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Hi,
I need some advice and it is quite urgent. I have only a few days to make a decision which could prove to alter my life, and not necessarily in desireable ways.
I’m currently under the guidance of A4E and they believe that this new job is ideal for me. It is a leisure assistant job with much cleaning duties. It is 35 hours per week and the commute is 12 miles there and 12 miles back possibly more from where I live. It is minimum wage and it is an 8 o’clock start. It is over 5 days.
I have weighed up the pros and cons of taking the job. My rent is £140 per week and my landlord will not reduce it. The tax credit will not even be enough to cover the cost of transport. A4E have said that I should get a bike but the thought of cycling 24 miles everyday for five days is exessive, especially since I aim to use that gym after work (it is a free membership for employees). The commute should be within the 90 minute rule, but cycling all that way probably tips it over.
After tax deductions from my wage I will be left with something like £60 per week. Out of this I will need to pay for gas and electric, water rates, food for my dog, any debts I have, tv licence and so forth.
I simply cannot take this job but I have no choice or else I face punishment. A4E would make my life hell if I did not take it.
My idea was to move closer to where the work is, rent out a cheap flat. This probably means I will need some money for a bond, money I don’t have. Plus there’s the cost of moving everything I have to the new accomodation. It would have to be private rented because the housing associations would not dare move me as I have debts of about £900.
Now the job seems exciting, a new gymnasium and opportunities to progress to a Personal Trainer level if I so wish. I told my mum this and she replied that that is all very well, but if you cannot afford to eat, or you find yourself homeless because you cannot afford the rent, what are you going to do? She broke down in tears begging me not to accept the job. I told her that I need to make myself employable. She said I was making the wrong decision.
Don’t know what to do. My only option is to move to where the job is, but I cannot afford the bond on that wage. And I would need to move out as soon as I take the job. I cannot go live with my mum because she already has a daughter taking the spare room, and it would be impractical anyway, financially and otherwise.Any suggestions would be most welcome!
My understanding is that you are currently unemployed and on jobseekers allowance. You have been given the opportunity to work for a gym but your main concern is that the cost of using public transport to and from the place of work will be excessive leaving you without enough income to pay all your living costs…
This is a no-brainer. Take the job. Without it you will not continue to receive your jobseeker’s allowance. Once you have a job it is considerably easier to find alternative employment but while you are not employed it will be much more difficult.
In the future you can consider moving closer to the place of employment, but there may also be other options. There may be offers of overtime or an opportunity to apply for a better paid position at the gym. If you are finding it difficult to pay your rent etc. it is also worth looking into whether you can apply for Housing Benefits from your local authority.
Having a job will greatly improve your confidence and sense of self-worth so even if you are in the same financial predicament you are in now, you are much more likely to be able to find an alternative job.
I hope this helps and Good luck!
Oh dear. This is a common scenario for the younger job seekers of today. Have you tried to see if you are entitled to any help such as housing benefit or a crisis loan, bridging loan or other grant. It might be worthwhile speaking with citizens advice as they may be able to offer you help and advce about the situation.
Have you even actually been offered this job? If they are just pushing you to take the interview then do it, and if you dont think the job is for you then explain in the interview that you like the idea of the role but you really dont think you are suitable due to the travelling distance etc. 12 miles isnt excessive if you drive, but if youre having to go under your own steam im sure it will be! And what about bad weather, when its snowy and you cant get in. No job is worth risking your life for.
So in short, I would advise turning the job down if it is going to make your life difficult, but advise A4E that you would have loved the job had it been closer. You could try approaching local gyms yourself and seeking employment with them.Good luck
Hi Martyn
I’m really sorry that you are facing this dilemma and I can appreciate how difficult it must be for you.
I would also suggest that you speak to Citizens Advice before you decide on what to do. It seems as if you would just have enough to make ends meet so, if you can overcome the transport issue, I would recommend that you take the job so that you have work experience to put on your CV. I’ve never been in this type of situation where you are wondering if a job is worthwhile financially but I would think that the experience would be valuable to you. You never know, the job could lead to better things in 6 months or a year.
Could you try asking people you know if they or anyone they know drives to the same area as the leisure centre? Offering a share of the petrol costs would help both of you. Obviously, this depends upon the working pattern that you have been offered but it is worth thinking about.
I would advise that you pursue every avenue before making a decision. If you can work things out financially, I would encourage you to take the job and get your career going.
Best wishes.
yes take the job, the tax credits are based on how much you earn and the hours you work (you have to work over 16 i think). the tax credits should help towards other expenses. Once in a job you will find it easier to find another job. Also, bear in mind that you should still be able to get help with other expenses, they wont just “stop” – speak to the benefits people, they will know if you can claim council tax, housing benefit etc
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