dole and internship

Aseth

My contract ends at the end of March and I'll probably have to go on the dole. However there's a chance I'll be offered an internship(unpaid).

I work in IT and all I want to do is to keep up to date with modern technologies, and maybe get access to technologies I would not have otherwise encountered. When, in 1 or 2 years time when the recession is over I would like to be available on the job market with up to date skills, and up to date knowledge.

Does anyone know if I can intern(for free) and be on the dole aswell? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Xiney

you have to be seeking and available for work. So technically, no.

However, I don't think you should pass up the chance to do an internship. If you continue to search for a paid job in your field and will leave the internship if you get one, then you should be able to get the dole.

ShoulderChip

I am in the same boat, considering an unpaid internship for the summer,
however there is also the possibility that I will end up doing a masters next year (one of the gov funded ones)
will this affect my ability to get the dole during the summer?

The_Conductor

If you are on an internship, regardless of whether its paid or not, you do not meet the criteria for claiming the dole. Sorry.

I do think that you should do the internship anyhow- it will stand to you in the future.