Dana - it's too early for this to have trickled down to the Job Centres, but I can totally see where your concerns are. I sit in the Job Centre every week and hear other people talk. I'm sure someone in there must be work-shy dole-scum - according to the tabloids there are millions of them after all. But all I hear every week is people talking about the job they went for that had over 100 applicants so they wouldn't take any more applications (the sandwich shop "Just Baguettes") the person who did a qualification in Public Services in the hope of getting a job with the Police then was turned down for the medical, the woman who is obliged to take minimum wage offers but is worried about moving her daughter from the childcare she was previously in, and would rather hold out for a better paid job (she was previously a PA).
Also, I wonder if places like schools - who can't cope without unpaid help as it is - might decide to take on less paid help as budgets tighten.
Since I've had my job offer I've actually been trying harder to find work. Why? Because previously I was looking for a forever-job. I admit I was picking and choosing, so I would not end up depressed again, long term far less burden on the system. Oh and I'd be happier of course
While waiting for my enhanced CRB however I passed the 6 month deadline and was required to search for other work and work within a 90 minute travelling radius. As a law abiding citizen I have done so. I've now applied for dozens of retail jobs (thinking my withdrawal would have less impact on them when I started my "real" work) and I have had ONE interview. For which I did not get the job. I have retail experience, cash handling and credit card processing experience, I've managed petty cash, I've been the keyholder for two retail establishments, I'm internet savvy, I'm of an age where women generally have school age children as opposed to pregnant-potential. Yes, I've had depression, but I now have a valid (basic) CRB
and a food hygiene certificate. And I can't get a job in a jellybean concession.
I'm not bigging myself up here - "I'm too good for you so why aren't you offering me a job" - I'm just saying it really is hard.
On the flip side I am so grateful for my opportunity to volunteer.
I just doubt it would have helped if my volunteering was picking up litter or scrubbing graffiti off walls. Unless an electrically charged storm gave me super-powers when doing so of course (Misfits reference)