JSA Eligability

[imacsu]

Hi all!!

 

An intermittent lurker, and now a poster. I have a predicament however, so need some advice.

 

I have been working in a job for 13 months. I have had no problems throughout the time of service and it is what you would consider "secure". It involves travelling approximately 25 miles each day (12 miles each way or so). Up until now, I have been able to rely on a lift to get me to work and back. However, this lift is no longer possible for me.

 

Therefore, I have to make my way. The first issue is the distance, which is quite long, and obviously too long to cycle (I don't own one) or walk. The second issue is the location, whereby it is practically in the middle of nowhere. And the third issue, is the hours I work, which is from 23:00 to 07:00/08:00.

 

Now obviously this poses a problem. There is two methods of public transport that I can use:

 

Method 1, recommend by Traveline - Bus. I'd leave home at 20:50 and arrive at work at 21:44, which is 1hr 15 minutes early for work. I'd then leave work at 07:00 and I'd arrive home at 08:55 (1hr 12 minutes actual travelling time).

 

Method 2, worked out by myself - Train - I'd leave home at 21:50 and arrive at the destination train station at 22:17. According to Google Maps, the walk from the station would be 36 minutes (2 miles) but I'd say I could do it at a fast pace in 25 or so. So a total travelling time of 50 minutes or so (1hr 10 to be on time for work). The same on the return journey, although I would not arrive home until 08:25 (which gives a time between finishing work and getting home, of 1hr 25).

 

Now the biggest problem with Method 1, is obviously the fact I'd essentially be arriving for work over 1 hour early and not getting home until almost 2 hours later. So I think I'd count this method out

 

The biggest problem with Method 2, is that the 2 mile route I have to walk down, to get to work, is an unpaved NSL country road, with multiple dangerous bends and fast cars, in the dead of night (at least in the day, some drivers half expect horses to be walking on the lanes and look out for them). Also, I work in an environmental whereby I have to be smart and presentable, so getting dirty would be a no-no.

 

Now I understand the maximum travelling time under JSA rules, is ~2 hours. Because of the problem I now face with the lack of a lift, would it be acceptable for me to work my notice/battle through until they can get a new member of staff and voluntarily quit my job, to claim JSA, or would the DWP see these problems as no-excuse? I work alone at night, so there no possibility of "car-sharing", and if I were to be late/not able to make it due to a transport problem, it would cause hassle for the employer and probably get me sacked if it happened a few times.

 

To give you an idea of my circumstances, I currently live on my own, in a socially rented flat, and don't hold a driving licence. I've just applied for a provisional one, but I won't be driving any time soon. The job I am in, is only just above NMW, so the cost of all the transport would eat into my wage, although if it were a straightforward journey, I'd be happy to accept that.

 

I'm certainly not crying poverty, I get by, and the 40 hours per week is enough for me to lead a decent standard of living despite the relatively low wage.If I we're to drop onto the JSA scheme, I would be worse off, even after considering travel costs, so it's not a decision I take easily. Add to the mix the current job shortages, and I certainly don't want to be out of work. However, the thought of this predicament is worrying me.

 

I did consider handing in my notice (1 week), and working until the employer had someone lined up to replace me (I'd probably have to train them) and asking my employer to "end my contract" for want of a better phrase, without actually sacking me per se, as I'm on good friendship terms with the management (another reason I love working there), but I'm not sure how DWP find out this information, whether they go through management at site-level, or HR at head office. I know the employer won't want to lose me as I've worked 297 nights in 365 days of my first 12 months employment, and never once been late or sick, but something has to give.

 

Any advice or opinions would be most appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[flumps1976]

The travel time for claiming JSA is 90 minutes now.

It depends on what you are happy to do tbh, if you feel that you could travel for the time being and would feel safe enought to do s then carry on doing that but look for alternative emoloyment.

If you do decide to leave your employment on a volunatary basis you will be asked about that at your New Claim Interview and you coud be referred for a possible LV sanction which if imposed can run for a period between 2 and 26 weeks.

 

Google Wheels to work for the area where you live as you may qualify for some help with travel costs which could then allow you to continue to work where you are

[imacsu]

Thanks. Wheels to work in my area takes to a dead website - I assume it is the scooter-lease service that used to operate. I used to work for the company who ran this scheme on behalf of the local council, and iirc, they went bust after the council removed the funding some 12 months ago. I will phone a council office in the morning to see if the scheme (or an alternative) is still offered.

 

As for financial help, it would be great, but it's generally the practicalities that is the biggest issue for me. I guess the 90 minutes probably puts me within the government guidelines, at least on method 2. However, as I say, I would quite literally be put my safety/life on the line to do it, so not sure if that has any bearing on things. I will need to do it for the next week, which is why I'm asking now, to see where I stand.

 

[RaeUK]

Have you considered investing in a very cheap second hand moped? ...