Hey guys, I have been self-employed for 12 years within the Construction/ Refurbishment industry. I have had NO work since the middle of November. I knew the score when I signed on, as I worked there 25 yrs ago, so was therefore upfront with them. My mortgage equares to £30 per week, but the Govt will give me naff-all for 13 weeks toward it!
Obviously I have savings etc., but what if I hadn't? What if I had an average mortgage?
As per Scotsters original post, this is the system at work, thats all.
Incidentally, after 13 weeks they will only pay HALF of the interest, up to 26 weeks, after which they will pay interest only, the logic being that you should have Mortgage Protection to tide you over. This was not even mentioned to me in 1990, so was not taken.
Since signing on at the end of November, I have noticed a DRAMATIC increase in the number of people there, the woman who signed me on on Monday said they are now unable to cope with the influx of new claims........
Doesn't look good, but I hope to start a new job within 2 weeks. Incidentally, they give me £60 per week to live on, and I have worked continuously since 1978! AND paid a lot of tax/NI etc.