what to do?

[berniecuddles]

i have been unemployed for 11months i am 51 worked for 35 years i have applied for over 50 jobs got 2 replies to which nothing happened.
joined 2 agencies and applied for a job as a mail opperator (ie; sorting mail) was asked for 2 references one of which was from royal mail who i worked for for 23 years,i was told i had the job, only to find it was then given to someone else who does not come from this country(i asked agency manager) thats how i found out he had not ever done any mail work before so how can he be better than me it has made me mad!!
what chance have you got i cant claim any benefits (not that i want too) as i could only get job seekers allowance for the 1st 6 months i am so depressed my family and friends say i should go to the doctors and get signed off and claim like every one else does but im not like that i want to work.
should i go to the doctors and "play the game " like others do i dont know what else to do we have little money left from our savings i feel so low!

[humpy07]

Reply 1 of 2

Bernie, I can really sympathise with you on this one. I was made redundant in August 08. I was a Residential Conveyancer, and for obvious reasons, the need for my services became pretty unnecessary during the property crash. I can no longer count the number of jobs I've applied for over the last 18 months, and have not had any success in any of the applications.

I'm only 27 with a strong educational background, and a young family. From feedback following interviews, I have found out that I have all the skills necessary and am an ideal candidate; however the firms can get an older person with far more experience than me, for the same salary. Either this, or they employ someone straight from college / uni for minimum wage.

The Job Centre have been less than useless on this occasion, and have only succeeded in stressing me out to the max. I too found that I could only claim contribution based JSA for 6 months, and was not entitled to income-based due to the fact that I owned a property (which we cannot afford to live in, so rent out for a loss of £25pcm) and they considered this an income!!! We can't even claim housing assistance, and have had to resort to living with family.

[humpy07]

Reply 2 of 2

I am currently claiming Employment and Support allowance, as I have a problem with my leg for which I am being treated in a London hospital (I live in Wales). I have been walking with crutches since Nov 09, and have to resort to wheelchair use if going long distances. My Medical Assessment for ESA said I was fit for work, despite not being able to walk properly / drive etc, and so my benefit was stopped!!

The whole system is a mess, and those who don't deserve help get rewarded with hundreds each week / month. If it wasn't for the kindness of family, I'd have had to declare myself bankrupt months ago, and would not be able to continue in my chosen profession.

I really hope that you can sort something out for yourself ASAP, but don't feel guilty about claiming ESA for depression. You deserve some income for all that you have contributed to the Economy over the last 30+ years. When it comes to filling in ESA questionnaires, look for advice online first - they're a minefield!

[poodicat]

Hi bernie ever thought about the care sector?alot of care services are desparate to recruit men of all ages,as it is mostly women that do this kind of work,try the nhs websites or any of the charitable orginisations that work with people with different needs,i hadnt done this kind of work before and its really rewarding,speak to your job centre about any jobs in this field,also we doing a a recruitment days which are put in the local press,good luck!

[rabbitygirl]

I'm sorry you are experiencing such a time. But it very often is down to age I'm afraid. I have found, as have those of a similar age to me (55) who have sought work, that not being in the first flush definitely goes against you. I'm on a temp contract, and doing a job where experience and therefore age, mattered. My manager told me last month that the contract is extended til June. I said I was glad he told me this far ahead because I could start looking for a job ahead of time. He laughed. I was serious. It does take months. Just keep on applying and think of retraining into something that you'd enjoy and would return your spark - not to mention money.

[grasscarp]

As you were so close to getting a job, to the extent that the Royal Mail told you that you had the job, I would go and see them. Ask them why the job was given to someone else and ask to be contacted as soon as they have a vacancy. They must have some internal lists of vacancies with other local areas so I would pursue this as it the nearest you have got. Personally I would not give up yet as you have a lot to offer and need something to do each day.

[tamborine]

r u any good at handyman jobs.....advertise in your local shops. I've been trying to saw branches today because there's no man about this house. I need to move/dispose of furniture, trim shrubs, clean windows I cant reach etc etc

U R needed - if only I knew where you were?