Getting back to work

[Speicher]

There is a lot talked about at present about getting people back into work. I have seen a job I will be applying for.

It is at the local library, part-time, walking distance etc. They are not looking for people with library experience. It is temporary until the end of January. (Probably starting mid-September).

This would help me get back into work. I am familiar with the Library, and it is a quiet (mostly) place, not horrendously busy. BUT as I understand it from the Unemployment Office, they are not able to assist with me getting the job.

Four months work there, would I think, give me the opportunity for a reference. I do not mind that it is temporary as the Libraries round here seem to have their fair share of temporary posts, and some permanent ones as well. As it is local, I avoid petrol costs, and parking costs.

Why then if the govenment is pushing people into work, can they not assist with me getting this job. Or does anyone know any obscure department that would be able to help?

I thought about putting this in "Politics and Life", but think it belongs in Cafe.

 

[domtyler]

Why do you need government help to walk to the library and talk to the manager about your CV over a cup of coffee?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Why do you need government help to walk to the library and talk to the manager about your CV over a cup of coffee?

i think tea would be more speicher's cup of, well you know…

 

[surfgurl]

When you apply keep in regular contact with them.
I recently applied for two jobs with the council to then discover there is an employment freeze with our council. It could be because our council is undergoing a reorganisation so they are trying to fill new vacancies with current employers. Or as another district council said in a council meeting my OH attended. All job vacancies are going to be decided at the highest level with the aim to fill them internally to save money.
Whatever you do, best of luck.

 

[Tetedelacourse]

Speicher, after your performance in the fantasy tdf, you should be applying for DS jobs across the continent, not library work.

 

[Speicher]

DS ? I told Mr Pereiro he was in my Team in case Mr Valverde fell off.
That didn't work did it?

 

[Speicher]

I think I now have the answer to the question in my OP.

Last week I tried to contact someone at an "Employment Office" regarding my enquiry.

The number I had from a few months ago, was never answered. So I rang an office in another town to get the "right" number. Before the person would give me the tel no, she wanted my NI number, and for me to confirm my address and tel no.

Then I rang the number I had been given. Mr X to was "not available" so someone else took a message. That was Friday.

No returned call yesterday, so today after lunch today I rang again. Apparently Mr X is "doing another job at the moment".

Me: Can I speak to him later today.
Them: No, he cannot break off from doing that job.
Me: Is there anyone else who could help?
Them: No
Me: I left a message on Friday, I would like to speak to him.
Them: I will give him your message.
Me: I would like to speak to him today, tomorrow or Thursday.
Them: I am not sure if that is possible
Me: Can I explain the query to you and see if anyone else can help.
Them: I think you need to speak to Mr X

So basically they are wanting get people back into work, but if you wish to speak to an advisor, they are "doing another job" and not available.
They did not even offer to refer me to an advisor who does a similar job in another office. So anyone in Town A, cannot refer to someone in Town B.

 

[bonj2]

You're in the fairly luxurious position of not having a current job to leave while still maintaining continuity of income, so what you could do if they are a bit inept at dealing with your phone enquiries is to just simply go into the library and start doing the job. If anyone questions you, then just say that the manager who doesn't work in this library took you on, and what tasks can you do to help out. Before you know it you'll be a fully fledged employee, and after a week or two, you can just slip them your bank account details and they'll just be inputted onto the computer by someone who is probably half asleep and won't bat an eyelid.
The world's full of people just going into rooms and saying things.

 

[Speicher]

I am certain that in a small Library, a "new face" would be sussed in seconds. It would be a mistake IMHO to upset the Library Manager, and therefore the rest of the Local County Council.

BTW I have no "continuity of Income".

 

[Night Train]

Have you tried just going to a few agencies and getting your name on their books for suitable work? That is how I got back into employment after a house-husband break.

 

[Speicher]

I am trying to find a job with as least stress as possible at this time. Preferably local (ie walking distance). As I am getting back into work after a comparatively long break, I am taking things steady.

I have worked with an agency before, and it is something I would do again, perhaps next year.

 

[Night Train]

I started with light duties through an agency, a couple of hours a day in sheltered accomodation making sure the old dears were ok in the morning. It was very cushy, even when I went full time.

Sadly it isn't as easy as it used to be to get 'local work', mine has always been between 20-50 miles away.

 

[summerdays]

I've worked in the Library as a 'Saturday Girl' many years ago - I think I earnt about £2 per hour which was double what those working in shops were getting. There is lots of standing, and walking in the library, but if you like meeting lots of different characters, good memory, and good at filing then its a nice job. It probably helps too if you like reading books too.

 

[domtyler]

You didn't answer my first question Speicher for some reason? Why can you not just go and apply for the job directly?

 

[Speicher]

The Library is part of Worcestershire County Council. They have a well-established procedure for applications for jobs. You download an application form, Person Specification and Job Description. After carefull reading of the requirements of the job, you then fill in the Application form, possibly on-line as I am doing, and submit it. You may get an interview.

If I turn up at the Library and ask to see the Manager, or even if I phone first, I would be told to politely go away. They have no desire to see my CV, and they do not serve coffee.