written by on 24/04/2016
I rang Job Centre Plus regarding my employment and support allowance and I waited.............and I waited..............and I waited.............and I waited............and I waited................then I decided to pull the plug and terminated the call after waiting for 30 minutes,so as to reduce my excessive phone bill, with my query unanswered. This department is obviously not fit for purpose and the only thing it appears to be efficient at,is causing extremely excessive phone charges to people,who can least afford them,particularly when no service,whatsoever,can be accessed in an acceptable and reasonable waiting time.If it wasn't so serious,it would be an absolute joke!
written by ueLopez392 on 29/03/2016
I would like to thank the Jobcentre at Openshaw Manchester for all the help and advice i recieved after being made redundant. Roseanna was a lovely lady, doing such a thankless job and dealing with sometimes rude and upset members of the public. Roseanna helped make my experience a positive one, she was always very friendly and patient and she obviously really cares about the people she helps, she is a real credit to the Jobcentre, i would once again like to thank her for all the help and support she gave.
written by Angry14 on 12/12/2015
Never never ever going to the job centre in crawley because it's absolutely disgusting and behaviour staff have been rude always like that. You idiot,liar!!!!!!
written by on 24/11/2015
The most terrible public service UK has to offer to citizens. Employees full of apathy and indifference towards people in need of finding a job. Telephones are never picked up even if you try daily for weeks. I wonder why the state gives taxpayers' money to the most lazy people to work there. Waste of money and time.
written by on 14/11/2015
The job centre in Mansfield does not help me at all finding work every meeting I have with them instead of perhaps doing constructive job searching with me all they do is try to palm me off to different companies with letters threatening that if I don't do this or that I will get sanctioned and lose my benefits. That is all they are good for really as for ever helping me finding work they fail ridiculously. The way they treat you with these threats makes you feel like you are being punished for being out of work and finding it hard to find one. I hope one day they have to suffer being out of work and having to rely on 70 something pound a week to live on and suffer the same threats me and others have to suffer.
written by ZenderRailen on 30/10/2015
As in the title, the job center is exactly that. Inhuman. The most difficult thing infact is that... their frontline IS human by comparison. What this means is fairly simple, in countless situations the frontline have to deal with the frustrations and complaints of the individuals that are bieng wronged every day, and of course those who have been geniunely sanctioned. Unfortunately, i'd like to say the ones bieng wronged are uncommon, but as the reviews have proven here, that isnt purely not the case. Amongst my first expereances, was the absolute lack of guidence. The amount of times i got sanctioned because of following what one individual has said, and then suddenly it wasnt enough, was too much. And thanks to this i couldnt exactly fight it. Well, what follows is a story of how to deal with them if you're in the right. Before my victory, there was one last straw. I phoned in to re-arrange a simple sign in date thanks to an injury i had sustained on my achiles tendon. The individual i talked to on the phone was more than happy to oblige, but little did i know. I had done "wrong" When i turned up to the re-arranged pointment of just literally 2 days later, giving me a chance to arrange transport. I discovered that i had to give a statement as to why i failed to attend. You know, ignoring the fact i pre-emptively explained my case. While i mentioned i had a "gash on my achiles tendon" i spotted that she worded it a little... differently. "i had a sore foot." Yeah that'll go down well, naturally i was sanctioned and an appeal had no effect, tbh, no matter how you word your appeal, its not going to work out. As you'll find in my second story. Following this i was given a work placement, mandatory, but i didnt care since it was actually something helpful to me and what i wanted to do, it was actually a really rare case. Most of the time you get stuck in charity shops and the like. well, two days after i attended and passed my interview with this work placement, ANOTHER arrived in the post. This one didnt involve an interview, it didnt involve any communicatin, i just literally had to be there at Ye time following a scrict time table. So naturally i gave them a call, and it was sorted relatively quickly.... Or so i thought, two weeks later after starting and enjoying my new workplacement, i recieved a letter, a sanction. A lengthy one at that. So promptly i phoned in a rage, i dont rage like most people. I actually start to fling big words around more often than not despite my modest use of language most of the time, as you can see during this im fairly angry as i write this since i hate the job center, though not as angry as i was this day. Especially after the call. My first comment was(keeping it brief to keep this essay smaller for you readers), you guys have made a mistake im calling to amend it. I began the game of pass the complainer with the job center, many of you know what this is like. Well, i dont think you all realize where it ends. I was stuborn, more stuborn than you could imagine, i didnt let it go, and eventually they told me. If you can wait a few hours we'll have an "expert" phone you. ...an expert. When that time finally came, she pretty much told me the same song and dance. Appeal. i told her, i will be doing naturally, but i shouldnt have to, this is your mistake. Amend it. Now at first, my phone had bugged out, and i couldnt hear her very well, i eventually managed to find a way to place my ear against the speaker and hear her perfectly. but well. Every time i was mid sentance, she would interupt me, saying the same stuff over and over. Eventually she hung up on me. I phoned her back right away to her surprise, and told her outright. That was extremly rude. Im trying to solve YOUR error. Ultimately, she grew more and more annoyed. (professionalism!) And i simply said. If you cant help solve the problem i would like to speak to someone who can. Promptly she said. The prime minister. I laughed and hung up. Following this event, i appealed, of course it was denied, appearantly i can clone myself. Naturally, with that mantra, i did something a little more... extreme. You see, my cousin knows his law, and i knew a fair amount by extention. You can actually request information regarding your case. So i did just that. I sent in a letter of request for evidence asking for them to provide the information that they had used to determine my sanction. oh and dont you worry, i got the line about cloning myself in this letter, damn straight i did. I completely skipped the whole appeal tribunal process that serves to utterly scare you out of going further. And asked for the evidence myself, i was literally prepared to go through EVERYTHING, and do the decision makers job for them. Because they sure as hell dont. I just commented on a poor guy who's had issues bieng paid, while his youngen was forced to ration. Its absolutely freaking insane how inhuman these people are. they see us as numbers, statistics, ever wondered why the noose seems particularly tight towards christmas? to boost unemployment numbers. My most recent case, prompting this review. is something silly really, but it perfectly highlights the inhuman nature of the job center. I was given an appointment within a weeks time, instead of the usual 2 weeks. This caught me off guard, and i was open and honest about it. Yet im almost certainly going to be sanctioned as a result. Im bieng sanctioned over a hiccup? i mean.. is that TRULY a good reason to stop a persons INCOME?! Im lucky i dont rely on this nonsense, but for those who do? fathers, mothers, the disabled? My friend has a very weak constitution, and its only serving to get worse. Was in a car crash, prompting to extreme anxiaty. He was ESA? i think, the sick one. And it was eventually stopped, just... suddenly, he now has to sign on despite an overwhelming amount of conditions, its just disgusting. And my stories are weak compared to some. Many people suffer at the hands of the need to rely on this money, suffering because of idiotic reasons. Forced hoops of fire to jump through with absolutely no choice at all. Forced to work for small time shops without pay, working for scraps. People who must rely on this money, they are one thing. You are one thing. Its a horrible thought, its something that shouldnt exist in society today. Society doesnt exist today, what it stood for, what it was built for, is all completely destroyed by these idiotic decisions. What you are. Is a slave. If at all possible, do not ever rely on the money they provide. Always ensure you have the choice to tell them where to go. Families need to help each other, friends need to help each other, help people survive, help people feed one another. The entire planet has the resources to supply for more than tripple the current population, if it was simply SHARED and SUPPLIED. A single country, thats filled with the rich, billionaires and more, its disgusting that they dont. But we have to survive. Remmember that kindness, compassion, and the bravery to tell people like the job center to go screw yourself if they push you into slavery. It's thought of as the norm, so it isnt really in perspective. Its almost an accidental form of brain washing. The people suffering at their hands may or may not have even realised it. 1 star, terrible. That rating is too god for the likes of the job center. Those within this institution have organised it so that you cannot amend a simple mistake that their own people have made. its statistical, its all to prevent people proving them wrong. All to make that simple task of amending one of their mistakes nearly impossible. Hardship forms completely ignored and forgotton about, leaving countless people unaware of their entitlement. its utterly disgraceful for any HUMAN to act the way they do. Inhuman is innacurate. They are utterly, and completely. Demonic. True evil.
written by Byron1981 on 20/10/2015
I'd sooner put my privates in a blender than deal with those stupid lying "people" again in all my life. Most degrading treatment I've ever received. Peterborough job centre is a joke.
written by depresseddad1990 on 01/10/2015
unfortunately due to declining health I had to move from jobseekers to employment support and was told I will receive my final payment last Tuesday it now being Thursday I still haven't been paid me my partner and our 7 month old daughter haven't eaten much over these days having to rely on family and friends then today rang the jobcentre wich cost me all my credit and 4 hours later some one picked up and said she cant help me its to do with someone els and yet again ive been told it will definatley be in my account tomorrow we have supplies fro our child but they wont last forever well lets see what tomorrow hold for us more depression and tension jobcentre should go back to a free number because apparently the jobcentre is for the poor if I could rate iot less than one star I would I don't like how the people on the phones talk to us or cast judgment on benefits in my mind we need a new service that allows people to survive with dignity not being judged 24 7
written by 236Meredith on 17/07/2015
I unfortunately joined the JCP after leaving college. I went to the interview and met my advisor - if that's what they're called - and went home feeling worse than when I woke up. They wanted me to log in everyday to the website, to join job sites, to phone companies and so on. I had no access to internet and travelling to the JC everyday was going to cost more than they were giving me. After maybe five months my advisor retired and I was handed off to someone else. Turns out everything I had been doing was wrong and was in danger of losing my claim. Just because I didn't log in to the stupid website and type in what I was doing - I was writing in a book - they told me I wasn't looking for jobs. Just so we're clear there wasn't a single day where I wasn't looking. They treat you like dirt regardless of who you are. Going on benefits creates a stereotype that no matter how hard you work never goes away. Luckily I found a job all by myself with no help from anyone else just before the date I would be told to get any job no matter how far I would have to travel and for peanuts. I have tonnes of respect for people who are in such a desperate way that they would have to join, its not their fault, but for me I'm glad I no longer have to burden myself with that place or those people.
written by awGarcia240 on 17/05/2015
My partner did all her own work finding a job without any help from the job centre she did well in the interview & got the job on the condition that she can provide a full 5yr work history with no gaps so she managed to get her working history all she needed was proof of the dates she was on job seekers the next day we went to the job centre asking for the information they said it was archived so we would have to request it & gave us a number we rang the number & was then told we had to put the request in writing (no email) we did so the same day & sent it off We waited two weeks for the information before ringing back to see where this information was & was told they were still working on the request They said we can send the dates out you need but it won't be the archived information We received the letter yesterday & took it to the company only to find out the position had been filled I find it ironic that the job centre the place where people get paid to help people find work was the one place stopping my partner getting a job all because of pathetic rules & regulations I can't understand why we needed to send a letter for the information when they sent us it after ringing a second time This has cost us dearly we are only just covering bills my partner works weekends but not really getting many hrs & I'm working between 50-64 hr weeks Something needs to be done about how bad the job centres have got its hard enough to find a good job without the one place (that I pay taxes towards) getting in the way
written by on 11/03/2015
I've said before that the job centre should change the name to Benefits centre. The job centre used to be a place to look for and apply for jobs, these days you'll be escorted out by a security guard if you don't have an appointment. An appointment which usually consists of threats to lose benefits if you dont apply for more jobs. This happened to me the other day and i left the "advisor" stumped when i said i don't care about the benefits i come to the job centre for help in finding work. The conversation continued that i should be applying for jobs in areas that are impossible for me to reach, when i pointed this out i was then told not to apply for those jobs....state the obvious much. It really proved to me that they dont care about the individual and there job title should not be advisor, take away the power of using your benefits as a threat and they get lost and flustered. Its a shame that system that is in place to help those who lose there job or want to find other work spend most of the time making you suffer and worry about your finances, some might say its a necessary evil, but it doesn't have to be that way a little humanity and little help for those who need it and the job centre and people who work there could really make a difference.
written by ccRankin142 on 19/02/2015
As a company we advertised a vacancy for a 'Receptionist and general office assistant' - received 84 applications - some bricklayers looking for a change of career - ha ha - we narrowed these applicants down to 8 for interviews - 2 turned up - two cancelled and four no shows. It is blatantly obvious that people only apply as it is part of what they need to do to continue receiving job seekers benefit, I would say 95% weren't interested in getting a job - had no intention of attending an interview - however due to 'Government initiative' wasting the time of many HR departments and costing hard working private companies time and money, allows these people to continue to claim benefits - whilst calling over the people from Eastern Europe that come to this country to take the jobs that they don't want because they are better off claiming benefits.
written by kpf1309 on 03/02/2015
Where do i start. Simply, no words i can use here,can aptly describe my loathing of this institution.My visits here have been too regular for my liking but,were the result of redundancy and company closure on most occasions.Even though the reasons i was attending were not my fault i am,on all occasions, treated like a scrounger. You are treated with ignorance and a total lack of care and understanding.From the initial contact at the reception desk to the actual interview this never lets up. Your name is called in such a fashion it reminds me of the council estate where i unfortunately live.The style of voice used to call your name is that of the common fishwife;and i am being very kind there.The security guard-better known as Hercules's weaker brother-looks you up and down with total disrespect.The fact that he looks as if the wind could blow him over does not seem to bother him.He shows an arrogance that is simply,pathetic. When i am now,at times between jobs, i even put-off claiming JSA until the last possible moment because of the treatment from these people.They are a discredit not only to their profession but, also to the human race.One thing i am quite certain of;is that not one person in that building has ever worked as hard as myself.
written by Juliette418 on 01/02/2015
Simply I felt humiliated and denied to any kind of support apart from £280 per month, all were challenges and careless attitude towards me, in fact I left the branch two times crying !!!! I was under big pressure without food and heat and still had to listen them treating me like garbage, just because I lost my job!!!! Will never ask them for any help ever again in future if that's the case!!!!hope never
written by 245McDaniel on 20/01/2015
What I like about the Jobcentre? Completely nothing to like about them What I dislike about Job centre? Not enough room for words for that answer!, first started off being offered a job interview placed by the jobcentre I got a letter talking about the job placement and location then told I will receive a phone call in the next day if any slots are free as per no phone call. I came in to sign on to be told your money will stop for 6months due to failing to attend, to get told they sent a email what I didn't get them calling me a lair then found out they sent it to wrong email (correct email on system) couldn't admit their faults and decision still stands saying I could rang them up.. I explained they was closed during Christmas/New year period then a week or so after new year due to fire damage. My review basically says us seekers always in the wrong and the Job centre employees can't do wrong and use bully tactics. Rude advisers, full off shiit and useless with help.
written by Manu2 on 18/11/2014
Looking forward to seeing you in court. You ignored the final warning letter (and my prior warnings) from Citizens advice. Thank you for all the flannel you gave me, it qualifies as hard evidence, not to mention fiddling with my personal data. The judge is going to cancel your shenanigans like a stamp, and award me the due sum plus compensation. Shame it's all public money (mind you, I paid into the system for years), but you should not have cut me off 4 times in the space of 2 weeks, using 4 made up reasons. Then refuse to acknowledge your mistakes. I can't even call you a bunch of pen pushers, as computers seem to have taken over common sense. No Mr Mac, what you saw on question time last week does not qualify as a verbal explanation. not to mention all of your colleagues who seem to be unable to do anything apart from covering their ears and go LALALALALALALALALALA. Best part is, I won't even have to be attending court as I will be working that day.
written by MarcosGriffith408 on 25/10/2014
I would reccomen it to everyone you will make new friends
written by shannonshan1234 on 22/09/2014
I have been ringing jobcentre several times per week for the last couple of months because i am single and pregnant and needed help. I was spoken to rudely by the majority and told there was nothing they could do. I was given numbers for different offices and benefits as they are incapable of knowing about more that one benefit per office. the websites are confusing and have way too many redirecting links. Quite frankly, i was confused, and felt desperate and alone. "nothing we can do until ypu're 29 weeks pregnant". Finally at 29 weeks i rang again, i reached your stupid pre recorded select 1 if you want jobseekers or ring some other number.(why does it only want me to go on to jobseekers allowance?) When i got through to a human it was at the middlesborough office. She listened. She asked me all the questions in front of her and sympathised at the fact that it was annoying to have to be asked the same question 20 times. She apologised when parts were long winded and seemed to actually be a human being who wanted to help. She even booked me in an appointment at my local centre to get my forms signed quicker. So thank you to the woman who helped the pregnant-end-of-her-tether-girl from Derby, you have single handedly redeemed a company that has consistently let me down for weeks. (i put 5* not because i think you deserve it jobcentre- but with the hope that you will be so shocked to recieve one high rating that you will read this and praise the middlesborough office)
written by SavannaGreen246 on 22/08/2014
After 6 years I lost a job. So i signed on job center, not happy about that but I believed i can find a job soon anyway. After 4 months I was told to sign off as the adviser does not believe i have a chance to find a job. Found a job after 5 months, having last 20 pounds to survive until my first salary which is in a month. Fortunately, I have friends who helped me in the bad time... Job center took my self confidence away, never felt so exposed and useless before...They only support people who do not want work. If you ask for volunteering they refuse you, when you ask for interview techniques workshops they refuse you....what is this all about??
written by on 26/07/2014
well me and my partner have been on a joint jobseekers claim as i am currently in full tine education and he is looking for work. since the day our claim went through we have not been paid when we were told we wouls be! its the sane thing every other thursday morning we go into the job centre, they say its because i have not signed on and then notice im in education and they realise i am exempt from signing! they tell us every time we are in there that the problem is sorted and it wont happen again but its always the same! its stressful because i am losing out on lezzons at college and my partner is losing out on his training course on thursdays because we are always at the job centre not to mention they are mostly rude! if we had a choice we would not have any claims at the job centre!!
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Zenderrailen's Response to depresseddad1990's Review
Written on: 30/10/2015
Unreal, im just about to make a review based off my expereance focusing on the inhuman treatment, specifically putting it into perspective how inhuman it is.
I've had a good few expereances of sanctions and allsorts over the most nonsensical things, including two mandatory work placements overlapping. As i tried to phone and have them amend the issue, i literally.
Got told to speak to the prime minister. oh, this is after getting hung up on once.