Jobseekers' Allowance - the 6 month 'restart' review!

As you would expect, if there is little or no progress being made in your job seeking, then there will be a further review of what is happening so far, and what can be done to help the Job Search forward - to a satisfactory conclusion perhaps.

What to Expect

The way forward at your 6 month review for Jobseekers' Allowance, is basically proportional to what you have done to find a job, and also the local situation where you are looking for a job.

This 'restart' review, will be either with your normal advisor, or a different advisor more experienced in your type of situation. It is not a 'Telling off' meeting, but more of a "Mmm - where do we go from here assessment.

The Interviewing Advisor will need to see that you have been doing all reasonably possible to find work. It is also to make sure that the Job Centre is doing all it can to help and advise you. So it is a bit of a two way thing really. Just trying to fiond a way forward - for which the interviewing advisor is trained!

If there is any extra help that you can get, then your personal advisor should make you aware of that, with information about contacts etc. There is a wide range of options available. Much depends upon your own personal circumstances and of course the local situation for wmployment.

Extra Help Can Include

Assistance with starting your own business. This is a BIG step and should not be entered into lightly. However, there are a number of things that can be done to help, including financial help and specialist business advice.
Training courses are another option, if it is thought that you need to develop ne skills in order to find work. Again, this has to be reasonable and broadly agreeable; based upon your abilities to try this. Do not be afraid to question any suggestions put forward and make your own point courteously.
It may be suggested that you do some voluntary work whilst you are in the market of looking for a job. This can be quite rewarding in itself, and will always go down well with a prospective employer.

There is additional help also available through the 'New Deal' programme. You may be asked to have a look at this - or even be referred to it.

At all times, remember that the aim is to get you back to work. That work has to be suitable for your current skills, and reasonable. The aim is not to try and stop your Jobseekers' Allowance. However, this is a possibility if you have been or are uncooperative, and are plainly not bothered! If your Jobseekers' Allowance is withdrawn, then you can appeal against the decision.