Ok, so I'm skint. Need to sort something out. Before everyone goes nuts at me, I'll lay out the situation as I see it and those who feel like helping or offering advice, please do so...

As many of you know I've worked overseas for well over a year. Some of you may not know that that work came to an end on April 7th. Since then I've done some travelling with my savings and catching up with friends where possible. Whilst I was away, I earnt under the tax threshold and have consequently paid zero tax or NI for that time. Prior to that, I was a PAYE person since I was 18 and have always paid both. I have not had a P45 from my employer (TUI plc) as they expect me to return to work on around December 1st for next ski season. They were unable to offer me summer employment, however, due to my need for ankle surgery (which I was told on Friday will be scheduled for some time in August). Consequently, I've been looking at employment options locally of a temporary nature, whilst communicating with a variety of overseas contacts to enquire about returning overseas as soon as my surgery is done.

In the meantime, I need some help. My question is, presumably I'm entitled to JSA or something at the moment? I've never claimed anything before though, so I don't know how it works. Also, if I were to talk to someone about claiming, how would I pitch it? My employer currently views me as on "unpaid leave". I was thinking the thing to say would be that I'm currently unemployed but I've been offered to return to work with my existing employer in December and I need some help in the meantime??

Any ideas? Things are getting pretty serious. Thanks guys.

You should qualify for JSA ~ £65 per week.

If you've been in regular employment long term, the job centre assigns you a 'handler' to get you back into work asap. This option doesn't seem to be available to those who have been on benefits for quite some time, though.

I had a handler, and she was firing off CVs and calling me several times a day. All it got me was a warehouse job, but it was better than a poke in the eye.

They may want a P45 as proof of unemployment - it’s got tax details (even if you paid no tax etc. you still need to show this) . There were rules for seasonal workers when I was working at the DHSS - but what I know is ages old and may not apply now. I’d check at the CAB if I were you.

So are we thinking, I can get some help now without affecting my return to ski in December??

Coz I don't really want to be P45'd from TUI if I can help it...

I’m not qualified to advise on current benefit rules. Technically, you are still employed by them. Can they find you other work? What do others who work for them do? I can’t believe that they leave their workforce standing around idle like that.

I think you need to get your backside down to a CAB or phone them for advice as they'll be in a better possition to give you advice (as they will know they benefits rules).
You could also give the ACAS advice line a try - 08457 47 47 47.

+1

Do it now.

You don't actually need your P45 to make a JSA claim, but it does help.

You should be able to make a JSA claim whilst you're still on the books, but you'll have to satisfy them that you're working less than 16 hours a week and that your income is below a certain threshold.

PS. In the current tax year JSA is actually £71 per week.

Thanks guys. Spoke to them this afternoon and have now applied for JSA.

Actually went to the local job centre beforehand - you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villiany.

I know that one. Imagine if that was your job. At least when I was there, we had screens.

It was [LIFTED] frightening, frankly. I've been paying my way for 12 years and all I need is a little help. Well [LIFTED] me, I wouldn't recommend it unless you absolutely have to go there. It's like going being the Iron Curtain 30yrs ago.

My sister and I yesterday were swapping scary stories about our various work in social security. We met some really messed up people.

They follow you home as well if you aren’t careful.

One of the campaigns my company runs is for Wonga. I was talking to one of the IT chaps who has worked at that site. That's a frightening campaign to work on. Death threats probably shouldn't be a daily occurence of any job.

Indeed. Facts about Job Centres
1) The staff will do their best to make you feel like a worthless piece of [LIFTED].
2) They are only set up for near minimum wage jobs and lorry drivers. Have a degree? They'll have nothing for you.

I went once in the late seventies. Haven't been back since, It's easier to get work than benefits imho.