Jobbridge company closing down

Midlands Minnie · 09-10-2015 11:50PM #1

Hello

I am 4 months into an internship with a start up company which is not doing well. He knows himself that he went into it without doing appropriate research but he has now put the business up for sale (only told today) Can I get any advice as to what happens to my €230 I get per week? I am 47 years old and have been working all my adult life and am desperate for work as I have huge financial obligations. I am applying for both real work and jobbridge positions but the stress of this business going under has had me in tears here this evening. I dont know what I am going to do if my money gets cut off and cant find any information on the JB website about a situation like this. Any advice would be great. Thanks.

Xenji · 10-10-2015 01:56AM

More than likely they will put you back on the rate you were on before the internship, they will treat you like a new applicant, but without the wait for payment and you will have to wait 3 months before doing another JobBridge, the 4 months will also be deducted from the 18 months of JobBridge you can do.

akamossy · 10-10-2015 10:29AM

Just go in and explain your situation to your local office. You won't be treated like a new applicant, you just go back to your old rate of 188. Make sure you have a letter with you stating the job bridge has ended and why and your local office should sort you out straight away. It happens, sometimes they don't work out, you won't be penalised for it.

Wanderer78 · 10-10-2015 11:01AM

stressful situation op, best of luck with it. im sure it ll work out

Midlands Minnie · 10-10-2015 12:24PM

Thank you for these which have calmed me down a bit. I will talk to him on Monday and see what he is going to do and will ring the social as well. Thank again. :-)

newacc2015 · 10-10-2015 12:30PM

Would contact a few firms in the industry you were doing the job bridge saying you had 4 months in x firm. You gained new skills, were hard working and really enjoyed it. That you would love any available jobs.

The whole point of job bridge is to upskill and move back into the work force. Not the endless cycle of FETAC course to FETAC course to jobbridge to FETAC course that people seem to fall into(some might disagree with its true). Try get a job in the private market.

Tipsy McSwagger · 10-10-2015 12:34PM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

Thank you for these which have calmed me down a bit. I will talk to him on Monday and see what he is going to do and will ring the social as well. Thank again. :-)

How did you come to the conclusion that you're money would be cut off? If anything happens you would just go back to your Jobseeker's Allowance. The only thing that would cause you trouble if you just walked out which obviously isn't the issue. Go in on Monday and explain the situation, make sure to take the name of the person you were talking to and the date and time of the conversation.

Midlands Minnie · 10-10-2015 01:14PM

My history is that I tool voluntary redundancy in Dec 2012 after nearly 20 years of working in the same company and did 2 FETAC courses on VTOS starting September 2013 to June this year to upskill and keep busy. My VTOS was then cut off and job seekers benefit was changed to job seekers allowance which is means tested (my husband works so this means I would get nothing) This is my main worry if my jobsbridge job stopped. I am not well versed in things like this. I have pages of jobs that I have applied for but I am not even getting acknowledgements let alone interviews. Its depressingly awful to be unemployed when I have worked all my life and I am doing my damnest to try and find work.

alane20 · 10-10-2015 01:16PM

It's revolting that a man that has been working all his life and joins than scam of a scheme to get back on his feet rather than milk the system gets left in limbo through no fault of his own, no advice but wish you best of luck and hopefully you get sorted soon

CatFromHue · 10-10-2015 02:55PM

Don't forget to ask about getting a reference if it does close, you'll probably need some personal phone number or email off the boss to get this.

Tipsy McSwagger · 10-10-2015 05:05PM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

My history is that I tool voluntary redundancy in Dec 2012 after nearly 20 years of working in the same company and did 2 FETAC courses on VTOS starting September 2013 to June this year to upskill and keep busy. My VTOS was then cut off and job seekers benefit was changed to job seekers allowance which is means tested (my husband works so this means I would get nothing) This is my main worry if my jobsbridge job stopped. I am not well versed in things like this. I have pages of jobs that I have applied for but I am not even getting acknowledgements let alone interviews. Its depressingly awful to be unemployed when I have worked all my life and I am doing my damnest to try and find work.

How's your cv and cover letter? I was applying for loads of jobs like yourself and asked for feedback from a company that turned me down, a lady from HR rang me and gave me some great help in sorting out my cv. I sorted out my cv and suddenly I was getting replies from companies. Don't give up I can guarantee you will get a job if you stay focused. I was down in the dumps a few weeks ago but now am doing admin work in a private hospital 3 days a week on a work placement (no pay though) and am just waiting on a background check from Apple for a full time position.

Midlands Minnie · 10-10-2015 06:07PM

The courses I did had experts from JOBS Club come in and look over our CV's to make sure they are ok. I spoke to the lady who came in and talked to er about my trouble getting replies as I thought my age was the problem. She helped me enourmously and even did my cover letter for me, this is what I cant understand. This was done in May and umpteen job applications later I've only had 2 interviews. In some way I am glad this internship hasnt worked out as I was treated like an office junior, sweeping the floors and dogsbody work, all the while the owner was rarely there and the assistant had her nose buried in her phone. Its very disheartening and I dont want to travel to Dublin (did that for 10 years). I seem to have everything in order, except a job. I will keep trying but I am just worried about money when this folds.

Stheno · 10-10-2015 08:25PM

As your husband is working, you will be assessed for JSA against his income when your JB ends.

You might need to look at being willing to commute if you can't find anything local.

newacc2015 · 10-10-2015 10:01PM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

The courses I did had experts from JOBS Club come in and look over our CV's to make sure they are ok. I spoke to the lady who came in and talked to er about my trouble getting replies as I thought my age was the problem. She helped me enourmously and even did my cover letter for me, this is what I cant understand. This was done in May and umpteen job applications later I've only had 2 interviews. In some way I am glad this internship hasnt worked out as I was treated like an office junior, sweeping the floors and dogsbody work, all the while the owner was rarely there and the assistant had her nose buried in her phone. Its very disheartening and I dont want to travel to Dublin (did that for 10 years). I seem to have everything in order, except a job. I will keep trying but I am just worried about money when this folds.

Im sorry to break this to you. But if you want paid employment, you will probably have to travel to Dublin. It has by far the strongest job market in the country. There is a reason why everyone is moving to Dublin for jobs. I cant imagine the midlands economy picking up in the next 5/6 years. It could easily flat line for the next 10-15 years. There will no be no serious construction in the midlands for a long time. Plus most firms are only locating in major cities.

IMO most FETAC/FAS courses are BS. Most of the "skills", they teach you can be learned on the job. You will gain nothing in these courses/jobbridge placements. I would try get a job in Dublin. Work there for a while, then try get a job at home. But I cant imagine the midlands having much job opportunities for a while.

Midlands Minnie · 10-10-2015 11:06PM

Just about everything in the midlands in Jobsbridge which is horrific. I know of one company who has advertised the same job in JObsbridge for the past 2 years. I reported them but JB says they are working with the limits. WFT!!! Its the worst thing to happen to this economy for older people like me seeking employment and you are not even guarantees a job at the end of it. I honestly hate this country at the moment, there is no one looking out for older workers. My CV is excellent and my references sing my praises and I do a good interview so it much be because I am 47 not 27. God the thoughts of commuting to Dublin.
:-(

Stheno · 10-10-2015 11:58PM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

Just about everything in the midlands in Jobsbridge which is horrific. I know of one company who has advertised the same job in JObsbridge for the past 2 years. I reported them but JB says they are working with the limits. WFT!!! Its the worst thing to happen to this economy for older people like me seeking employment and you are not even guarantees a job at the end of it. I honestly hate this country at the moment, there is no one looking out for older workers. My CV is excellent and my references sing my praises and I do a good interview so it much be because I am 47 not 27. God the thoughts of commuting to Dublin.
:-(

I think tbh that you are on a bit of pity party here.
I'm in my early forties, so not much younger than you and cannot agree with what you are saying.

Now if your area of work is a fairly low skilled one, then perhaps yes, you are being passed up for younger workers, but you say you are not even getting interviews so it's hard to see how that can be a factor.

Have you properly tailored your c.v. and made sure you've not stuff on it that calls out that you are the age you are if that's a concern?

newacc2015 · 11-10-2015 12:12AM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

Just about everything in the midlands in Jobsbridge which is horrific. I know of one company who has advertised the same job in JObsbridge for the past 2 years. I reported them but JB says they are working with the limits. WFT!!! Its the worst thing to happen to this economy for older people like me seeking employment and you are not even guarantees a job at the end of it. I honestly hate this country at the moment, there is no one looking out for older workers. My CV is excellent and my references sing my praises and I do a good interview so it much be because I am 47 not 27. God the thoughts of commuting to Dublin.
:-(

Honestly you have a masters from UCD or Trinity in Economics and be apply for a low skilled job. If you dont havent had a job in the 6 months, its the same as having no degree. The NYTimes made up a few thousand fake CVs. So had have experience in the relevant field, a masters in it. However they were out of work for the last 6 months. They had another set of CVs. They lack a master, relevant work in the field, but they had worked in the previous 6 months. The "less skilled and experienced", were significantly likely to be called to interview as they had worked in the previous 6 months. In the eyes of an employer. If you havent worked in the 6 months. You have no skills or experience

If you want a job. Dublin is the only choice.You lack skills/experience that you can only get in a paid job

Tipsy McSwagger · 11-10-2015 09:44AM

Take your dob off your cv if it's on it.

11-10-2015 10:06AM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

My history is that I tool voluntary redundancy in Dec 2012 after nearly 20 years of working in the same company and did 2 FETAC courses on VTOS starting September 2013 to June this year to upskill and keep busy. My VTOS was then cut off and job seekers benefit was changed to job seekers allowance which is means tested (my husband works so this means I would get nothing) This is my main worry if my jobsbridge job stopped. I am not well versed in things like this. I have pages of jobs that I have applied for but I am not even getting acknowledgements let alone interviews. Its depressingly awful to be unemployed when I have worked all my life and I am doing my damnest to try and find work.

This is a bit confusing. You say you are getting €230 on JobBridge, which means you were getting the full rate of JA. If you had already been changed to JA and were getting the full payment, then that won't change. Just because your Husband works, doesn't necessarily mean that you get nothing.

For what it's worth, I was you a few years ago. After doing all the courses offered, I did a JobBridge Internship and was luck enough to be kept on. Hang in there, maybe your employer is panicking!

Divisadero · 11-10-2015 11:12AM

They are not hiring at the moment but if it's something that you think you could do then a Clerical Officer in the Civil Service would provide you with steady employment and they won't hold the fact that you have been unemployed or in your 40's against you. You will sit some tests (don't be put off by these) and if sucessful have a competency based interview. Where they will only ask you about work related experience. You may even get work close to home. Although you will have a better chance if you agree to work in Dublin. But you can choose up to three locations. If you are interested register at Publicjobs.ie for alerts for the next Clerical Officer competition. There is a thread on the current competition here and I know of older long term unemployed candidates who have had no issues in getting hired once they passed the tests and could prove they had some relevant experience.

Midlands Minnie · 11-10-2015 11:30AM

I think tbh that you are on a bit of pity party here.
I'm in my early forties, so not much younger than you and cannot agree with what you are saying.

Now if your area of work is a fairly low skilled one, then perhaps yes, you are being passed up for younger workers, but you say you are not even getting interviews so it's hard to see how that can be a factor.
Have you properly tailored your c.v. and made sure you've not stuff on it that calls out that you are the age you are if that's a concern?

Its not a pity party I am on. I am low skilled, I never went to college but I have 25 years of office experience working in a very busy customer service department but I think yes, age may the problem. My CV has been looked over by course tutors and experts and I have excellent references. If I have to travel to Dublin to get a job, then it looks like I will have to. But I am not looking for pity, I am just explaining that I am having trouble and feel pretty low about it and asking for any ideas. This JB I am on will more than likely close within weeks and I am extremely concerned about my financial situation should this occur and wanted to know if anyone knew of what happens. I am pretty despondant and upset and worried and if that came across as looking for pity then you read it completely wrong and that was not my intention. There is nothing wrong with sharing thoughts and worries about situations in life.

Midlands Minnie · 11-10-2015 11:32AM

newacc2015 wrote: »

Honestly you have a masters from UCD or Trinity in Economics and be apply for a low skilled job. If you dont havent had a job in the 6 months, its the same as having no degree. The NYTimes made up a few thousand fake CVs. So had have experience in the relevant field, a masters in it. However they were out of work for the last 6 months. They had another set of CVs. They lack a master, relevant work in the field, but they had worked in the previous 6 months. The "less skilled and experienced", were significantly likely to be called to interview as they had worked in the previous 6 months. In the eyes of an employer. If you havent worked in the 6 months. You have no skills or experience

If you want a job. Dublin is the only choice.You lack skills/experience that you can only get in a paid job

I think you are right. Thanks

Midlands Minnie · 11-10-2015 11:38AM

Deleted User wrote: »

This is a bit confusing. You say you are getting €230 on JobBridge, which means you were getting the full rate of JA. If you had already been changed to JA and were getting the full payment, then that won't change. Just because your Husband works, doesn't necessarily mean that you get nothing.

For what it's worth, I was you a few years ago. After doing all the courses offered, I did a JobBridge Internship and was luck enough to be kept on. Hang in there, maybe your employer is panicking!

From what I can gather, you have 9 months of Job Seekers Benefit after redundancy which is 188. I was lucky that I got VTOS for my 2 years of course work. After the official 9 months(not including VTOS) you go on to JS Allowence which is then means tested wich meant I would have got nothing. But because I got the internship immediately after college I got the full 188+50. Its all very confusing but I think this is right. Well done on your internship and your new job. :-)

Stheno · 11-10-2015 11:39AM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

I think tbh that you are on a bit of pity party here.
I'm in my early forties, so not much younger than you and cannot agree with what you are saying.

Now if your area of work is a fairly low skilled one, then perhaps yes, you are being passed up for younger workers, but you say you are not even getting interviews so it's hard to see how that can be a factor.
Have you properly tailored your c.v. and made sure you've not stuff on it that calls out that you are the age you are if that's a concern?

Its not a pity party I am on. I am low skilled, I never went to college but I have 25 years of office experience working in a very busy customer service department but I think yes, age may the problem. My CV has been looked over by course tutors and experts and I have excellent references. If I have to travel to Dublin to get a job, then it looks like I will have to. But I am not looking for pity, I am just explaining that I am having trouble and feel pretty low about it and asking for any ideas. This JB I am on will more than likely close within weeks and I am extremely concerned about my financial situation should this occur and wanted to know if anyone knew of what happens. I am pretty despondant and upset and worried and if that came across as looking for pity then you read it completely wrong and that was not my intention. There is nothing wrong with sharing thoughts and worries about situations in life.

Ok that's a different attitude than your previous post saying you didn't want to work in Dublin. Have you your date of birth on your c.v?

Midlands Minnie · 11-10-2015 11:39AM

Divisadero wrote: »

They are not hiring at the moment but if it's something that you think you could do then a Clerical Officer in the Civil Service would provide you with steady employment and they won't hold the fact that you have been unemployed or in your 40's against you. You will sit some tests (don't be put off by these) and if sucessful have a competency based interview. Where they will only ask you about work related experience. You may even get work close to home. Although you will have a better chance if you agree to work in Dublin. But you can choose up to three locations. If you are interested register at Publicjobs.ie for alerts for the next Clerical Officer competition. There is a thread on the current competition here and I know of older long term unemployed candidates who have had no issues in getting hired once they passed the tests and could prove they had some relevant experience.

Brilliant. I will keep and eye out for these. Many thanks.

Avatar MIA · 11-10-2015 11:45AM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

The JB I am on will more than likely close within weeks and I am extremely concerned about my financial situation should this occur and wanted to know if anyone knew of what happens.

The state takes into account your spouses earnings when it comes to have a living. If you don't qualify for JSA it is calculated that you are not in dire straits. Why are you extremely concerned about your financial situation?

And for the elephant in the room. Are you sorry you took voluntary redundancy?

Divisadero · 11-10-2015 11:48AM

If you have 25 years of office experience you will be perfect for the Clerical Officer role and could have a steady job for the rest of your working life. There is no real minimum standard of education (just a vague) good general standard of education. When the time comes just practice the tests and if in doubt guess! I'd say there is a good chance that they will have another competition for permanent staff next year as the current panel expires next summer.

In the meantime you could phone them up and ask if your education is acceptable. Also they usually hire Temporary Clerical Officers once a year.

Good luck.

Midlands Minnie · 11-10-2015 11:57AM

Avatar MIA wrote: »

The state takes into account your spouses earnings when it comes to have a living. If you don't qualify for JSA it is calculated that you are not in dire straits. Why are you extremely concerned about your financial situation?

And for the elephant in the room. Are you sorry you took voluntary redundancy?

It was a medium sized company and there was very little room for advancement. I was burned out with nearly 20 years in a customer service department taking nasty calls all day, with cutbacks and earlier redundancies we were given more work on top of calls and I began to dread going in. In hindsight it wasnt the best time to do it but it was the best decision I ever made. We also have 2 mortgages, we had a buyer and we moved to our new house and he pulled out right in the middle of the recession and the price dropped dramatically and we are now in massive negative equity. We have really good lodgers thank god but it doesnt cover the mortgage so we are struggling a lot financially.

Midlands Minnie · 11-10-2015 12:02PM

Divisadero wrote: »

If you have 25 years of office experience you will be perfect for the Clerical Officer role and could have a steady job for the rest of your working life. There is no real minimum standard of education (just a vague) good general standard of education. When the time comes just practice the tests and if in doubt guess! I'd say there is a good chance that they will have another competition for permanent staff next year as the current panel expires next summer.

In the meantime you could phone them up and ask if your education is acceptable. Also they usually hire Temporary Clerical Officers once a year.

Good luck.

Thank you so much. I will sign for the email notifications now and give them a buzz. Great advice and thanks again.

Avatar MIA · 11-10-2015 12:07PM

Midlands Minnie wrote: »

We also have 2 mortgages, we had a buyer and we moved to our new house and he pulled out right in the middle of the recession and the price dropped dramatically and we are now in massive negative equity. We have really good lodgers thank god but it doesnt cover the mortgage so we are struggling a lot financially.

Does the means test take the PPR mortgage into account - maybe you will qualify for JSA.

It looks like you'd bad luck with the sale of one of your properties. When you say lodger, is that for the other house. Have you considered a rent a room scheme for your PPR?

lazeedaisy · 11-10-2015 12:14PM

I was in a similar situation a year ago, and the same age.

I was determined to find a job, any job, knocked on doors, banged them down to be honest after working 25 years in Dublin.

I got a job, and there is work out there, not the work on job adverts, you really have to push people, get out and about, as far too many people are sitting looking for work.

It's not your age, employers will kill for people with your work ethic, they may not pay as much as they used to, but if you are desperate enough the work can be found.

I hope you get some answers but e prepared to pound the pavements,

Jobbridge company closing down

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