benefits

Hello pjs

It does seem to be a bit hit and miss as to when a new claim is allowed. I have seen a great number of young people have a small contract (like the 8 hours your son had) with one company and do a second job as well. The trouble is that the original employer is often very awkward when you say to them well I am not available 24/7, as I work for someone else on Saturdays, for example. I also think that first jobs can be very hard as it is a work environment that young people may not be used to and what I have always said to my boys is that sometimes you have to do things you don't like in order to get some experience and so another employer will take you on, doing something you like better. It's a good idea to have a chat with your boy and explain that now he has quit this job, it is even more important to stick to the next one he takes, to build up his CV.

As far as the Job Centre is concerned, it would be better for him to tell them the reason he left was the small number of hours available rather than he hated it, ie give a factual reason rather than a preference reason, if you see what I mean.

Regarding running the house, of course it is very difficult for you to pay everything on your own and feed him too if he does not get any JSA! If he does not then it's imperative that he gets some sort of work, even if it is walking peoples' dogs and washing their cars for some cash, or taking a cleaning job in someone's house or running a shopping service for older people...it is all about you helping him to understand that you need him to step up in some way and be responsible for his own keep, this is so hard when they are used to being funded by a parent.One thing that helped me do this is to get a piece of paper and write down weekly or monthly income/outgoings and seeing it written down makes it clearer. It's a major hurdle they need to get over, to see reality, and although you might feel really mean doing this, it's a big life lesson and important that he understands this. Good luck!