signing on

[samuelcat]

Not sure where this should be so I will try here.
I am due to be made redundant in 2 weeks.
Is it ok to take a few weeks out before signing on.Will the delay cause me any problems when I do go to register.
I know all about the NI stamp not getting paid but I can do that myself.
What I am asking is,if I choose to wait a month will the job centre refuse my application.

[Buenchico]

There will be no problem at all if you're simply 'taking a break' before signing on. (Things might be a little more complicated if you work, on a self-employed basis, during that time). I was unemployed for over a year before signing on and I had no problems whatsoever.

Chris

[samuelcat]

Thanks for that.
Had 18 years of being told what to do and when to do it.
Fancy a little me time.

[TCL-MUMPING]

You can ask for a backdated claim but it may not be payable without good cause for the delay. If you were available for work and what is called actively seeking employment (ASE) during that period, NI credits can be awarded so you need not pay for them. ASE includes such things as looking in the papers for jobs, searching on the internet, asking friends and family, going to the Jobcentre, 'phoning or writing to employers for example. If you can show you were doing a few of those steps each week, you should be classed as ASE.

[samuelcat]

Thanks. I will be looking for work. I just dont want the hassle of signing on every 2 weeks and being set to jobs I have no interest in.

[TCL-MUMPING]

You will have to sign on every two weeks unless you live some distance from the Jobcentre in which case you will be asked to complete a postal declaration.

With regards to being offered employment you do not want, a restriction can be placed on the type of job and/or the level of pay you will accept for a maximum of thirteen weeks. You will need to have a usual occupation and a usual level of pay and have prospects of obtaining them in your area. For a maximum of six months (longer if there are mental or physical conditions) you can place restrictions on the level of pay you will accept and again you will have to show what your normal level of pay was.

If you are offered the chance to apply for suitable employment (during or outwith these periods) and that chance is refused or you act in such a way as to deliberately reduce your chances of being employed, the JSA can be stopped for up to twenty-six weeks

[samuelcat]

TCL-MUMPING, I think you missed the point.
I'm not saying I want the money but don't want to sign on.
I just don't want to sign on at all at least for a few months.
I only wanted to know if that decision would hinder my application later on.