Reply to: Developer required to write simple webapp to replace Job Centre

[Amiga500]

When I signed on for a couple of weeks I explained to a drone how I specialise in IT support and expanded on the sort of position I was looking for... the guy behind the desk typed in some random search criteria, swiveled his screen round so I could see it and said "can you use a computer"?

At least they have a sense of humour, eh?

It's like someone explaining what they do in their role as a Chef, before being asked if they can cook... Mind you a rubbish support person barely can use a computer just like a tulip chef can't really cook

Not implying you are tulip of course!

[gingerjedi]

I think you're supposed to use the time waiting looking at jobs on those machines?

Surprised they don't do anything to check you're looking for work though, when I was briefly signed on they made a token attempt to chat to me about it at least.

When I signed on for a couple of weeks I explained to a drone how I specialise in IT support and expanded on the sort of position I was looking for... the guy behind the desk typed in some random search criteria, swiveled his screen round so I could see it and said "can you use a computer"?

[HairyArsedBloke]

In Denmark a requirement of applying for a job every week was added for people getting the equivalent of job seekers allowance, by the minister of the labour market.

Employers receiving these applications then have to reply with a letter stating that the applicant is not getting a job, then the applicant can show this letter to the Job Centre and get his money.

This new requirement angered/annoyed quite a few people and organisations - so the coordinated that (almost) everyone for week sent all their applications to apply for the job of minister of the Labour Market - then this ministry had to send all these "sorry we have no job for you" letters back - completely swamping them for weeks.

Can you imagine that happening here.

It would make applications for Bob Shawadiwadi's work permit a lot harder.

[ThomasSoerensen]

In Denmark a requirement of applying for a job every week was added for people getting the equivalent of job seekers allowance, by the minister of the labour market.

Employers receiving these applications then have to reply with a letter stating that the applicant is not getting a job, then the applicant can show this letter to the Job Centre and get his money.

This new requirement angered/annoyed quite a few people and organisations - so the coordinated that (almost) everyone for week sent all their applications to apply for the job of minister of the Labour Market - then this ministry had to send all these "sorry we have no job for you" letters back - completely swamping them for weeks.

[threaded]

Reasons they make you turn up is because they want to verify

• You really exist
• You are in the country/Area
• You are most likely not in work on the sly (last one is most pointless in today 24 hour society)

As to them showing an interest, if you were in their shoes seeing 100's per day, most no hope'rs who if they found a job would run run a mile or people wanting to work but so those down in their luck that they are probably facing losing their house, partners so forth?

Close.

The reason they keep you waiting for so long is that it limits the number of multiple IDs you can use.

I heard tell of one chap who had several hundred, but reckon he must have had others helping him out, it must have been more than a full time job going round all the job centres signing on.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

I thought the whole point of the Civil Service was to employ ever growing numbers of people who would continue to vote for New Labour come the next election ?

Ffs when will this tired and discredited cliche stop being repeated? There is zero evidence that public sector workers or those on benefit are any more likely to support a given party than anyone else. Zero. Get used to it.

[Board Game Geek]

I thought the whole point of the Civil Service was to employ ever growing numbers of people who would continue to vote for New Labour come the next election ?

[BobTheCrate]

I'm appalled by how little this public service performs.

Unfortunately Cheese Slice, it seems you haven't learned yet what all these public service departments exist for.

They exist primarily for the benefit of those who run it.

Way down the pecking order it is to benefit those who work for it.

And well below the plimsoll line, whatever scraps may be left (99% already taken by this point) are left for those who depend on it.

Applies to Education, NHS as well - all public services.

[Mich the Tester]

for(int weeks = 0; weeks < 2; weeks++)
{
if(!work.Paid && !work.Unpaid)
{
dole.pay();
}
}

hth
tl

What happens if I fill in -3 weeks?

Exception handling please!

[thunderlizard]

for(int weeks = 0; weeks < 2; weeks++)
{
if(!work.Paid && !work.Unpaid)
{
dole.pay();
}
}

hth
tl

[Mich the Tester]

The 'clerks' (?) just collect a stack of JSA booklets and call out names, bring up your details, click a box. Done! easy as 1-2-3.

Why on earth can't that be replaced with a website?

trained gibbons

[Not So Wise]

Why on earth can't that be replaced with a website?

Reasons they make you turn up is because they want to verify

• You really exist
• You are in the country/Area
• You are most likely not in work on the sly (last one is most pointless in today 24 hour society)

As to them showing an interest, if you were in their shoes seeing 100's per day, most no hope'rs who if they found a job would run run a mile or people wanting to work but so those down in their luck that they are probably facing losing their house, partners so forth?

[CheeseSlice]

Imagine you work in a Job Centre. Many of the people you see are lying, bone-idle, offensive, smug toerags that haven't worked for years and never will. The others are intelligent, struggling, depressed and not finding work. Your career prospects are tiny. Your management are rubbish and you work for the government. The office is small and tatty.

How do you maintain your morale and provide a good service?

Booze?
Drugs?
Or ?

[BrowneIssue]

I'm appalled by how little this public service performs.

I found it varied round the country.

I turn up on time.
I then wait 45mins in an uncomfortable room with 5:1 people to waiting room chairs.

Agreed. Shite.

I'm eventually called, I sit down, and sign on the dotted line.
Then I'm simply told "Thats it, Bye now!"

Indeed, a waste of tax money ... seemingly.

Could you hold down a permie job and still go through this routine? Unlikely. Some Job Centres seem to think that is all their role entails: make it too inconvenient to sign on and hold down a job.

They also seem to think you have nothing to do all day.

Shouldn't they be showing an interest? Ask me how its going, offer me further services, or actually read my JSA diary

I found that last one the most helpful. It made me feel someone was showing an interest in the effort I had made in the previous two weeks. It was the highlight on my fortnight: "You have been busy again I see."

And what about apologising for keeping me waiting?

Yes. They should. So should the doctor but they don't either.

Seriously, I'm looking at the people working there thinking "so I'M the one who is redundant, hey?"

Thoughts? Am I on to something, or just sour?

When I started contracting in the Civil Service I was initially appalled. Eventually it dawned on me that many of these people would themselves be on the dole if the Civil Service did not employ them. So why not employ them in menial tasks instead and keep them off the streets and too busy to breed too much? But, those particular numpties should not be in the customer facing roles.



Turning your question around:

Imagine you work in a Job Centre. Many of the people you see are lying, bone-idle, offensive, smug toerags that haven't worked for years and never will. The others are intelligent, struggling, depressed and not finding work. Your career prospects are tiny. Your management are rubbish and you work for the government. The office is small and tatty.

How do you maintain your morale and provide a good service?

[BoredBloke]

I'd make those on the dole sign on every day - that way it would help cut down on those who are working on the side. Then we could afford to give those looking expenses to help them sign on each day.