A good old fashioned British farce!

Still not got anything definate with regard to the IT sales job, but that should hopefully be resolved over the next two working days.......I think it's looking good at the minute, if taking a long time to sort out properly!!

Tomorrow I battle the Housing Benefit system once again! They now need more information on my direct debits and bank statements. Oh yeah, and to prove my identity. Yet again! The benefits system in this country is a FARCE, if you're British at any rate.

As one door shuts.....?

We MAY have a piece of good news at last people!! Went for a days trial at an IT company on Monday.....it's a 'sales' position and I have some reservations about the location, but they seem very interested in me and offered a wide variety of possibilities. That in itself is a little odd and I never expected them to bend over backwards for me. So, I have a little dilemma to resolve. I need a job, I need the money......but the job SUCKS! Regardless of how good they think I MIGHT be in the future, I know I'm going to hate it from day one! I now await a response so I can make my final decision......

Cardboard City here I come.

On Friday, I spent the whole morning at the City Council Housing Benefit department. After taking my ticket and waiting for an hour and a half, I was finally seen by an advisor. I had taken all the requested paperwork and completed the relevant forms to renew my claim for Housing Benefit (my original application only lasted for 13 weeks apparently?).

It turns out that I am unique! Why is beyond me to be honest. I find it totally implausible that I am the only person in this city in my situation, but that is what I was told.

The advisor explained to me that I would not be entitled to further Benefit as I have no income whatsoever. Eh? I had to take letters to prove that people had lent me money to survive and I had to make a written statement that I have no income at all. Because I am not in receipt of JSA, I do not qualify for HB any more. I was totally gob-smacked!

I have re-applied for JSA and also requested for back-payments to when I was first fired and signed-on, but if that is ultimately rejected, I will not get a penny more in HB. If I had no-one in the world to turn to, I would be on the streets very shortly and this was confirmed by the Advisor!! He actually told me that 'the system' is not designed to help people who have worked all their lives and that if I had never lifted a finger (or never would) I would probably get as much as the system allows! To say I was mortified is an understatement! He also confirmed that if I was an asylum seeker who had been granted permission to stay in this country, I would also get whatever I wanted, even more so if I had brought children with me.

In the end, he has managed to get me another months HB at half the rate of my rent, for which I am obviously very grateful. After that, unless I get JSA, I will have to leave my flat and find somewhere else to live.

This is disgusting. The State is quite prepared to make me homeless which I find unbelievable. These past few months have certainly been an eye-opener....for all the wrong reasons. I hope to God that someone will give me a job ASAP, or I will be well and truly on the scrap-heap.

Wheres the pill bottle?

Well my battle with the benefits system continues on a daily basis. Spent 5 hours on Tuesday at both the Jobcentre and City Council...just trying to get a LITTLE bit of what I'm entitled to and NEVER claimed before (apart from a couple of weeks when I was 16!!).

Something is very wrong with the way we do things in this country and that's a FACT!!! Red tape galore, going round in circles, different departments all blaming each other and a total lack of empathy for your situation.

My job tally must be nearing 50 applications now and still getting nowhere fast.

So, still no good news to post. Depressing isn't it?

Thanks, but no thanks.

Well, another interview and yet another knock-back. Didn't waste much time getting back to me either, so I think it's clear that once I explained my 'situation', the door was firmly slammed in my face. I think it's safe to say that my old career is probably dead once and for all.

I keep applying, trying not to lose any remaining hope of EVER getting a bloody job in the near future, but it gets harder every day let me tell you.

I have to visit the Jobcentre on Tuesday to sort out my claim from scratch again, and I still didn't get down the Housing Benefit office the other day, so that still needs attending to.

I wish I could post something positive for a change!

Queue here......

I went for another interview yesterday (my old industry) and it SEEMED to go quite well. A second interview will be required with one of the Directors if I get a call-back at some point this week. Fingers crossed, eh?

I have to go and spend a chunk of my day tomorrow queuing-up at the Housing Benefit department of the City Council. Joy. It's one of those 'take a ticket' jobs, so I could be there for sodding hours I imagine. All because my Jobseekers Allowance claim has expired thanks to previous employer, and even though they are well aware that I am receiving no income whatsoever at the minute. What a bloody polava!

And more.....

On top of this, I went to the shop the other day and bought a packet of fags (they will have to go soon too, can't afford to have any pleasure in my life after all can I?). They turned out to be counterfeit!! So off went another letter, to Trading Standards this time, demanding action!! I have to go and pop the said items into their office tomorrow as evidence.

Anybody else want to take me on?? Form a queue.........

Complaints, more complaints!!

I have just been to sign on again today.......still no change in my circumstances, but thanks for asking......and I feel the need to put pen to paper again! My claim has expired! Not that I've actually received ANY money at all so far, and because of this latest wonder of Governmental red-tape, I may also lose my housing benefit too. All these years and all the money I've paid in taxes, it makes my blood boil. Please read on.....

Dear *******,


Unfortunately, I once again feel the need to write to you in relation to the service standards at the ******* Jobcentre Plus.

I received a letter dated 22nd May 2007 from ****** BDC Jobcentre Plus stating that my claim for Jobseekers Allowance would not be paid because “I did not hand in a completed claim form”. I beg to differ. I have already given over all the required information with the exception of my P45.

I called the phone number given on the letter and the lady that I spoke to explained that my claim had expired, because of the P45 not being given in. I informed her that I had spoken to my ex-employer (**** ***** Ltd) and that it was being sent in due course. If you check your records, you will see that I originally made the initial steps to claim on 15th March 2007, so there has been a huge delay in ****** sending me this document.

The lady advised me that when I finally received the correct P45 (and not the Jobcentre Plus version that came with the above letter), I should make a new appointment at ***** **. She also explained that I would not have to submit all the paperwork again, just the new P45.

I finally received my P45 from my ex-employer at the end of last week. I decided to bring it with me today and give it in during the signing-on process, which I did and explained the above situation to the advisor.

He told me that there was no need for me to have signed-on today (at no point have I been told to stop signing on?) and told me to go upstairs and see another advisor over making a fresh claim, he also gave me both P45’s back to take with me.

It was at this point that the Asian Securitas woman (yes, the same one as last time) called me back half way down the stairs to ask me where I was going. She seemed surprised that I had been told to go upstairs, and once I explained, she ushered me away with a flick of her hand. I must assume that she did not attend any of the meetings that you arranged after my last letter of complaint. Who the hell does she think she is? I will NOT be dealt with in this manner.

Once upstairs, I went to the Reception desk and spoke to another Securitas officer and explained to him that I had been sent up with regard to making a fresh claim. He asked me something about a 30 day limit and whether or not it was for a rapid claim (that may have not been the actual terminology used). I replied that I did not know and he told me to take a seat.

Once the advisor was free to see me, I explained the situation again and she appeared confused as to why I was there. The Reception Securitas guy seemed to know more about the scenario than she actually did as they discussed it between them. I also had to explain that most of the documentation that I gave in on my initial application was now in the hands of my solicitor with regard to my industrial tribunal. She explained that I should disclose that information on the new claim application form, and a new appointment has been made for me next week on the 19th June at 11.40am. I hope that I will not need to contact my solicitor and have to pay further costs to get my information back, only to possibly re-send it again after this farce is completed for the second time. Have you forgotten that I have not received a single penny in JSA?

After my first complaint and following our meeting, standards did appear to initially improve, but that was obviously very short lived. I am furious over the way that I have been treated. It is no wonder that you feel the need to employ security on the premises as I am sure that I am not the only person who is dealt with like a second-class citizen. Is it any wonder that emotions run high?

I would appreciate a response within seven days please.

Regards,

Fail!

Did forget to mention that test last Saturday! There's me thinking it would be a walk in the park (as I was allowed to take a calculator) and I have to admit that I struggled to get my head around the formula for calculating the required information....and I know I've ballsed it up. The English language section was easy, but was that enough to be called back for the final interview. Probably not actually. Another one down the pan then!

Saying that, it's no wonder that my claim for housing benefit made no sense at all. Twelve pages of gibberish and different calculations. Maybe I'm not the only one who struggles with the formulae??

Zero.

Well, now reaching desperation point. I have zero income still, my unemployment benefit was refused because my lovely ex-employers still haven't issued my P45 and my claim has therefore expired. They insist that it will be issued at the end of this month, but all that means to me is a fresh application and a further wait for the pittance that you are entitled to. Thanks. A bunch!

Still no news on the job front, though I have no applied for about 40 positions in just about every trade going......to no avail. I have an interview next week that DOES have potential, but we'll just have to wait and see how that pans out.

The bank have continued to ignore my pleas for some understanding of my position, so thanks to them also. When I do get back on my feet, there are some changes coming. Fact!

Testing times.

Still not much to report........I have a 'test' next Saturday morning for a position with the City Council, all I have to take is a pen and calculator apparently? I suppose that will dictate if you then get invited back for a formal interview. Can't be that difficult surely!

Other 'highlights':

• Oustanding applications now stand at about 30!
• Mothers foot is now in a proper cast and has an odd shoe that resembles Frankenstein.
• My previous employer has NOT cashed the cheque yet.....very odd?
• No word from the bank after my grovelling letter. Charming!

What an exciting life i lead......

Knock-backs and broken bones.

Nothing much to report on the work front. The number of applications increases daily and I've spoken to a few more agencies during the past week. One of which said that they wouldn't consider ANY of my applications until any tribunal issues are finally resolved, despite the fact that I still have exemplary references and a cracking work history. Cheers for that!

My poor Mother has broken a bone in her foot so I have spent the past two days helping out around her house. My Grandma also lives with her and although not in bad nick for nearly 99 years old, she also needs alot of looking after. My mum normally cares for her 24/7 so it's going to be a tough few weeks all round I fear.

Just as well I have a fair bit of 'free time' on my hands at the minute.

Is anybody out there?

That meeting was a waste of time! Something not quite right with that particular operation and I am leaving well alone!

Do you know, so far I have applied for 18 jobs and joined numerous agencies. Hardly a word back in response from them. Talk to the bank tomorrow and see how much longer they will keep supporting me before I really get into trouble.

Yes, no, err, maybe....?

Tomorrow I have my fourth interview/meeting for a new venture opening in my home city! I don't think it will be the last either. I know the person concerned with this operation and I have a few serious reservations about the whole thing, but we will see!!

I spent quite a long while on the phone this morning to the City Council regarding my claim for housing benefit. Absolutely incompetent! Apparently I have a savings account with a bank which in reality doesn't exist, and my call was concerning a letter from them (over 12 pages long) that tells me that I am, and then I'm not, entitled to benefit?? The kid on the phone didn't have a clue and kept asking me to complete a form that I sent in last week. Funnily enough, I've applied for a job in that department at the council! I couldn't do a worse job if I walked in there tomorrow and answered the first call that came in!

On a more positive note, I met a lovely lady at a recruitment agency today, and I am officially 'her bitch' with regard to finding me a position. My sort of girl!

It's a sign.

I went to sign on again today, the third time I've been through this process now. I was early, handed in my little booklet and took a seat expecting the usual half hour delay. My name was called within 10 minutes and still before the allotted time. I went to sit at the young womans desk and was just asked to sign the usual card, no chit-chat or smalltalk.

A couple of seconds later, some guy approached the desk and introduced himself as one of the Jobcentre Plus Managers and asked to speak to me in private. I naturally agreed and off we went to a different part of the building so we could talk.

He had received my complaint email (dated 2nd April) last Friday and wanted to talk with me directly about all the issues that I had raised at that time! I thought that was actually very nice, and far more personal than a grovelling email sent by an unknown suit.

He went through all the relevant points one at a time, apologising and explaining at each step. He wasn't patronising and I came away satisfied that my complaint had been taken seriously. Blame had been placed at several doors, but overall I was fairly pleased. A confirmation letter will also be sent to me to confirm what we had discussed.

On the way out of the Jobcentre, another argument was just about to break out between a member of the public and an employee. Still room for a little improvement then!

Carousel.

Still no job. Sent applications out all last week, sent CV's to yet more agencies and still absolutely nothing in return (apart from one agency: nothing suitable, on file, blah blah blah).

Didn't get that second interview either, which is no shocker, and I had a lovely presentation lined up for them too. At least it gave me the opportunity to brush-up on my Powerpoint skills.

On top of which, my wonderful ex-employer has finally realised that they DID overpay me on my final salary and are now giving me 14 days to return the cash. They are holding on to my P45 until I do so, therefore delaying any benefit payments that I may be due as a result, as all the welfare agencies need the P45 to process them. (It must have escaped their attention that I actually reported this wages oversight about three weeks ago).

It's a good job that I will be talking to my solicitor at some point towards the end of the week, as the situation is just getting worse every day.

More tea vicar?

Er, sorry Reverand, my kettles on the blink. Do me a favour! Bread and COLD water now!

Good news....and about time too.

At last! Something positive has happened. I have spoken to my legal advisors this afternoon and they have agreed to take on my case. Splendid! As they are of the 'no win/no fee' ilk, they must think that there is a case to answer too.

The tunnel is very long but at least there is a glimmer of light in the distance.

Interblues

Went for an interview today (in my industry) and came away totally despondent and fed-up. I was subjected to a list of generic 'what would you do if?', 'give me an example of?' type questions that tell you absolutely nothing about a person to be honest! I've avoided using these questions when conducting interviews for years, as they just don't work in my opinion. If I get invited back for a second interview I will have to do a presentation too! On 'team building' of all things. Another tired cliche. If you employ the right people in the first place, your 'team' should develop naturally, though it might need a little steering from time to time.

I would much rather sit down with an individual and talk to them, keeping it informal and let the person relax and genuinely open up to you. You stand a far better chance of getting a 'feel' for the individual (no pun intended!), and then ask the questions relevant to the job that must be asked.

It really is time that companies changed their strategies on recruitment.

''Cracking Gromit!''

If only I was like 'Wallace & Gromit'! As in made from plasticene. Just to add insult to my current injury, I have just discovered a hairline crack in one of my front teeth. Hence the notion that if I was made from plasticene (other brands of modelling clay are available on the market), I could just replace the tooth after five minutes of moulding!!

Now, I have three fears in life:

1. Heights. I hate them. I have never been on an aircraft and I never intend to either. If God had given me wings, no problem, but he didn't so that's the end of it. And I don't like Red Bull either!
2. Water. I have ventured onto a ferry a couple of times and that wasn't too bad I suppose, but a small boat? Forget it! I can't swim either and I will never venture into a swimming pool, not a chance.
3. The dentist. I have had nothing but problems with my teeth since childhood. Braces, multiple extractions, horrendous fillings and root canal cock-ups that ended in infection. I only ever go when I have no other choice.

So, number three on my list looms once again. I am terrified let me tell you. I suppose I will have to call my last dentist tomorrow and check if I'm still registered.

I just can't believe my run of bad luck at the minute. This blog must make depressing reading!

Moan, moan, moan......

Another day.......and yet more shite! REALLY starting to drive me nuts now. Got a letter in the post first thing today regarding advice over my potential tribunal. They couldn't help me as I wasn't a migrant worker or classed as vulnerable? Why didn't they tell me in the first place that my query wasn't relevant to their organisation for heavens sake??

I emailed my CV to about 15 recruitment agencies yesterday and registered with 6 more that deal with applications on-line. Have I heard anything back? Have I hell! I know it might be early days, but I at least expected some sort of confirmation from the High Street agencies. Maybe I expect too much then? Nothing of any relevance in the local paper job supplement either.

I've applied for two positions from one of the on-line agencies, so that should be interesting. Nothing like my 'previous' industry, but certainly a skill-match judging by the posted description......we will see!

To end on a more positive note (for a change as of late, I know) I contacted one of those 'no win/no fee' solicitors and explained my situation. I realise it was only a telephone consultation, and there is much more to discuss, but the lady I spoke to seemed quite positive! My basic details have gone to a panel of employment experts and I should get a response next Wednesday.

Lets hope it's the positive answer I'm looking (hoping?) for!

Give me a break......someone!

Spent the day trawling around the City's abundant recruitment and temping agencies! They all say the same: ''Send us your CV and we'll see if we can match your skills to anything on our books''. So, that is my job for tomorrow. Send CV's out to every agency I can find in Yellow Pages etc...

Nothing to lose at the end of the day, eh? I NEED a job!

I've also been contacted by one of my industry agencies and as nice as they were about the 'situation', they weren't making any promises let alone guarantees! I suppose that will be the same for most. These people don't know me do they, so I can't expect anything different can I?

I also made an appointment with a case worker in relation to an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal, so that should be interesting........watch this space!

At last!

Well, received THE letter today at last and the appeal decison was upheld. What a surprise that was! But at least the waiting and the whole work related aspect is now at an end, only took them seven weeks to the day from beginning to end. Don't you just love a speedy process!

Tomorrow I intend to seek some legal advice and see if my case is worth pursuing at an industrial tribunal. Obviously I think it is, but I need a fresh pair of eyes to look at the whole situation and see how the land lies in the cold light of day.

On top of that, I need to get another job bloody sharpish now! I wonder how easy that is going to be with a dismissal on my CV? Maybe I need to register with a few temping agencies too as a short term solution. Who knows, packing sandwiches by the end of the month? Nice!

Just a quick note to all my friends and colleagues too as they deserve another mention: thanks for all the support over the past two months, you've been fantastic.

Nothing important happened today.

The heading says it all really as nothing did. I find myself thinking of the future and the possibilities. IF I actually do get my job back (And I'm not holding my breath), how long do I really want to remain in an industry which has treated me so badly-especially over the past 18 months or so?

It's a good question, and at this point of the proceedings I don't have the answer. Is now the right time to escape and do something completely different maybe? Re-train and start again in an unknown field?

I have a wide variety of skills and experience to call upon, but do they apply outside my chosen career? It's such a specialised industry that I really don't know! Maybe I won't have much of a choice by the end of the week...

Next!

Just a quick note today. I have received an email regarding my grievance about the hearing, which was concerning a completely irrelevant issue! So, I replied reiterating my initial complaint and its importance with reference to my particular case, which under the circumstances is (in my opinion) totally understandable.

I will no longer be contacted electronically as a result. I just can't believe what I am experiencing to be honest. Petty!

The long and winding road.

Oh for crying out loud!!!!! Adjourned, and awaiting an answer of some description within the next 7 days. It just goes on and on and on and on. I would have been better sticking with the original proposed location with the more senior member of Management, as I would probably have got a quicker decision.

The appeal did not go well in my own opinion and my witness was actually offended by a comment made by the appeal Manager. As a result, I have felt it necessary to write a formal letter of complaint to my former employer which probably wont help my case, but it has to be done. These companies can't get away with this type of behaviour. It is not acceptable.

It just gets better all the time doesn't it!

Eh?

What is going on now? I have received a full months pay when only expecting half and no P45 either? Very odd and surely a mistake?

Tonight is the night when I finally get a decision with my appeal too, so please keep those fingers crossed for me.

The next post will be interesting.......

Job Centre Plus? Copy of letter of complaint!

To Whom It May Concern,

I am unfortunate enough to have been recently made unemployed and I have had to make a claim for Jobseekers Allowance for the first time in 22 years. I cannot believe the standards of service that I have witnessed at the above branch of Jobcentre Plus in *********.

When I was 16 and last made a claim (for just a few weeks thank God), the experience then was bad enough in itself and I expected that times must have changed and standards improved. How wrong I was!

I entered the main entrance (after being kept waiting outside with everyone else 10 minutes after the advertised branch opening hours) and had to endure a throng of people desperate to get in and all of them demanding service from the two persons on the front desk, one of which was a ‘Securitas’ Security Officer who was very much in your face!

As I queued to enquire about whom I needed to see with regard to making a new claim, a young girl was screaming at the Manager about unpaid benefits and demanding action. Rather than take the young lady to one side, or even a private area, the two of them continued to argue and go round in circles in front of everybody else. The issue was not resolved as far as I am aware.

When I was finally seen, I was directed to a phone booth and then spoke to someone over the line for about 30 minutes about making a new claim for Jobseekers Allowance. Personal questions were asked of me, including my bank account details, and the ‘booths’ are far from private making me feel very uncomfortable about discussing such matters. An appointment was made with an advisor for the following week and I was told what to bring with me.

On this second appointment, I had to queue-up again to ask where I needed to go to see this advisor and was directed to the first floor. You enter a room with no apparent reception point and are then accosted by another Securitas officer (this time a short Asian woman in her late 40’s or early 50’s) who demands to know what you want and then tells you need reception? When I asked, she just gestured towards a table in front of her with no indication that this was a reception point. Other people that entered after myself were shown even less courtesy, with one young man - who had no idea what to do either – being ‘Hey you’ ed by the same woman as he wandered about the room looking for assistance.

The advisor that I finally spoke to (A middle aged chap called *** if I recall) was actually very pleasant and explained the processes accordingly in a professional manner. He told me the procedure for signing-on and gave me the relevant paperwork, even though he said I was probably not entitled to any benefit as I was dismissed from my previous employment and may have to wait 26 weeks!! How do people survive in this case?? I was totally gob-smacked and as I am in the process of appealing against my dismissal, let’s hope to god that I don’t have to rely on HM Government to support me for a while. Why have I paid taxes and National Insurance for all these years? It is totally beyond me.

When I went to sign-on today for the first time, the process was as farcical as before! You are ushered to the far side of the ground floor, and once again you have no idea or direction as to what you should do. Once again, there is no sign-posted Reception area and I followed someone else’s lead as to what I had to do next. The Asian Securitas woman from my last visit appeared again, and she obviously thinks that she is the receptionist for the entire building and, as before, was extremely rude to anyone that approached her for assistance. She has no customer service skills whatsoever and has no idea how to deal with complaints or queries from people. In fact it would appear that she goes out of her way to annoy anybody that dares to be in the same room as her. She made a bee-line for one kid who was waiting and kept telling him to move out the way as he was ‘blocking reception’. He wasn’t, and he was getting understandably irate over her constant remarks.

The queue to actually see someone was horrendous too with only three advisors working to clear the back-log of people waiting to be seen. There were at least 5 other ‘booths’ that could have been utilised to speed this process up. When one of my fellow jobseekers complained that he had been waiting for over an hour to be seen, he was just directed to reception by the Asian woman. When he asked to speak to a Manager, the Asian woman and one of the advisors proceeded to have a spat in front of everyone as to what the procedure was. This just served to keep people waiting even longer, and the gentleman who made the initial complaint was then late in attending his training course. Not good enough. You are supposed to helping people get back into work or training, not hindering them!

The service standards that I have witnessed are abysmal. I fully appreciate that there will be times when emotions run high and hostility is a potential problem, but your staff need some proper training in how to deal with your customers and not antagonise them. The processes and procedures involved in making a claim also need serious attention.

I sincerely hope that this complaint is dealt with correctly and passed on to the relevant Management at this branch, and I would also appreciate a reply to this email. To actually get an email address to write to was a chore in itself, as I don’t want a complaint form to fill in that could be conveniently lost.

Beneficial.....?

I have just spent half an hour going through and completing Housing Benefit application forms, despite the fact that I hopefully won't need to claim for very long!

They want evidence of just about everything! Wages, salary, final salary, savings, shares and investments, pension schemes and I.Q.

Luckilly, the only thing I do have is the I.Q. at the minute. Which is just as well, because the application form is a little......vague! It asks you for a 'reply' based on the information that is required. That's it, just a reply? Very strange indeed. And they are asking for 'evidence' of my existing benefit entitlement. I CAN'T CLAIM ANYTHING!!!!!! That is the reason for my application in the first place, so I don't get evicted from my sodding flat.

I give up!

Most appealing.

Mmmmmm...interesting! After wrangling for an eternity, the appeal date, location and Manager have changed once again. Now its earlier next week and slightly nearer to home. I can't wait to get this sorted now once and for all. My union official is not available so I will also have to make an alternative arrangement, but who shall I select I wonder?

Still no word from the prospective employer though? Perhaps all my delays have pissed them off for good....difficult to say at this point. I sincerely hope not.

Losing patience now.

What a shite day! Missed the postman first thing this morning as he obviously has no understanding of the fact I live in a flat and need a few minutes to get downstairs to answer the door. When I tried to call the collection office to see if I could pick up the letter today they just kept putting the phone down after I had endured the usual round of recorded options. The 'press 5 to leave a highly offensive message' option was not available to me unfortunately!

I then emailed my old employer to see if they would send a copy of the letter (it was obviously from them!) which they eventually did to reveal the following: Hearing in 9 days time in a city over 100 miles away with a different appeal Manager too!! To say I was angry is an understatement.

After a frantic set of phone calls to various contacts (including my former employers incompetant HR department), the location and date could not-or more likely would not-be changed. So they expect me to endure over another week of torture and, more importantly, NO MONEY. Later in the day they did graciously offer to pay my expenses for the trip as 'it is quite a distance from where you live'. Thanks. A bunch!

Not acceptable in my opinion. I have also emailed the union to ask their advice as I really can't see my representative being particularly happy over the trip to accompany me to the hearing.

So, I have contacted the prospective employer to ask about the position with them, and if they formally offer me a job I will drop the appeal altogether and just deal with a dismissal on my future record. That is something I didn't want to live with but the clock is ticking and my bank account is emptying. I need to work.

I await tomorrow and the replies.

And.....(no) action!!

Another day passes and still no news. I have sent another email to the appeal Manager asking what is going on? I was assured in the last correspondance that I would hear something within seven days, but alas, no.

I shouldn't really be surprised as I've already stated earlier in the blog, but it's reaching the stage now where I'm just losing interest in the whole process and maybe I should just move on now?? Need to chew that one over for a bit perhaps.

Lets see if I get a reply today at some point.

No news is no news!

Nothing much to report today. STILL not received any notification about my impending appeal....time is running out from their perspective under the Company's own procedure. It is REALLY doing my head in now, I want some bloody action please!!

Not heard anything from the prospective employer either this week, which is a little concerning too now. Are things going tits-up for me?

zzzzzzzzzzzzz.....I wish!

Another sleepless night, the latest of many over recent weeks. I'm not a worrier by nature but the following points are obviously firmly lodged in the back of my mind:

• No current job!
• Still waiting for the appeal!
• No GUARANTEE of the new job yet!
• Money running out!

I think I'm justified to be a little concerned at the minute. Don't you?

Being treated to lunch today and later on to dinner too, including home made banana cake-delicious!

I may as well stay up now and knacker myself for tonight......and so aids restful sleep. Heres hoping at any rate.

You have mail.

Today I received a letter from my former employer acknowledging receipt of my appeal letter and thanking me for 'my patience'. They will get back to me within the next 7 days!

Do these people not realise that I want to get this dealt with sooner rather than later and start to put my life back in some sort of order? Typical behaviour from them I'm afraid and a good way of torturing me further whilst simultaneously appearing to do the right thing.

The incident that started all this was over a month ago now for gods sake!

Who needs money anyway?

I have just been for my first 'Jobseekers interview'. What a joke! Apparently I'm not entitled to a bean for 26 weeks because I was fired! I was always under the impression that rule only applied to people who resigned from a job and signed on.

How do people survive in this situation? Why have I paid my taxes and National Insurance for all these sodding years......and then be eligible for nothing when I actually might need it!!

Thank god that I don't have any kids or a huge mortgage to fork out for, what the hell would I have done then?

There are times when I hate this country!

What a difference a day makes!

The interview went very well indeed! I must give great thanks to my referee who first informed me of the position, he has done me a sterling job in every way. I can't thank him enough.

I still have a second interview to attened in the near future, but I firmly believe that the position will be offered to me officially following that. The interviewer and myself got on quite well straight away and the 'history' was discussed briefly too. The interviewer was a person that I could easily work for and I liked their work ethic from the off-set.....all very good signs!

I am a very lucky person if truth be known.....how many prospective employers take you at face value these days (OK, with a large nudge in your direction!!)? Not many. I have been fortunate twice over my years of employment with both my honesty and the ability of others to take a leap of faith.

Brave new worlds?

Tomorrow is an important day. My first 'post-sacking' interview! It's within my industry which is good of course but I've never applied for a job after being dismissed, so what questions will that bring at the meeting I wonder?

I have made the potential new employer fully aware of my status and situation already and they still agreed to see me, so that can only be read as a positive sign. I sincerely hope so at least.

I have to admit that I am probably more nervous than I normally would be, but I like to think I'm pretty good at my job despite what's happened recently, so I wish that the interviewer and myself can find some common ground quite quickly and build a rapport from that. Fingers crossed.

As for my 'old' Company, I have still not received formal writen notification of my dismissal and it's nearly a week ago now. I contacted the disciplining Manager earlier this evening to see where it was. Apparently I should get it tomorrow, no explanation for the delay either. I have emailed my appeal letter to them as well. Nothing in return again apart from confirmation.

On Wednesday I have my first Jobseekers interview to contend with. That should be interesting and another new experience. One I thought I would never have for that matter.

Oh, I'm a card alright!

Just took this test when checking out other peoples blogs! The Devil.....I ask you! Or am I?

You are The Devil

Materiality. Material Force. Material temptation; sometimes obsession

The Devil is often a great card for business success; hard work and ambition.

Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the major arcana, the Devil is not really "Satan" at all, but Pan the half-goat nature god and/or Dionysius. These are gods of pleasure and abandon, of wild behavior and unbridled desires. This is a card about ambitions; it is also synonymous with temptation and addiction. On the flip side, however, the card can be a warning to someone who is too restrained, someone who never allows themselves to get passionate or messy or wild - or ambitious. This, too, is a form of enslavement. As a person, the Devil can stand for a man of money or erotic power, aggressive, controlling, or just persuasive. This is not to say a bad man, but certainly a powerful man who is hard to resist. The important thing is to remember that any chain is freely worn. In most cases, you are enslaved only because you allow it.

Follow the link to see what card you are!

Take the Test to Find Out.

Square eyes

At least all this 'free time' is allowing me to re-visit my DVD collection in some depth. I've managed to get through quite a few over the past couple of days alone. (Just watched 'V For Vendetta' which was surprisingly good and has the best-looking skinhead since Sinead O'Connor graced us with 'Nothing Compares To You'. I'm afraid the comparison has been made and Natalie Portman came out on top, though she could gain a few extra pounds!).

Might as well go through all the buggers before I'm forced to sell them off to buy a loaf of bread! Don't panic, it's nowhere near that bad as of yet.....but that does depend on whether my plans over the next few days come to fruition.

It will do me good to get out actually. I've hardly left the house since the fateful day.

It's good to talk.

After just reading my last post (appropriate terminology?), I think it only correct to mention those friends again. Emails have flooded in, the phone hasn't stopped ringing and the texts are making my fingers hurt with all the replies. The pain is worth every push of a button!

What a great bunch of friends and colleagues I have. The level of concern they have demonstrated over my situation is quite staggering to be honest. I am not a person known for emotional reactions to many situations, but I have found myself thinking of them all with great affection with all their support.

One can only hope that you-the reader-has as many people in your lives that matter as I. Fortunate does not go far enough.

Therapy...

Considering how much I've discussed my situation with all my friends over this past week, this blogging lark is actually quite therapeutic. Enough for one day though!

In the 'dole-drums'

Talking of which......have you been to sign on lately? Well I haven't in about 22 years and it has certainly changed!

I walked into the Job Centre ('Plus' whatever that means?) and no-one even approaches you for a start and thats because there are hardly any staff working there these days.....it's all automated and via internal phones. Very strange. Where have all the desks gone and the hoardes of people that used to work there.

You are confronted by touch-screens instead of boards and they print off job specs if you see something you want to apply for......which wasn't much in my opinion!

To even get that far you have a telephone type interview, sat in a very public booth where every bugger around you is very interested in what you're saying! And 'they' ask you a million and one questions about everything thats happened to you and what you want etc, etc....

I want bloody everything after paying a fortune in taxes over the years thank you very much, and the quicker the better now that I will be skint very shortly!

Honesty. Is it the best policy?

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to 'blogging' so do excuse me if I don't come across in the usual manner as I don't what that is exactly! Shouldn't think it really matters anyway as who reads all these things in the first place? I haven't read any before so who will bother with mine? Gives you the chance to get stuff off your chest doesn't it. Time will tell I suppose!

Well, I've lost my job this week and it's the first time I've ever been FIRED! A very unusual experience to be honest, it happened on Wednesday night and it still hasn't really sank in I suppose. I had been suspended for two weeks prior to the night in question (which seemed like an ETERNITY) and even though I was anticipating the worse case scenario, it was still a big shock when I was told at my disciplinary hearing.

'What happened' was that? OK, here goes!

We had a small gathering from work to celebrate a cultural event that was also used as a potential marketing exercise. I wasn't really that fussed about going if I'm honest, but my (recently appointed) boss is new to the area so I agreed to go along as I know a lot more people than her within the community we work in. (Yes, I realise that I'm not giving much away about my business, but there is a reason for that.)

To cut a long story short, I got totally plastered on (Company purchased!!) red wine and (customer purchased!!) Southern Comfort. After the event had finished I went back to work to get a taxi home but like an idiot, I actually entered the work premises whilst they were open. This didn't go down too well with my fellow Manager, but my staff have all seen me drunk socially or at work parties, so they just found it amusing (as usual!).

We had a guy from another branch training that night and I asked him 'if he was a lesbian', but not in an offensive manner.....just like a daft drunk might. A daft drunk like me at any rate.

He didn't come back the following night as a result of this (and far worse stuff that happened after I had left.....I'll explain that in the future maybe?) and when I found out I thought I had no choice but to confess what had happened with me and the fact that I had been drunk-even though I was not actually working!

My confession has ultimately cost me my job!

In my line of work, integrity is of the utmost importance and you MUST report any incidents that could affect either you or the business, let alone any legal aspects that may be affected (which this most definately DID NOT!).

So there you have it, a basic version of events and the outcome: getting sacked!

I intend to appeal against the decision of course and I know of far worse incidents within the Company that have either gone unpunished or not resulted in dismissal. I'm gutted.

Just waiting to hear when the appeal hearing date will be. Not looking forward to it and I feel I may be wasting my time, but it has to be done........nothing to lose at this point.

On top of that I've just spent an hour going over my first 'Jobseekers Statement' which I received in the post today. Half of that was wrong too!