How Can My Friend Get To Work?

[san070160]

I have a friend who has been unemployed for 2 years now. But his wife works full-time, so even though she doesn't earn a lot, he's not entitled to any benefits whatsoever, despite the fact that he's been searching for a job every day.

The good news is that he's just landed a full-time job. It's very physical, which he doesn't mind, but he's worried about transport to and from work until he gets his first wage in two weeks time. He starts every morning at 6 am before the bus service starts, and it's much too far for him to walk! Surely, he should be entitled to some kind of help with transport until he gets his wages. Anyone got any ideas?

[AlwaysConfused]

Can he borrow a bicycle or hitch a ride? I find it annoying when an interviewee tells my that they have 24/7 flexibility, only to find out that they cannot physically get in until 8am or finish after 10pm, for example.

[piggynose]

he could try either advertsing in local paper, or papershop. what about asking the employer if he knows someone who could give him a lift

[piggynose]

Yes the bicycle is a good option. I cycled to work and back, for about 15 years 24 miles return, in the 70´s & 80´s

[Retrochic]

His wife should get up earlier and give him a lift, presuming she has a car. Or go onto one of these internet 'swop or for free' sites and get a pushbike. Dare I say he should of thought about that before accepting the job?

[boxtops]

I'm rather shocked to hear that he's not entitled to any benefits at all, just because his wife works full-time. When this happened to us, OH could claim something (it was a while ago so no doubt it's changed now).

I don't really understand what the problem is. If the bus service hasn't started by the time he has to start, surely it doesn't matter whether he's got money or not - how's he going to get there once he's got paid, what difference does that make?

It's certainly not an "entitlement" to have help to get to work - the employer isn't concerned with how anyone gets to work, as long as you turn up.

[piggynose]

what did norman tebbit say? get on your bike, or words to that effect

[AB Editor]

What's the distance?

[Buenchico]

For Boxtops:
The system hasn't changed. For the first 6 months after becoming unemployed (assuming a recent full record of National Insurance contributions) a person is eligible for Contribution-Based JSA, which isn't means-tested. (A billionaire with mansions, yachts and private jets could get it as long as he was actively seeking employment).

There is no entitlement to Contribution-Based JSA after 6 months but an application can then be made for Income-Based JSA. However it's means-tested, with a partner's income being taken into account. That means that someone living with a partner, who is working full-time, will get absolutely nothing.

For San070160:
Your friend could ask the new employer to let him put up a notice at the workplace, asking if anyone can offer him a daily lift (on a 'shared fuel' basis). Otherwise, as has been indicated above, his best (or indeed only) option would seem to be to borrow (or buy) a bicycle.

[Bazile]

boxtops
//I don't really understand what the problem is. If the bus service hasn't started by the time he has to start, surely it doesn't matter whether he's got money or not - how's he going to get there once he's got paid, what difference does that make? //

Could be that he intends to go by train

[jomifl]

Why should he receive benefits, It is not unusual for one partner in a marriage to not have a job.
An unfashionable but perfectly functional bike can usually be got from your local recycling centre for a few quid. A moped or scooter isn't expensive either.

[Boto]

The wife will probably receive working tax credits if she is on a low wage.

[jomifl]

Boto, really? I thought the minimum wage took care of low wages.

[hc4361]

jomifl, you have to be joking. The government is propping up employers by supplementing the minimum wage with tax credits, housing benefit, council tax benefit and all sorts of other benefits that workers should not need if they were paid a proper wage.

Problem is, if minimum income earners were paid a living wage, all other wages would go up in proportion, the cost of everything would have to go up so the minimum wage earners would need government help with rent, council tax......