Job Seeker Allowance and new employers

LocalYokel

I got made redundant today from a contract role, and there is no redundancy. Im putting the feelers out for a new job, but Im worried about applying for the job seekers benefit. Is there any way if I find a new job my employer will find out I was on a benefit?

Trhiggy83

LocalYokel wrote: »

I got made redundant today from a contract role, and there is no redundancy. Im putting the feelers out for a new job, but Im worried about applying for the job seekers benefit. Is there any way if I find a new job my employer will find out I was on a benefit?

Why are you worried about applying for job seekers benefit?

LocalYokel

Stigma - wife said a new employer might think we're broke and offer low salary, or that Im too useless to get a job.

Trhiggy83

LocalYokel wrote: »

Stigma - wife said a new employer might think we're broke and offer low salary, or that Im too useless to get a job.

Wouldnt worry about that,sign on until you find what you are looking for. The stigma of being on the dole is not as much of a problem these days and only exists in social circles where people currently have high paying jobs. Try to avoid these assholes if at all possible and get on with your life. Its perfectly normal to claim social welfare while you are seeking work, thats the function behind it.

srsly78

The welfare office will ring your last employer to find out if you were fired or made redundant. They have no reason to contact your new employer however.

The new employer could find out about your previous earnings from your P45, but they won't see this until after you have the job and pay etc is agreed on.

sligoface

No, your new employer will not be aware of you being on benefit, at least during the interview process, and probably not even after you get the job. Even then, I don't see why they would bat an eye. If you were recruiting and you got an application from someone not currently employed, wouldn't you assume they are probably getting some kind of benefit? After all, you need benefits for the same reasons you need a job - you are not sitting on a pile of wealth that you can live comfortably off, and as such, require income from somewhere to pay living expenses.

As for your concerns about a prospective employer lowballing you on pay, the fact that unemployment is so high currently and so many are desperate for work is leading employers to offer lower salaries anyway. That has nothing to do with your personal circumstances, that's just the law of supply and demand. Also, many businesses are making less money, such as retailers, and can't afford to offer high salaries. But some fields are still doing well despite the recession, so they still have openings to fill and are willing to pay good wages for people that can do the job. If you have the skills and experience a company like that wants, then they're not going to lowball you just because you took the dole after being made redundant.

Unless you plan on applying for a position in one of Mitt Romney's companies, I wouldn't worry about the people you apply to thinking you are useless just because at this moment in time you need help to make ends meet. You might be entitled to your stamps anyway, which is generated from your own contributions.

Good luck to you in finding another job, it sounds like up to now you were one of the lucky ones who hadn't been hit hard by the recession yet. But it's affecting the whole country, no need to feel stigmatized. You're in a much better position than many on the dole, considering how recently you were employed.