I wonder how many countless tens of thousands have been sanctioned this Christmas for no real fault of their own.
The minimum sanction is 4 weeks, meaning at best they'd have zero money for a month.
What kind of a heartless **** would sanction someone for no real reason at Christmas? A They are handing these things out at Christmas to innocent folk who have done little to nothing wrong.
My mum was told many years ago that "Christmas" was just another day to those on benefits. Seems like nothing changed there then.
I heard someone say there aren't enough jobs for everyone in Britan .. Just a lazy mans excuse to be on the dole
I would love to know where all the jobs are. We dont have a industry anymore, more and more companies going abroad, we have more people living here. 100s of people going for the same job.
When the government stopped the crisis loans they continued to partly fund the council run hardship payments. But that is going to stop. My local council will lose the 100k from the government next year. As a result they are debating whether to only issue food vouchers rather than cash in the future. These vouchers won't help people top up their gas and electricity though.
But strangely, when reading the actual report of last years spending on hardship loans, my local council actually had over £100k of their budget left over last year, which is probably because they don't let people know that they can actually ask for one. http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11657817.Food_vouchers_to_replace_cash_benefits_in_York__as_demand_for_crisis_grants_soars_29__in_12_months/?action=success#comments
I would love to know where all the jobs are. We dont have a industry anymore, more and more companies going abroad, we have more people living here. 100s of people going for the same job.
In South Oxfordshire where I live we have less than 0.5% on JSA (the national average is 2%), and less than 0.1% have been unemployed for 6-12 months (the national average is 0.3%) and less than 0.1% for 12 months or more (the national average is 0.6%), we only have 65 people in the entire local authority area who are long-term JSA 12 months or more. The ill and the disabled are also relatively low unemployment with ESA/IB claimant count at 2.8% (the national average is 6.2%)
There are lots of jobs here, over a thousand new jobs on a nearby trading estate within the last year, and more to come they are expanding the trading estate, to the point they want to improve the road links to cope with the traffic. Rail links are also being improved with stations being expanded and platforms lengthed and even new train stations due to be opened with new longer and faster trains coming. A nearby shopping centre is also being expanded with over 20 new shops being built and a couple of new supermarkets. Also a nearby town is being expanded with thousands of new homes being built.
And the jobs are easy to find from employment agencies advertising for warehouse work to virtually every other shop and cafe having a notice on the door saying they have vacancies, and we even have factories although many are high tech.
And even if you have been long-term unemployed you can get a job here. I know someone in the area who was on welfare for over 10 years has a health condition and after working in a charity shop to get an up to date reference they got a full time job in a mail order company warehouse. I also know someone else who is an ex drug addict who recently came out of prison and has mental health problems and they walked into a job at a supermarket. If people with such obvious barriers to employability are able to relatively easily find employment in the area then others should be able to do so.
South Oxfordshire is in the Tory heartlands and while talk of lack of jobs may ring true in other parts of the UK it does not ring true here.
In South Oxfordshire where I live we have less than 0.5% on JSA (the national average is 2%), and less than 0.1% have been unemployed for 6-12 months (the national average is 0.3%) and less than 0.1% for 12 months or more (the national average is 0.6%), we only have 65 people in the entire local authority area who are long-term JSA 12 months or more. The ill and the disabled are also relatively low unemployment with ESA/IB claimant count at 2.8% (the national average is 6.2%)
There are lots of jobs here, over a thousand new jobs on a nearby trading estate within the last year, and more to come they are expanding the trading estate, to the point they want to improve the road links to cope with the traffic. Rail links are also being improved with stations being expanded and platforms lengthed and even new train stations due to be opened with new longer and faster trains coming. A nearby shopping centre is also being expanded with over 20 new shops being built and a couple of new supermarkets. Also a nearby town is being expanded with thousands of new homes being built.
And the jobs are easy to find from employment agencies advertising for warehouse work to virtually every other shop and cafe having a notice on the door saying they have vacancies, and we even have factories although many are high tech.
And even if you have been long-term unemployed you can get a job here. I know someone in the area who was on welfare for over 10 years has a health condition and after working in a charity shop to get an up to date reference they got a full time job in a mail order company warehouse. I also know someone else who is an ex drug addict who recently came out of prison and has mental health problems and they walked into a job at a supermarket. If people with such obvious barriers to employability are able to relatively easily find employment in the area then others should be able to do so.
South Oxfordshire is in the Tory heartlands and while talk of lack of jobs may ring true in other parts of the UK it does not ring true here.
So that's alright then.
Jack.
In Hull last year there were 40 odd applicants for every job available - the worst ratio in the country - I saw really tough, grown men in tears.
But as long as the Tory heartlands are doing well we can all rest soundly in our beds.
Christ! I just read that agreement. No wonder they're able to pick on the weak. They may not understand the terminology and there don't appear to be any concrete goals written down. It pretty much seems to be on the whim of the advisor, being able to write the rules as they go along.
I assume that everyone knows that the Government measure employment as being anyone in work for ONE hour or more per week.
Record employment levels, as much as being because the population is at an all time high, also means that more people are working one hour or more per week.
Unemployment is measured as being anyone who works less than one hour per week, is actively seeking work, is able to start work in the next two weeks AND has sought work in the past two weeks.
It's also based on a statistical analysis of the population based on a survey of 50,000 people per month. It doesn't (and couldn't, as it would be impossible) count literally everyone who is without any work. The only figure that counts 100% of available data is the amount of people on JSA, which paradoxically also includes people who are classed in employment in the main figures (as JSA can be claimed for working less than 16 hours per week).
It all has to be done online now and for many they don't give a minimum number of jobs. People can't apply for a minimum number of jobs or above that number, because they're purposely not setting one.
They then sanction people for not applying for 'enough' jobs, even though they say there is no set number of jobs to apply for. It's a stitch up.
I refused to join the DWP jobsearch thing. I used specialist recruitment agencies.
Well that group that were in power before who were supposed to look after the 'average working guy' were a right nasty bunch. Fancy letting in so many unfettered immigrants that devalued the jobs the indigenous didn't want in the first place.
Bastards!
Personally I think there sould be more cuts to benefits, I have a good full time job and I see plenty of benefits claimants who have a far better lifestyle than myself. Always at the pub, holidays abroad twice a year, nice car, it goes on..
These will be people who are claiming benefits and working on the side. Nobody just surviving on JSA will be just that. Literally able to survive.
In Hull last year there were 40 odd applicants for every job available - the worst ratio in the country - I saw really tough, grown men in tears.
But as long as the Tory heartlands are doing well we can all rest soundly in our beds.
Hey sweetpeanut said they would love to know where all the jobs are, so I told them, look on nomis and see, some areas like South Oxfordshire have far more job vacancies and far lower unemployment than the UK average. People from Eastern Europe travel all the way to the UK to work, so I don't see why people from high unemployment areas of the UK can't move to low unemployment areas for work if they want to.
Hey sweetpeanut said they would love to know where all the jobs are, so I told them, look on nomis and see, some areas like South Oxfordshire have far more job vacancies and far lower unemployment than the UK average. People from Eastern Europe can be bothered to come all the way to the UK to work, so I don't se why people from high unemployment areas of the UK can't move to low unemployment areas for work if they want to.
Because one of the biggest problems people have is being able to move in the first place
Some areas like South Oxfordshire have far more job vacancies and far lower unemployment than the UK average. People from Eastern Europe travel all the way to the UK to work, so I don't see why people from high unemployment areas of the UK can't move to low unemployment areas for work if they want to.
You're not thinking about it.
You live in the North and you have a family. You've been out of work for ages, but there's a job in Oxfordshire starting in three weeks. Just how are you going to uproot the family and find somewhere to live in that time? Or are you expected to maintain two lots of living accomodation until you can (which will take longer than you think as you have to live away from home and pay for your accomodation)?
And that's just the start of the questions - job mobility isn't possible for everyone.
Hey sweetpeanut said they would love to know where all the jobs are, so I told them, look on nomis and see, some areas like South Oxfordshire have far more job vacancies and far lower unemployment than the UK average. People from Eastern Europe travel all the way to the UK to work, so I don't see why people from high unemployment areas of the UK can't move to low unemployment areas for work if they want to.
they need the funds to move and for accommodation and thriving areas often have rents and house prices to match too. then there might be some family responsibilities to consider as well it`s not really that simple.
House prices and rentals are ridiculously high in South Oxfordshire.
also the post mentioned agency's looking to recruit for warehouse work, no point moving for agency warehouse work, it will be underpaid, with no firm commitment on how long the job might last.
This from CAB Chief Executive, Gillian Guy sums it up nicely:
“The minimum four week sanction is setting people up to fail and creating a barrier which can stop them from looking for work. Four weeks is a long time to go without money to get by and people are struggling to make ends meet.
“The success rate of sanction appeals reveals a culture of ‘sanction first and ask questions later’. This is not only ineffective and a huge waste of money but also has a devastating effect on thousands of people’s lives.
“People need a system that can take into account their situation, set suitable work search requirements and where necessary apply sanctions at a level that won’t limit their chances of employment. Whilst it is vital that people receiving taxpayers’ support do their utmost to find work, the model needs to work and not make it harder for claimants to find a job.
“To date, Work Programme contractors have been responsible for twice as many sanctions on the people referred to them as they have successfully helped people find work. Combined with Citizens Advice’s latest figures this paints the strongest picture yet that the system is not working as it should.”
Obviously there has to be the possibility of imposing sanctions but the current regime is clearly over-zealous, too harsh and is driving some people further from the workplace. Hopefully the forthcoming Work & Pensions Committee inquiry will put pressure on the government to be more reasonable.
also the post mentioned agency's looking to recruit for warehouse work, no point moving for agency warehouse work, it will be underpaid, with no firm commitment on how long the job might last.
Agency warehouse work was just an example, along with shop work of types of work readly available that you can walk in and start almost immediately, there are also obviously permanent jobs and better paid jobs.
Many East Europeans seem perfectly willing and able to relocate for work and even some people from the North of England and some relocate with their families in tow. While it maybe unfeasable for some I stated if they want to, I am not demanding everyone in high unemployment areas ups sticks and moves for work regardless of personal circumstances.
Agency warehouse work was just an example, along with shop work of types of work readly available that you can walk in and start almost immediately, there are also obviously permanent jobs and better paid jobs.
Many East Europeans seem perfectly willing and able to relocate for work and even some people from the North of England and some relocate with their families in tow. While it maybe unfeasable for some I stated if they want to, I am not demanding everyone in high unemployment areas ups sticks and moves for work regardless of personal circumstances.
im doing temp work at the moment, but I would need certain condition before I moved anywhere for any job 1) the job be permanent & 2) the wage means that I can afford to live in the local area, and by living I dont mean 20 to a semi, I mean actually live a full life.
Also the employer or agency wont be finding me a home, like often happens with people from other county's, so thats not an option to me.
Comments
My mum was told many years ago that "Christmas" was just another day to those on benefits. Seems like nothing changed there then.
Bait thread
I would love to know where all the jobs are. We dont have a industry anymore, more and more companies going abroad, we have more people living here. 100s of people going for the same job.
hahahaha whatever
But strangely, when reading the actual report of last years spending on hardship loans, my local council actually had over £100k of their budget left over last year, which is probably because they don't let people know that they can actually ask for one.
http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11657817.Food_vouchers_to_replace_cash_benefits_in_York__as_demand_for_crisis_grants_soars_29__in_12_months/?action=success#comments
In South Oxfordshire where I live we have less than 0.5% on JSA (the national average is 2%), and less than 0.1% have been unemployed for 6-12 months (the national average is 0.3%) and less than 0.1% for 12 months or more (the national average is 0.6%), we only have 65 people in the entire local authority area who are long-term JSA 12 months or more. The ill and the disabled are also relatively low unemployment with ESA/IB claimant count at 2.8% (the national average is 6.2%)
There are lots of jobs here, over a thousand new jobs on a nearby trading estate within the last year, and more to come they are expanding the trading estate, to the point they want to improve the road links to cope with the traffic. Rail links are also being improved with stations being expanded and platforms lengthed and even new train stations due to be opened with new longer and faster trains coming. A nearby shopping centre is also being expanded with over 20 new shops being built and a couple of new supermarkets. Also a nearby town is being expanded with thousands of new homes being built.
And the jobs are easy to find from employment agencies advertising for warehouse work to virtually every other shop and cafe having a notice on the door saying they have vacancies, and we even have factories although many are high tech.
And even if you have been long-term unemployed you can get a job here. I know someone in the area who was on welfare for over 10 years has a health condition and after working in a charity shop to get an up to date reference they got a full time job in a mail order company warehouse. I also know someone else who is an ex drug addict who recently came out of prison and has mental health problems and they walked into a job at a supermarket. If people with such obvious barriers to employability are able to relatively easily find employment in the area then others should be able to do so.
South Oxfordshire is in the Tory heartlands and while talk of lack of jobs may ring true in other parts of the UK it does not ring true here.
So that's alright then.
Jack.
In Hull last year there were 40 odd applicants for every job available - the worst ratio in the country - I saw really tough, grown men in tears.
But as long as the Tory heartlands are doing well we can all rest soundly in our beds.
Christ! I just read that agreement. No wonder they're able to pick on the weak. They may not understand the terminology and there don't appear to be any concrete goals written down. It pretty much seems to be on the whim of the advisor, being able to write the rules as they go along.
you should check the figures for yourself.........if you can be bothered.
Record employment levels, as much as being because the population is at an all time high, also means that more people are working one hour or more per week.
Unemployment is measured as being anyone who works less than one hour per week, is actively seeking work, is able to start work in the next two weeks AND has sought work in the past two weeks.
It's also based on a statistical analysis of the population based on a survey of 50,000 people per month. It doesn't (and couldn't, as it would be impossible) count literally everyone who is without any work. The only figure that counts 100% of available data is the amount of people on JSA, which paradoxically also includes people who are classed in employment in the main figures (as JSA can be claimed for working less than 16 hours per week).
I refused to join the DWP jobsearch thing. I used specialist recruitment agencies.
These will be people who are claiming benefits and working on the side. Nobody just surviving on JSA will be just that. Literally able to survive.
You sound totally ignorant to be honest.
Because one of the biggest problems people have is being able to move in the first place
You live in the North and you have a family. You've been out of work for ages, but there's a job in Oxfordshire starting in three weeks. Just how are you going to uproot the family and find somewhere to live in that time? Or are you expected to maintain two lots of living accomodation until you can (which will take longer than you think as you have to live away from home and pay for your accomodation)?
And that's just the start of the questions - job mobility isn't possible for everyone.
they need the funds to move and for accommodation and thriving areas often have rents and house prices to match too. then there might be some family responsibilities to consider as well it`s not really that simple.
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/pressoffice/press_index/press_20140415.htm
Obviously there has to be the possibility of imposing sanctions but the current regime is clearly over-zealous, too harsh and is driving some people further from the workplace. Hopefully the forthcoming Work & Pensions Committee inquiry will put pressure on the government to be more reasonable.
Many East Europeans seem perfectly willing and able to relocate for work and even some people from the North of England and some relocate with their families in tow. While it maybe unfeasable for some I stated if they want to, I am not demanding everyone in high unemployment areas ups sticks and moves for work regardless of personal circumstances.
Also the employer or agency wont be finding me a home, like often happens with people from other county's, so thats not an option to me.