MY JSA SUSPENDED AGAIN

[carlt]

The trouble is that nobody on the planet will take someone like me on for super-menial work; I simply won't fit in due to age and very obvious background (the way I look, the way I talk for example). People will naturally assume that you are going to fk off the very second something interesting comes along as well (which is true).

Sorry but that is just rubbish.

 

I have loads of academic qualifications, am reasonably well spoken (for a tyke) and have a very impressive CV.

 

I have also cleaned offices, worked in factories, stacked shelves, laid paving slabs, worked as a postman and did a stint erecting garden sheds.

 

If you go looking for work enthusiastically then people don't expect you to be qualifying for a gold watch but will appreciate your efforts while you're there.

 

It seems that you're naturally assuming that employers won't employ you to do the jobs you're sneering at and, with that attitude, you're probably right.

 

Seems to me as if my predicament has mainly triggered a Left Vs Right debate

Yeah, me and Smelly....Tory gits.

[jenlyn]

O.K., I'll see if I can modify my typing so people are not confused.

Here we go:

Seems to me as if my predicament has mainly triggered a Left Vs Right debate (Phylis appearing to be on the Right, Catweasel to the Left.)It's funny because I used to be quite Centre Right and read the Daily Mail but have gradually swung way over to the Left.

You may or may not agree with me but here is how I see what is taking place:

First of all, those of you who work will notice your taxes and expenses are rising. The bill for unemployment and health care is a huge factor in this. Working people are angry and I think politicians know how to manipulate that anger. Bear in mind I have worked too, doing a regular 80 hour week but am now unfortunate enough to fit into the category of "welfare scrounger". Can't help it either. I sent up to 30 job applications recently, got one interview and am finding each position advertised is getting at least 50 applicants.

Yes, I know it would be easier if I left the area but I have care responsibilities locally.

People I talk to who have jobs often tell me if they were to find themselves redundant, they'd easily find work. I'd say, at the very least, be prepared to travel and also that it's easier if you're younger.

I quote another job seeker from a mechanics site:

"That might once have been the case but there really is fk all out there now - I know cos I've been looking for *anything*; it's 4.5 months since I last worked and I'm very highly qualified, very highly skilled with a professionally prepared CV. I've had not one single interview despite hundreds and hundreds of job applications, many for jobs on 20% of my former earnings.

 

The competition for jobs - any jobs - is now absolutely massive. My next door neighbour owns a company that makes time-keeping, clocking-in-out machines. He recently advertised in the local paper for a .net etc programmer on 20K. He told me he got over 400 applicants (from an ad in the local rag!)

 

The trouble is that nobody on the planet will take someone like me on for super-menial work; I simply won't fit in due to age and very obvious background (the way I look, the way I talk for example). People will naturally assume that you are going to fk off the very second something interesting comes along as well (which is true).

 

The other thing to remember is that you're a bit stuffed if you have to travel a long way - there's no point going to do a job that pays you say 30 quid a day (before deductions) when it costs you 10-15 to travel there (we don't all live in London with cheap transport you know)."

I hear "close protection uk" are looking for volunteers. They use a labour government idea that has been carried over by the Tories.

BRING on THE GREEN party!

[carlt]

They use a labour government idea that has been carried over by the Tories.

I think it was a slippery slope started by the Torys with their YOPS and YTS, way back in the early 80s.

 

Every successive government has tried "work but not real work" schemes but none of them realise that actually funding people to learn a trade, for the whole length of an apprenticeship (a real one), is better than paying them to be a pencil holder for 6 months then chucking them back on the dole.

[Guest]

A tale of two job hunters-

 

My daughter aspired to do 'graphic design' like thousands of others, she is good 'Im probably biased' but not good enough to get a break so gave up on that and started to look at working in care after having a couple of crap jobs at Cafe Nero and Sainsbury's.

 

She only managed to secure an as and when contract initially due to her lack of experience with a local care agency providing personal care to people in their own homes. She made a big hit with the company and her clients and secured a permanent contract very shortly afterwards. The company where not that brilliant to work for and the hours were crap, multiple shifts spread across whole days so she started to look around for something else but persevered with the crap shifts until she found something which she did with a much bigger national company but the shift patterns are much better as are the company she works for.

 

She has also recently succeeded in getting an 'as and when' contract with a local NHS provider who provide forensic learning disability services and a secure setting, it has become her way of getting herself known and she is hoping this will lead to a permanent contract with the NHS which is her aim at which point she will give up her job with the other company.

 

Her boyfriend aspires to be a plumber but cannot secure either an apprenticeship or 'on the job' training so he took an an as and when contract working for a local provider of facilities services to a local NHS hospital trust, and a second job but this time directly employed by the NHS at another trust also as and when. He too is working to get himself known so that when a permanent contract comes up he will be hopefully in a strong position to apply for it. His work is basic cleaning and portering.

 

So as bad as the jobs market is at the mo. all is not lost, sights may have to be lowered for a while like these two have done until things pick up, which hopefully they will in a year or two.

 

This is not going to suit everybody (this type of work does not suit everybody) and it's not meant to be a lecture on how to do it just a description of how two young people secured jobs in the current climate.

Edited June 6, 2012 by MJG

[Athy]

Encouraging words.

Was she able to find anyone with nursing or caring experience to act as referees?

Edited June 6, 2012 by Athy

[Tuscan]

A tale of two job hunters-

 

My daughter aspired to do 'graphic design' like thousands of others, she is good 'Im probably biased' but not good enough to get a break so gave up on that and started to look at working in care after having a couple of crap jobs at Cafe Nero and Sainsbury's.

 

She only managed to secure an as and when contract initially due to her lack of experience with a local care agency providing personal care to people in their own homes. She made a big hit with the company and her clients and secured a permanent contract very shortly afterwards. The company where not that brilliant to work for and the hours were crap, multiple shifts spread across whole days so she started to look around for something else but persevered with the crap shifts until she found something which she did with a much bigger national company but the shift patterns are much better as are the company she works for.

 

She has also recently succeeded in getting an 'as and when' contract with a local NHS provider who provide forensic learning disability services and a secure setting, it has become her way of getting herself known and she is hoping this will lead to a permanent contract with the NHS which is her aim at which point she will give up her job with the other company.

 

Her boyfriend aspires to be a plumber but cannot secure either an apprenticeship or 'on the job' training so he took an an as and when contract working for a local provider of facilities services to a local NHS hospital trust, and a second job but this time directly employed by the NHS at another trust also as and when. He too is working to get himself known so that when a permanent contract comes up he will be hopefully in a strong position to apply for it. His work is basic cleaning and portering.

 

So as bad as the jobs market is at the mo. all is not lost, sights may have to be lowered for a while like these two have done until things pick up, which hopefully they will in a year or two.

 

This is not going to suit everybody (this type of work does not suit everybody) and it's not meant to be a lecture on how to do it just a description of how two young people secured jobs in the current climate.

[Guest]

Encouraging words.

Was she able to find anyone with nursing or caring experience to act as referees?

 

No!

 

- she steadfastly wanted to get the job(s) entirely on her own merit so simply gave the references provided by Cafe Nero/Sainsbury's to get her first job in care and they then provided the follow up references for the next one.

 

The companies concerned and the NHS don't accept references from relatives anyway.

[Athy]

Er, it were a joke.

[Guest]

Er, it were a joke.

 

Er, I know...

 

It wrankled a bit though because a few of her 'friends' have actually said stuff along the lines of 'well we all know how she got that job.... '

[Tuscan]

A tale of two job hunters-

 

My daughter aspired to do 'graphic design' like thousands of others, she is good 'Im probably biased' but not good enough to get a break so gave up on that and started to look at working in care after having a couple of crap jobs at Cafe Nero and Sainsbury's.

 

She only managed to secure an as and when contract initially due to her lack of experience with a local care agency providing personal care to people in their own homes. She made a big hit with the company and her clients and secured a permanent contract very shortly afterwards. The company where not that brilliant to work for and the hours were crap, multiple shifts spread across whole days so she started to look around for something else but persevered with the crap shifts until she found something which she did with a much bigger national company but the shift patterns are much better as are the company she works for.

 

She has also recently succeeded in getting an 'as and when' contract with a local NHS provider who provide forensic learning disability services and a secure setting, it has become her way of getting herself known and she is hoping this will lead to a permanent contract with the NHS which is her aim at which point she will give up her job with the other company.

 

Her boyfriend aspires to be a plumber but cannot secure either an apprenticeship or 'on the job' training so he took an an as and when contract working for a local provider of facilities services to a local NHS hospital trust, and a second job but this time directly employed by the NHS at another trust also as and when. He too is working to get himself known so that when a permanent contract comes up he will be hopefully in a strong position to apply for it. His work is basic cleaning and portering.

 

 

This is exactly the right approach, my sons daughter did a similar thing after being made redundant, the work is out there for those that look for it. It's no use relying on job centres many employers would not use them. It's job boards or word of mouth. I wish them success

 

So as bad as the jobs market is at the mo. all is not lost, sights may have to be lowered for a while like these two have done until things pick up, which hopefully they will in a year or two.

 

This is not going to suit everybody (this type of work does not suit everybody) and it's not meant to be a lecture on how to do it just a description of how two young people secured jobs in the current climate.

[jenlyn]

My son left the Marines this year, where he was trained to kill people (not a skill required in civvy street). He paid to go on an electricians course, did that whilst doing relief shift work for a security company, and has just passed the test to do relief firefighting duties. He has now set up his own little electricians business. <proud>. It's not all doom and gloom. Our kids seem to be finding a route forward :-)

[FORTUNATA]

I think you're talking here about younger people. I have friends a bit younger than myself who struggle but eventually find work. Having said that, as you say, they have a lot of contacts and people they know who "get them in".

However, it's a complex issue. Many highly qualified people are on the scrap-heap.

 

A tale of two job hunters-

 

My daughter aspired to do 'graphic design' like thousands of others, she is good 'Im probably biased' but not good enough to get a break so gave up on that and started to look at working in care after having a couple of crap jobs at Cafe Nero and Sainsbury's.

 

She only managed to secure an as and when contract initially due to her lack of experience with a local care agency providing personal care to people in their own homes. She made a big hit with the company and her clients and secured a permanent contract very shortly afterwards. The company where not that brilliant to work for and the hours were crap, multiple shifts spread across whole days so she started to look around for something else but persevered with the crap shifts until she found something which she did with a much bigger national company but the shift patterns are much better as are the company she works for.

 

She has also recently succeeded in getting an 'as and when' contract with a local NHS provider who provide forensic learning disability services and a secure setting, it has become her way of getting herself known and she is hoping this will lead to a permanent contract with the NHS which is her aim at which point she will give up her job with the other company.

 

Her boyfriend aspires to be a plumber but cannot secure either an apprenticeship or 'on the job' training so he took an an as and when contract working for a local provider of facilities services to a local NHS hospital trust, and a second job but this time directly employed by the NHS at another trust also as and when. He too is working to get himself known so that when a permanent contract comes up he will be hopefully in a strong position to apply for it. His work is basic cleaning and portering.

 

So as bad as the jobs market is at the mo. all is not lost, sights may have to be lowered for a while like these two have done until things pick up, which hopefully they will in a year or two.

 

This is not going to suit everybody (this type of work does not suit everybody) and it's not meant to be a lecture on how to do it just a description of how two young people secured jobs in the current climate.

[Guest]

I think you're talking here about younger people. I have friends a bit younger than myself who struggle but eventually find work. Having said that, as you say, they have a lot of contacts and people they know who "get them in".

However, it's a complex issue. Many highly qualified people are on the scrap-heap.

 

For clarity - that is exactly what I didn't say in their case.

[FORTUNATA]

I'm glad if that's the case. Remember, though, if you chuck a crust of bread at a group of 100 pigeons, only some of the pigeons will be pushy enough (or fortunate enough) to get a chunk. Mathematically speaking many of the 100 pigeons will inevitably not get to eat. Neither is it a given the smartest pigeons were the ones who got to eat.

Thus, some people are simply better at finding work during tough times than others.

I've seen those supermarket free-for-alls where people will crown arond a shelf of reduced items and then frantically push each other and shove to grab what they can. Only some of them go away with a reduced item.

 

My son left the Marines this year, where he was trained to kill people (not a skill required in civvy street). He paid to go on an electricians course, did that whilst doing relief shift work for a security company, and has just passed the test to do relief firefighting duties. He has now set up his own little electricians business. <proud>. It's not all doom and gloom. Our kids seem to be finding a route forward :-)

[Guest]

As I quoted earlier, I am seeing teachers (all ages) struggling for work in certain subjects. I suppose this is a result of everybody "getting into" teaching over the last decade or two. A lot came in to it for the pension apparently... (dives for cover.)

 

p.s Fortunata, whatever gave you the idea that I am left wing?

Edited June 6, 2012 by Guest

[FORTUNATA]

Sorry about that. Well, I am myself a lot more Left Wing these days but gradually converted.

 

As I quoted earlier, I am seeing teachers (all ages) struggling for work in certain subjects. I suppose this is a result of everybody "getting into" teaching over the last decade or two. A lot came in to it for the pension apparently... (dives for cover.)

 

p.s Fortunata, whatever gave you the idea that I am left wing?

[Athy]

Er, I know...

 

It wrankled a bit though because a few of her 'friends' have actually said stuff along the lines of 'well we all know how she got that job.... '

I know what you mean. My late father was an English teacher and some of my classmates at school reckoned that I got high marks for my English essays because he had helped me write them. It was, of course, my natural talent which got me the good results, as I'm sure is the case with your lass.

[Guest]

Sorry about that. Well, I am myself a lot more Left Wing these days but gradually converted.

T'was a joke mate, I do have slight leanings to socialism

[FORTUNATA]

Politics. Left and Right. I put myself in the Left camp.

Yes, you can see it quite clearly here.

Right Wing lays blame on the individual, not the system. So, if you don't have a large pension or a big house, that's your own look-out. Tough chedder! Margaret Thatcher held to that outlook, "No such thing as society!"

Left Wing people believe The State has a duty to create employment, further good education (as well as free higher education), enhance social welfare and encourage tolerance and equality.

Sadly the Left had a good chance but blew it under New Labour.

 

 

As I quoted earlier, I am seeing teachers (all ages) struggling for work in certain subjects. I suppose this is a result of everybody "getting into" teaching over the last decade or two. A lot came in to it for the pension apparently... (dives for cover.)

 

p.s Fortunata, whatever gave you the idea that I am left wing?

 

Well, I can go beyond that. I lived in the USSR and maybe it had an influence as I guess I'm now a socialist (afloat).

 

T'was a joke mate, I do have slight leanings to socialism

[Tuscan]

Politics. Left and Right. I put myself in the Left camp.

Yes, you can see it quite clearly here.

Right Wing lays blame on the individual, not the system. So, if you don't have a large pension or a big house, that's your own look-out. Tough chedder! Margaret Thatcher held to that outlook, "No such thing as society!"

Left Wing people believe The State has a duty to create employment, further good education (as well as free higher education), enhance social welfare and encourage tolerance and equality.

Sadly the Left had a good chance but blew it under New Labour.

 

 

 

 

Well, I can go beyond that. I lived in the USSR and maybe it had an influence as I guess I'm now a socialist (afloat).

 

 

I don't have a pension or a large house (although I do own a house) however I have always helped people who clearly want to help themselves rather than rely on the state to help them, funnily enough I think politics left or right is just an excuse to blame someone or something. Some people genuinely need helping unfortunately many just expect to be helped without helping themselves.

[PhilR]

Politics. Left and Right. I put myself in the Left camp.

Yes, you can see it quite clearly here.

Right Wing lays blame on the individual, not the system. So, if you don't have a large pension or a big house, that's your own look-out. Tough chedder! Margaret Thatcher held to that outlook, "No such thing as society!"

Left Wing people believe The State has a duty to create employment, further good education (as well as free higher education), enhance social welfare and encourage tolerance and equality.

Sadly the Left had a good chance but blew it under New Labour.

 

Forget what you learnt and what the parties stand for. They all change their policies in an attempt to get re-elected. A job in Westminster (with all the perks) is worth more than any principles ........................

 

 

(OK, there are a few MP's who aren't financially driven)

[Guest]

I don't have a pension or a large house (although I do own a house) however I have always helped people who clearly want to help themselves rather than rely on the state to help them, funnily enough I think politics left or right is just an excuse to blame someone or something. Some people genuinely need helping unfortunately many just expect to be helped without helping themselves.

I associate and agree with much of that despite being a bearded lefty.

 

Forget what you learnt and what the parties stand for. They all change their policies in an attempt to get re-elected. A job in Westminster (with all the perks) is worth more than any principles ........................

 

 

(OK, there are a few MP's who aren't financially driven)

Or as my socialist mentor, role model and grandfather would have said: "They all piss in't same pot, lad." I am reminded of his words frequently.

[Chris Pink]

They all change their policies in an attempt to get re-elected.

 

Surely, as representatives, that is what they are supposed to do?

[Smelly]

... an excuse to blame someone or something... many just expect to be helped without helping themselves.

 

Greenie!

[RLWP]

 

p.s Fortunata, whatever gave you the idea that I am left wing?

 

It is the way you naturally take a crossed ball with your left foot, I think...

 

Richard