The best way to avoid unlawful sanctions and the unfair treatment by Jobcentre Plus is to obtain unemployment insurance.

Those who are already unemployed will not be able to do this but if you are currently unemployed then you should consider this option once you have secured employment so if you lose your job you have a better option than Jobseekers Allowance.

If your job isn’t secure, you work in the public sector or have a fixed term contract you should consider unemployment insurance. It will take away much of your disposal income but if you are able to claim the insurance then you do not have to restrictively seek employment, jump through hurdles, attend spoof employment courses including workfare or any of that nonsense… and you are more likely to secure employment again sooner!

Unemployment Insurance Cover

Sometimes called “Unemployment Insurance”, “Unemployment Cover” or “Unemployment , Accident and Sickness cover”. Plans vary (so check when you enquire).

Typically:

• You must have a job over 16 hours a week that is permanent (not seasonal, temporary or seasonal)
• You must have had the job for at least for 6 months continuous (without any breaks)
• You must be aged between 18 and retirement age
• Your job must be secure: you must not be aware of any potential redundancies etc.
• Its typically cheaper for younger people and can be as low as £5/week

Recommended for:

• Those with a past of redundancies or in a line of work which isn’t certain (your job must be “secure” in the meanwhile to be eligible i.e. you haven’t received a letter about job losses and there must be no prior suspicion to the possibility your job might not remain)
• Those who earn a lot of money and are dependent on such income (where JSA isn’t capable for a temporary solution)

Not recommended for:

• Any person whom has receipt of a letter stating they could be made redundant (i.e. a letter signifying business performance issues – even if not directly related to people)
• Anyone likely to be made unemployed due to voluntary leaving or dismissed for misconduct