seems to me that the JC only recruit staff that have megalomaniac tendencies. Who the hell are they to tell you what jobs you can and cannot apply for. Could anybody with any basic human traits like kindness, understanding and humility; imagine working there and having to say stuff like that to people on a daily basis. Especially to someone that is a lot older and has worked most of their life? and in these times where jobs are scarce; I used to find them insulting and offhand and I haven't been on JCA since I was 19 or 20 years old. I am now 34. See things haven't changed... where do they get these people from?

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Less, similar thing told to me haha

They told me to delete any education I had when applying for low end jobs, and any work experience I had in the better fields.

That left my CV basically empty. Any employer would think "What the heck have you been doing all those years?!?"

An Express Gifts Clayton recruitment manager and two 8-9 year workers also said the same thing to me before I applied. And no kidding... to act dumb at the interview.

They rejected me, and a TL told me the interviewer said over confident

What a pathetic excuse (I've worked there before in '03 and in the Church warehouse in '01).

At the same time, they put a guy on who is part mentally-disabled. Me and him both sat the written test together. He went to Broadfield and not be funny, but he can barely speak three words together. Just because a CM was his relative.

I can name them, I know them well. The lad and CM told me himself, along with a TM and a TL. :enough:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I find their website to be one of the worst I have had the misfortune to use, if I do a job search on my PC then go to sign on I can do the same job search on their fancy machines and get a completely different result.
Also when using their machines to do a search
e.g. Electronics Engineer and local how come my results include Gas fitter London? Different trade different safety qualifications required so it's of no use me even considering applying If I put the same search into professional agency sites I get the results expected and required.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Got told the good news today that ive got the job, i start my induction training on saturday, starting my job the following week on friday.Really happy now.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Great news. Good luck with the new job.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Congratulations and good luck!

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

It is bad, but doesn't shock me unfortunately :(
Makes sense. I was only able to interview for jobs lower than my level, undestandably which meant the people applying ideally would make a subservient workforce who were capable of little more than doing the job they were being interviewed for. Also, the staff turnover for said jobs was very high, the company preferring to re-train than to deal with any issues or problems.
I must add, some of these jobs were not easy and required a lot of thinking and computer skills. I did the same level before I was promoted and *I* didn't find it easy, and I am post-grad level.
In this climate it is difficult to get a job and you do find people going for jobs not necessarily in their field, I for one have only ever done one job related to my field of qualification, and I was made redundant after just under six months, this was just before I got the job I mentioned above.
It did make me sad when I was made to sit alongside somebody whilst he told the interviewee 'Well it's not that you're unsuitable for the job as such , Mr XYZ, it's just that we feel you would be more suited to elsewhere at the moment, we will keep your CV on file blah blah blah'

And then sometimes I was the one having to say the same. It did not sit right with me, I was dismissed following a period of sickness, work-related stress I was signed off with. (Unrelated to the above I must add).
Best of luck :)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Great news Rob :mosher:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Well done, mate. Hope it goes well for you. :)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thankyou everyone for your best wishes, im so pleased as they have had over 2000 applicants so i must be doing something right.Im just so happy to be working again.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Good result Rob, Hope all goes well.:)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Congratulations, to get picked for the job with another 2,000 applicants probably trying just as hard as you were to get it. Shows your determination, well done.
:D

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thinking about it, it must be an awful task to have to sort through over 2,000 applicants when no doubt the majority of them would have been ideal for the position, just to end up with a lucky few, must be one of the most stressful jobs going.
:o

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Well done and congratulations I hope you will be very happy in your new venture:)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

yes of course it pays to work,were else would the government get there funds for warcrimes? ;)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I had an interview for an admin/customer service job today at 4pm....by 5.15pm i'd been told i'd got the job, how did i get the PAID job???? I got it thanx to BOOTSTRAP, i start my induction next Tuesday, i'm not going to mention the place i'll be working at but i'm sure i'll be seeing some accywebbers whilst working there :)

thats another BOOTSTRAP success story for you

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Way to go! Great news for you :)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Congrats on the job.:)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Well done Shaz......that is great news. Go knock 'em dead!

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thankyou thankyou thankyou

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Thank yourself you did the spade work.;):D:D

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Fantastic news, well done youxxx

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Well done Shaz:mosher:

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Good on yer, Shaz! :)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Time to find my 'sensible' head now so i don't naff up peoples wages :)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Not going to mention it, eh; and seeing some accywebbers. Must be the lap dancing club;):D

But seriously: congratulations on your new job, hon; I'm sure you will do great.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Me...lap dancing? I'd have to pay THEM Eric lol, thankyou

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

I've seen you, don't put yourself down, as a lap dancer you would be perfec...

Oh dear, another trip to the doctors for me, he still hasn't cured my compulsive lying.

Meanwhile, delighted to hear your good news.
:)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Had my induction today can honestly say i did not realise how much you have to take in, learn having never worked in retail before but i enjoyed it.

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

If you'd done some voluntary work in retail then you might have been better prepared hey Rob ;)

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

You're getting like a born again bootstrapper, is this a religion?
:D

re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Jeez you got me, all hail the bootstrap god

Is workfare a joke/slave labour?
 

whats your view folks?

First offence 4 weeks then 3 months then 3 years (3 yrs of no benefits surely there will be a rise in crime?) as Nat King Cole said " There may be trouble ahead "

I know someone on the workfare at the moment, he has been working full time in a charity shop. They also have someone there who is on community service. If there are two full time jobs available then why not pay them a wage? The job centre still haven`t compensated him for his train fare of 20 pound a week to get there either. So he is actually giving them money to work full time for below minimum wage:confused:

folk have been brainwashed by the 'government', 'media' into believing that those on welfare are "scum" so that they forget the real criminals who have put folk in this position.Even being self employed and attending A4E you get sanction threats of your housing benefit and working tax credits if you fail to attend an interview! I'm sick of the threats!

GOOD JOB I DON'T LIVE IN FEAR ;)

Re: Is workfare a joke/slave labour?
 

Its a charity shop so I doubt they will be swimming in money. Many of the staff in charity shops are volunteers

I don't think everyone on welfare are scum. I think there are nice and not so nice people in all walks of life.

The threats are probably there for those who you think are scum. If you don't tar yourself with that brush the threats will be meaningless because you will attend the interviews when required.

Re: Does it pay to work? - Workfare
 

Most charity shops have a manager and a deputy, they are the only ones who get paid