JSA for unemployed graduate

[sophie_1003]

Just reading the jobseekers question below and have some questions regarding my own situation- I graduated from university earlier this year with a teaching qualification but have not secured a post yet. I am signing up to a couple of supply agencies and am still working at my Saturday job (8 hours) and getting extra hours when they're available (just on emergency basis when people ring in sick). Would I be entitled to any JSA at all and how much would they push me to apply for jobs not in the teaching profession? I don't want to start anything outside of education because I won't be able to commit to anything long term as I'll be constantly on the look out for teaching jobs and will of course take the first opportunity I get to have a teaching position. TIA

[sherrardk]

Hi Sophie - can't help with the JSA question but just wanted to let you know that my husband didn't have a teaching job when term started after we graduated. He got one (in Hull when I was in Northampton) and just had to lump it for the first year (he managed to go on to be a Deputy Head so it didn't do him too much harm). Have you considered applying for jobs outside of your chosen area? Good luck, x

[JonnyBoy12]

I can help you out here. In order to qualify for JSA you have to be seen to be looking for work. They give you a sheet and you have to be seen to be applying for work. If you are not, or they think you are not they can stop your benefit.

You can also apply for Housing Benefit as well. I would advice applying for this online as then you can take your time over this. You have to provide a valid phone number or your claim will not be valid.

[sophie_1003]

Have been looking fairly far and wide compared to most I know; have been looking in a 25mile radius but would rather a 20mile journey. Only reason is I want to keep my time away from home each day at an 11hr minimum really (assuming I'd be getting to school between 7 and 8 and leaving by 4 or 5) as from my placements I know how long I'm currently taking for planning, assessment etc; means I'd have to work at home too and just couldn't handle longer than an hour journey each way and still get everything done!
I really don't mind doing supply for a bit 'cause I could do with some extra experience of KS1 anyway I just want to know if it would be worth me claiming JSA as well really.

[sophie_1003]

So if I were registered with a supply agency and looking for teaching roles would that count or would I have to be less picky in what I was applying for to satisfy their criteria?

[sherrardk]

Hi Sophie - I meant have you considered moving away from home?

[sophie_1003]

Ah I see; not really possible at the moment as my boyfriend has been renting his house since earlier this year and can't really afford it on his own so he's waiting for me to move in. He's currently relying on his parents lots for help (they pushed him a little bit to move out so he can't move back in with them either!)

[sherrardk]

I get it now - good luck, hope something turns up for you soon.

[sophie_1003]

I know we've done it the wrong way round really; was hoping his parents would put up with him for a bit longer so I could look with the intention of moving but it wasn't to be! Thanks for the luck; will just keep looking and maybe ask Job Centre for advice.

[THECORBYLOON]

When a claim for JSA is made, the claimant needs to enter into what is called a Jobseeker's Agreement. This sets out, among other things the main types of jobs being looked for and the steps that will be taken each week to find employment. Claimants are expected to take those steps that give them the best chance of employment. Although the Agreement shows the types of jobs being sought, if there are other suitable vacancies, claimants would be expected to apply for them, if they don't, the JSA can be stopped.

[sophie_1003]

Ok; thanks CorbyLoon. I wouldn't mind working full time somewhere else but for the fact that employers would probably be less than pleased to have someone who wasn't in it for the long term and if I had to finish early or take time off for school visits and interviews I don't think that would be tolerated!

[THECORBYLOON]

You can apply for temporary jobs too, mind.

[sophie_1003]

I have been looking for temporary and permanent teaching ones; what is the usual notice period on unskilled temporary jobs; it's just that some teaching jobs I've seen are 'immediate start' or similar.

[factor-fiction]

Do you still live at home with parents, sophie? If so you ma find you aren't elgible for anything other than contribution based JSA- that depends on you having sufficient contributions, but I think (though you need to check) that these are credited for you while at uni.

I don't think the DWP will push you too hard to find anything other than teaching jobs for the first 3 months. But after 3 months you are called in for a more in-depth discussion and they will want you to agree a plan which may involve going for other types of jobs- but hopefully you'll find something before then.

There's no harm in applying for benfits. However you may find the JSA is reduced by some or all of the amount you get paid for working on Saturdays

[MrMister]

factor30 - as far as I know Sophie is working less then 16 hours in a week, so that shouldn't effect the benefit should it ?

I knew a phd student who had to sign on, he never got bugged by the JP in finding work. The JP just set the rules so its all down to the claimant/customer to get into work.

[sophie_1003]

Thanks for all the answers; it definitely sounds like it will be worth my while to ask about it; I'll just explain my situation to them fully as don't want to be unfairly claiming! And yes; my normal hours are only 8 a week but next week I'll be doing 19 hours as they needed cover.

[MrMister]

aw..well there lies the problem of occasionally switching from 8 hours to 19 hours a week...

Anyways, discuss it with the JP. Good luck.

[MrMister]

I mean JC.

[sophie_1003]

Yeah; it's not often I get extra hours at my current job but I fear it will be a bigger problem if and when I get supply work; potentially I could be in the position where for a couple of weeks I have full time work then nothing for a few weeks and have heard that you have to re-apply each time even if the work is temporary with unspecified end date.