O/T CC's rant..you've been warned!

[Caged Lion]

As an employer, albeit a very small number of people, I realise just how difficult it is to get out of the unemployed bracket.

Every occasion that I have a vacancy I use Jobcentre Plus. In my dealings they are efficient and often contact me with requests to consider people who are struggling to find work locally. In the past I have employed both E2E (Entry to Employment) youngsters and A2E (Adult) who clearly are having a tough time. The work is outdoors, physical and mucky, I try to treat everyone with respect and patience, and virtually every one has responded magnificently. It is a pleasure to watch as self esteem increases.

Job competition is becoming fiercer, applicants come in huge numbers now. Being online based Jobcentre Plus gets out to the world and in a couple of days I can get as many as 50 applicants, not just local either, several will be based in the south and Scotland. Strangely I haven't received many enquiries from Eastern Europeans.

Don't get too disheartened CC because you will get something soon, you once posted that you and Keith would 'never give up on Morecambe'...and I bet you have that same attitude to finding a job.

[heysham_mfc]

the job centre are useless the staff just seem to want you to take the first thing that comes up even if it's not what you are looking for!

[darrenlock]

To be honest what else can the job center soon, one job center worker told me 80% on job seekers aint really confident in finding work even if it is there. I fell that great britiain should do a france with benefits and be strict as my wife to be is french she tells me.
In france if ur working and get made redundant the job center in france pay you full pay in benefit and give you no help except give you paperwork for work and if you not found a job within a year you pay gets halfed then halfed again.
And if you got kids there will pay money for kids untill kids are 3 and if you have not got a full time by kids are 5 there cut your money of no matter what.

I think Great Britain is a soft touch with the benefit sysyem , the benefit system is for a emergency only no matter what dont matter of age. And there should be job center getting you interviews just so you get your cash.

[marky]

the job centre are useless the staff just seem to want you to take the first thing that comes up even if it's not what you are looking for!

In that case it's your jobseeker's agreement that is incorrect, as the staff only search for jobs in the areas you have told them you want to look. As an adviser, I have to be careful what I say on this subject. However, CC, what's wrong with signing off, getting a P45, then signing back on and claiming your credits only? We have quite a few customers who do that when they can no longer claim contributions-based JSA and aren't entitled to income-based JSA.

[Caged Lion]

the job centre are useless the staff just seem to want you to take the first thing that comes up even if it's not what you are looking for!

You are probably correct there heysham. Sometimes they tell folk who live in Whitehaven/Workington to apply for a job with us (based in Windermere). Clearly applicants can't travel across the Lake District, having to take in Hardknott Pass, Wrynose Pass and Little Langdale to get to work. I would be a wreck if I had to do that journey twice a day in summer!

[darrenlock]

If i was driving id love a job 1-2 hours away but job center in morecambe are good they give you 3 jobs type u look 4 which is weird if you dont have a trade you see lol.

[Burnley Shrimp]

I think some people should lay off Darren Lock, silly little comments on here might make you feel big behind a keyboard, but it doesn't impress anybody.

It's been going on for ages, he obviously has difficulty spelling some words. Give the guy a break FFS.


me too

Me too Darren! I wasn't sure about you when you first appeared on here, thought you might have been a bit of a WUM. Now I know you are getting as keen about your adopted team as the rest of us. You have had a bit of un warranted stick at times but to your credit you haven't bitten and have come back with fair and frequently humorous replies. More credit to you!

In respect of the unemployment issue I really don't know what to say. It would appear that first of all the greedy bankers have f****d it up for everyone and then the politicians have made a piss poor attempt at damage limitation. The result is a mess that will no doubt get even worse before it gets better. The really worrying thing is that many senior politicians are of the same ilk as the senior bankers. Between them they got us into this mess and unfortunately we have to rely on them to put things right I won't hold my breath.

I am lucky, I still have a job but we are feeling part of the pain because massive budget cuts are now being put into place. Some will lose their jobs and others will have to try and do the same work with one hand tied behind their backs for less money.

Good luck to all those who don't have a job and I hope things improve for you!!

[Keith]

One piece of advice I always give people who are applying for a job is to ask for an 'informal look around'. Most employers are happy to meet with people to talk about their company etc. In doing so, they will often give you much of the information that would come up in an interview or at minimum, you will gauge the type of things they are interested in. Plus, frequently you will meet at least one member of the interview panel, so you have a 'friendly face' when you walk in!

In CC's case I would definitely suggest doing this simply because they won't know your age when you phone up "because I'm thinking of applying". You've then got that foot in the door. While talking, probably to HR or a manager, you can drop in to the conversation how statistically 'older workers are more loyal and have less time off sick'. You can 'jokingly' slip in that some employers are worried about taking people on who are near to retirement 'but if you think about it, I've got another six years of work in me where-as someone who is career or family orientated is unlikely to stay for that long...' both subtle messages that will not be lost upon them. I would always at minimum offer someone an interview who has taken the time to come for an informal visit, simply because they stand out from the crowd, which is helpful come short-listing time.

[Burnley Shrimp]

One piece of advice I always give people who are applying for a job is to ask for an 'informal look around'. Most employers are happy to meet with people to talk about their company etc. In doing so, they will often give you much of the information that would come up in an interview or at minimum, you will gauge the type of things they are interested in. Plus, frequently you will meet at least one member of the interview panel, so you have a 'friendly face' when you walk in!

In CC's case I would definitely suggest doing this simply because they won't know your age when you phone up "because I'm thinking of applying". You've then got that foot in the door. While talking, probably to HR or a manager, you can drop in to the conversation how statistically 'older workers are more loyal and have less time off sick'. You can 'jokingly' slip in that some employers are worried about taking people on who are near to retirement 'but if you think about it, I've got another six years of work in me where-as someone who is career or family orientated is unlikely to stay for that long...' both subtle messages that will not be lost upon them. I would always at minimum offer someone an interview who has taken the time to come for an informal visit, simply because they stand out from the crowd, which is helpful come short-listing time.

I think that is top advice from Keith! Anyone looking for work would be well advised to use all or some of those tips. It would also pay to use any pre visit as a chance to impress i.e. Make sure your turn out is as good as you can get it and really try and appear interested and impressed with the company/firm, (even if that might not strictly be true).

[Aspers]

We are currently looking for staff and over here we had nearly 200 applicants for a receptionists job.
I'm lucky I am in a specialist area where I have lots of experience, I earn good money but work long hours.
My wife and I have often talked about what would we do if we were sacked/redundant, I haven't a clue as I only specialise in 1 area (Performing Arts training)

Scary though i was offered a really good job in London last week, relocating allowance 5 year contract, good money, Saturdays and Sundays off ( means I could travel with the Shrimps every game).
Unfortunately I have 3 years left of a contract which i must fulfill.

I have a truck license,
I have a boat license,
I have a certificate to teach ballet.
I have a cert IV assessment and workplace training.
I make good coffee.

I'm great in bed .
My perfect job,

Driving a truck laden with a luxury yacht.

Putting the boat in at a luxury ramp.
Teaching nude ballet to the participants of the yacht (ages 21 - 50 only)

Making sure all is ship shape and Bristol(phwarrr) fashion.
Checking oput the latest Brazillian coffe and other things Brazillian.
Female service depot on board orgasmatron monitor.

Having said that I hope you guys find work. My best wishes to you all.

[shrimper]

One piece of advice I always give people who are applying for a job is to ask for an 'informal look around'. Most employers are happy to meet with people to talk about their company etc. In doing so, they will often give you much of the information that would come up in an interview or at minimum, you will gauge the type of things they are interested in. Plus, frequently you will meet at least one member of the interview panel, so you have a 'friendly face' when you walk in!

In CC's case I would definitely suggest doing this simply because they won't know your age when you phone up "because I'm thinking of applying". You've then got that foot in the door. While talking, probably to HR or a manager, you can drop in to the conversation how statistically 'older workers are more loyal and have less time off sick'. You can 'jokingly' slip in that some employers are worried about taking people on who are near to retirement 'but if you think about it, I've got another six years of work in me where-as someone who is career or family orientated is unlikely to stay for that long...' both subtle messages that will not be lost upon them. I would always at minimum offer someone an interview who has taken the time to come for an informal visit, simply because they stand out from the crowd, which is helpful come short-listing time.

That's really good advice, Keith.

But in CC's case I would also add: "Try to resist the urge to tell the manager of the company how he should be organising his staffing differently, how the firm should be communicating with its customers more effectively and how the previous manager did a better job and it was a 'disgrace' the way the company treated him."





Seriously, good luck Neil, keep your chin up - it'll come.

[Christies Child]

A big thank you to all who have contributed with some very positive posts to my original rant.

It really has been much appreciated.

Cheers
Neil

[morecambe mick]

If I may add a foot note and not on topic but in response to the reply from Aspers.

Thank God he's tied into his current contract for 3 years - remember the last two games he watched!!!!

[Burnley Shrimp]

We are currently looking for staff and over here we had nearly 200 applicants for a receptionists job.
I'm lucky I am in a specialist area where I have lots of experience, I earn good money but work long hours.
My wife and I have often talked about what would we do if we were sacked/redundant, I haven't a clue as I only specialise in 1 area (Performing Arts training)

Scary though i was offered a really good job in London last week, relocating allowance 5 year contract, good money, Saturdays and Sundays off ( means I could travel with the Shrimps every game).
Unfortunately I have 3 years left of a contract which i must fulfill.

I have a truck license,
I have a boat license,
I have a certificate to teach ballet.
I have a cert IV assessment and workplace training.
I make good coffee.

I'm great in bed .
My perfect job,

Driving a truck laden with a luxury yacht.

Putting the boat in at a luxury ramp.
Teaching nude ballet to the participants of the yacht (ages 21 - 50 only)

Making sure all is ship shape and Bristol(phwarrr) fashion.
Checking oput the latest Brazillian coffe and other things Brazillian.
Female service depot on board orgasmatron monitor.

Having said that I hope you guys find work. My best wishes to you all.

Funny that, but please wait till we are safely in Div 1 before returning! I remember your last visit you Jonah Even then you should consider watching the Vale of Lune or Heysham Atoms. Or if your special influence works elsewhere how about becoming a Bratfud fan?

[skyecat]

I know the LEP in Preston are after advertising sales staff if that's of any use to anyone? - PM me if you're interested and I'll pass on the address and contact name etc.
It's no bed of roses, but it's a job and pays wages etc.

[Aspers]

Funny that, but please wait till we are safely in Div 1 before returning! I remember your last visit you Jonah Even then you should consider watching the Vale of Lune or Heysham Atoms. Or if your special influence works elsewhere how about becoming a Bratfud fan?

Cmon the Bantams.

[Christies Child]

I know the LEP in Preston are after advertising sales staff if that's of any use to anyone? - PM me if you're interested and I'll pass on the address and contact name etc.
It's no bed of roses, but it's a job and pays wages etc.

I'm already onto this one as I sent my CV to them on spec.

Thanks anyway.