Income support Work focused interviews

[AppleBlossom]

I just got a letter through for an appointment for a work focused interview at the job centre. I never asked for one but anyway. Basically it's to discuss my options about going back to work or training or looking for another job. The reason I don't work at the minute is A) I can't afford childcare even with financial help and B) I have no regular childcare in the form of family members. And I may be wrong but I don't think many people would want to employ me if I went to an interview and said I could only work this day this week for so many hours, then next week I can do do this day and this day but only from these hours etc. I am waiting to start a uni course in April from home for the above reasons. Although I will be delighted if they can somehow find a way round it... So what exactly will they ask me or try and suggest?

 

[freckleonear]

I've been to a couple of these now as hubby is disabled. They will do a "better off in work calculation", which will show you exactly what benefits and childcare you would be entitled to if you did choose to go back to work (it's usually only a few pounds difference from your current situation). They may also tell you about any help they can offer for education or training purposes, so it may be worth mentioning your home study course. Basically they just ask if you've thought about going back to work and explain what you could be entitled to, but they won't question your decision or pressurise you in any way.

 

[Jemma_x]

I've been to a couple of these now as hubby is disabled. They will do a "better off in work calculation", which will show you exactly what benefits and childcare you would be entitled to if you did choose to go back to work (it's usually only a few pounds difference from your current situation). They may also tell you about any help they can offer for education or training purposes, so it may be worth mentioning your home study course. Basically they just ask if you've thought about going back to work and explain what you could be entitled to, but they won't question your decision or pressurise you in any way.

ive had one and the above is exactly same to what they did at mine. They just told me how much better off id be, what id be entitled to but they didnt pressureise me in anyway

 

[Windmills]

You don't ask for them, they're mandatory. And exactly like the other ladies said They won't press you to go back to work, if you're a lone parent you're entitled to IS until Grace is 7 xx

 

[DizzyMoo]

As above but thought id add , These are mandatory once every 6 mths & if you dont go they will deduct money from your income support x