Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
Today, my Mum has made me claim Universal Credit. I am naffed off beyond belief! It is almost four years to the month that I first signed on. And nearly 3 three, since I last signed off. My first appointment with my new work coach is next week and I am dreading it! After nine months, if you have not managed to find work, they send you to a "Welfare to work" company (I won't mention the name of the company for fear of being sued). My time there, well, I dreaded going! They tried to get me to do a level 1 course (Basic English and Mathematics, not even GCSE level). It was unbelievably degrading, however I had to attend in order for my payments to continue.
This on top of trying to find employment, one of my Uncles dying, his upcoming funeral, my Brother expecting his first child in a few weeks, attending medical appointments in ludicrous locations... It just feels as though that everything and everyone is on my back, the walls are closing in and someone is having a giggle at me.
Has anyone else felt like this?
My recent experience with the job centre has not been as bad as my previous one but I think that is down to having a more relaxed work coach. I am also made to attend 1hour appointments with someone who helps people with "extra needs" every week, now I have to go to longer group sessions to learn things every week. I have a masters degree in engineering so obviously I have no need for extra support and these sessions are a total waste of time for me, but the private company makes money from the government by keeping me in that group so I just have to go along with it to make everyone happy. It is not very efficient, ironically I missed lots of calls from potential employers whilst attending the group, and the computers are so useless that it is a struggle to get them to apply to jobs because of the issues with blocking websites and not letting me upload my CV etc
not in these jobs - i can get u direct into a tester job - u follow the training and then u take part in testing projects with dozens of others online. u are paid per bug. it is hard work . going to bed now :)
I have applied for such positions before. However, they expect you to have Prince2 qualifications, which cost money. Money that I simply do not have.
how about software testing ? interested ?
low peanuts pay but you can get something on ur CV.
there are thousands in for every cleaning job - they usually take the cheapest ie a 17yr if they can
Hi Aidie,
Thank you for your reply. I know "Mother knows best". As for what I want to do, I do not even know any more! I have been turned down for that many jobs, over nearly five years, that I am losing the will to even look! I have even been turned down for a part-time cleaning job (That I had an interview for). If I cannot even get a job scrubbing floors and toilets for a few hours a week, what is the point?
yes i remember having to give a basic literacy test to an unemployed journalist. so crazy. I signed it as done. generally do what your mum says she has your back at all times. The money is useful. what sort of work are u looking for ?
Hi JennyButterfly,
Thank you for your response. If I could figure out what prompts my Mum to do half the things she says/does (She always comes up with certain things at the strangest times), I would be a step closer to figuring out Mankind's biggest question... "Why?". She has said that she would come to appointments with me if I need support.
Sounds like you're having a hard time generally so that means it's not great to be having to deal with the DWP too. Somehow things do seem to come together and so, yes, I've also felt a bit "got at" at times. Gotta say, I'm very suspicious of the DWP and the various hoops to be jumped through. My own dealings with them have been difficult and I've had to explain my way out of their suggestions on basic skills updates that seemed insulting. At the same time, though, (and speaking here in the role of parent too), I worry about planning for the future, family finances and in particular NI contributions not being made (I check my own every year and i'm all too aware that, for any years my sons haven't been in work or claiming benefits, their record will be blank). Not sure what's prompted your mum to make this decision now though. Would she maybe talk through your fears and support you through the process, assuming it's needed at this point?