RECENTLY made unemployed, I am currently on Jobseeker’s Allowance. On March 31, I was notified by mail that my Jobseeker’s Allowance would cease on September 3, the reason being “we cannot pay you because your entitlement based on Class 1 National Insurance contributions has run out”.
After phoning for clarification I was told that I would only get Jobseeker’s Allowance for 182 days and then I would have to apply for income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The Government says that it is doing everything to help the unemployed. This is a farce.
After being made redundant I contacted the Jobcentre, asked about training opportunities and was told that they had insufficient funding, so I took it upon myself to gain – at my own expense – a forklift truck driver’s licence.
The Government says it wishes to help people in this recession.
It seems to me that you are on your own. Disgruntled.
Andrew Lanagan, Darlington.
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