Just Recieved "Available for and genuinely seeking work" Letter

Davexirl

Just got this in the post today and was filling it out and then the question have you registered with FAS?

I haven't but will do so now this week, I was just wondering how long does it take to get the Certificate of Registration from FAS? Because it asks to provide that Cert, so would I be able to go to FAS tomorrow and register and get the Cert then or does it take a few days to get it. Would it make much of a difference if I just ticked no I haven't registered yet and send back the form.

I am still going to register with FAS either way because according to this it looks better if you have and it might help with the search for a job.

Thanks

Graceland

There isn't any problem getting a cert from FAS. They just ask a few details and print you out a letter saying that you have registered with them. Then they tell you that you can make another appointment with them to go over things in more detail. But you shouldn't have any problem getting the letter from them straight away.

Davexirl

Graceland wrote: »

There isn't any problem getting a cert from FAS. They just ask a few details and print you out a letter saying that you have registered with them. Then they tell you that you can make another appointment with them to go over things in more detail. But you shouldn't have any problem getting the letter from them straight away.

Ah grand, thanks.

mary55

`just wondering dave when did you get this letter? how long have you been on Social Welfare for if you dont mind saying that is?

Davexirl

I signed on around the middle of last September, so on the dole 5 months now.

mary55

oh rite thanks dave. does anyone know how often they send out these available and genuinely seeking work letter cos ive been on the dole a longer then dave has and i havent gotten one?

matt70iu

I reckon it's done on a case by case basis. I was on JSB for about 5 months until I (luckily) got a job. In the 5 months, I never received a letter, although they did warn me that they may send one.

Would say they take into account things like have you been on social welfare before and how long you were on it.

jspruit

I got this letter in the mail 12 February after starting benefits in late December 2009.
I've already registered for FAS with my CV online, does anyone know what should I expect from this interview?

mary55

Hey Jespruit what did the letter say exactly if you dont mind saying? I'm just wondering what this letter is all about cos I've never got one and I have been on benefits for a while now.

jspruit

Basically the letter says that in accordance with National Action Plan for Employment I'm being contacted to assist me in obtaining employment. FAS will offer me guidance, courses, openings, etc.
There is also a placement services appointment set up for me to attend to discuss "the range of options available".
It finishes up with "Failure to attend this interview will result in your continued entitlement to an unemployment payment being reviewed, which may result in your payment being stopped. It is a condition of continued receipt of an unemployed payment that you must be available for, and genuinely seeking suitable work."

Nehaxak

Ah that letter isn't much, you just go meet the local jobs facilitator in your area and they try get you to work for nothing on one the FAS slave work placement schemes if you've any decent education. That and they take some details plus your CV and you'll never hear from them again as they're completely useless.

They'll also probably try place you on some waste of time fas training course, knitting/sewing or such crap.

My advice is go along and don't ask but DEMAND that the jobs facilitator sorts you out with regular proper job options and interviews and ask them not to waste your time with slave placements or useless fas courses (unless that's what you want).

Essentially, they don't have any real jobs to give so they'll do their best to fob you off with a knitting course or work placement working for nothing. Put pressure on them to do their own job and get you something decent for a change.

If it helps and if you're interested at all, ask them to provide advice on further education options and preferably not distance learning online rubbish. Gets them off your back from annoying you with silly courses and you get to educate yourself a little further while you're looking for a job.

jspruit

Thanks for the response Nehaxak.
I'll follow your advice regarding pushing them for real options instead of FAS knitting placement stuff. If they do put me on a course though, do I lose my job seeker benefits or do these courses cost me money?

Nehaxak

No the courses are free and as far as I'm aware, you will also keep your social benefit/assistance - I think maybe also a little extra but don't hold me to that, not sure what way things are now exactly.

It will of course cost you in regards travel costs but I think you could get a little extra to cover those.

All joking aside though, some of the courses Fas run are decent enough, it's just a matter of if there's any real job you can expect out of it all at the end.

Annasopra

Nehaxak wrote: »

Ah that letter isn't much, you just go meet the local jobs facilitator in your area and they try get you to work for nothing on one the FAS slave work placement schemes if you've any decent education. That and they take some details plus your CV and you'll never hear from them again as they're completely useless.

I got this letter as well - I found the jobs facilitator to be excellent, very very helpful so while you might say they are useless I disagree

Nehaxak

Well that's good to hear they're not all as bad as the ones I had to go through at the time.