Advice WINZ and Fruit picking

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hio77

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#2421591 15-Feb-2020 21:56

This kinda describes my experience years back...

I eventually cracked when I was having Alot of trouble finding a job and went in.
I felt like I was being treated like I wasn't doing my hardest to avoid going on any benefit (I don't agree with sitting on them)

After my 3rd session... I went this is way too hard. Went and found myself a dishy role instead..

Suppose the system did work. It kept me off the job seeker or whatever it was back then. But they really need to get better at managing those who just abuse the system imo rather than just making the entry harder for those in need.

I couldn't help but be shocked that many of my "peers" who were also there had been on it for years and was just sitting there going...
"this is real easy, you sit through sessions and then they start your payments then you just file crappy applications to jobs so your seen trying"

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

Geektastic

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#2421592 15-Feb-2020 21:57

ObidiahSlope:

Some employers in this sector, how can I put it politely, lack charm.

I realise this is not a humourous discussion but that did make me chuckle.

spaceknight

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#2421593 15-Feb-2020 22:01

Unless the work is just for a couple of days and doesn't require you to travel and stay out of town, I don't think it's fair.

Otherwise how do they expect you to get a job that is more suitable for your background and experience, either on your own or via WINZ.

Geektastic

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#2421764 16-Feb-2020 11:27

spaceknight:

Unless the work is just for a couple of days and doesn't require you to travel and stay out of town, I don't think it's fair.

Otherwise how do they expect you to get a job that is more suitable for your background and experience, either on your own or via WINZ.

On the face of it, they are not being overly helpful because they appear unable to differentiate between someone who is well qualified and in a specialist employment situation and someone who has no qualifications and simply wants to swing the lead on the taxpayer dollar.

It takes time and effort for qualified professionals to get suitable work - and they need time to prep CVs, approach contacts, attend interviews and so on. It ought to be possible to demonstrate that you are seeking work without having to be forced to carry out the first thing WINZ can think of - at least for a reasonable period like 6 months so you get a chance to sort out your own work, register with recruitment agencies and so on.

ProfX

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#2421766 16-Feb-2020 11:34

The way they explained it was 6 days a week, unless it rains. Mostly day work (Picked up by a bus early in the morning.) but could be rostered onto night shifts as well. Without knowing the exact role it is difficult to know if I can perform it (eg past back sports injury).

My main point of argument was that I believe it would be detrimental for me finding a long term solution. Applying for roles, taking time off for interviews etc. I told them I was not going to wait till the perfect job and perfectly happy doing shop work or office work in the meantime. However, fruit picking or coming off benefits are my only options (according to WINZ).

I understand the sentiment of wishing to get people off benefits ASAP (trust me its not something I wish to perform). Providing such jobs is required and beneficial in select circumstances. For example those with no work experience or helping people who have not worked in a long time gain confidence. But its should not be a one size fits all.

I also appreciate the perception of being a tax burden. However, what I would say is that simply placing me in a minimum wage role has a net effect of making me less of a tax burden (but increases the probability of that being for a longer time). That's different from if I was working in a role of my skills where I would be a net tax contributor.

I think the likelihood is that I will come off benefits and gamble that I will be able to find office or shop role closer to home, not 6 days a week, and won't leave me too exhausted to find a long term solution. But cant help but feel let down by the system.

KrazyKid

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#2421872 16-Feb-2020 17:22

I'm probably going to come across poorly here but I'm on WINZ side. It's a safety net not a right.
If you are able to work you should take the job.

Saying that, I would be taking unpaid leave if I had a job interview or needed time of to find a job better sorted to my skills. If you only ended up working 4 days week you would be better off than if you are on the benefit. Be up front with the boss, they are desperate for staff so you have per here
I'd also be looking a an office job or shop role ASAP.

If you don't want to work then stand down. Sounds fair to me.

By the way if you are willing to consider shop work try your local large supermarket. They often have night fill jobs stacking shelves. High turnover as the hours are nightshift. But may suit you while you job hunt.

KrazyKid

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#2421873 16-Feb-2020 17:22

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andrewNZ

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#2421900 16-Feb-2020 19:12

A little late here.

I know that in the BOP, getting an unemployment benefit during kiwifruit season is near on impossible. There is loads of work that time of year, and never enough people to employ. Basically, the only people who don't get work, are the people who don't want it, and they usually have to get fired from every place available.

I have worked in packhouses, and there are roles to suit a range of people.

I have also been on an unemployment benefit many years ago.
They initially told me that because of my field and good employability there was nothing they could help me with, to do my best and good luck it shouldn't be too long for you. I didn't want to work, so I didn't get a job.
2.5 years later they sent me on a mandatory job seekers course. The course was bad, the advice they were giving was terrible, it was no surprise to me that people got stuck in unemployment.
I got fed up with the course, so I went out and got a job... It worked.

If I was unemployed tomorrow, I wouldn't go to WINZ unless it was essential. I would instead try finding something to get me by, even if it was sorting recycling, or cleaning toilets.

You should keep an open mind. It is surprising where job opportunities come from.

tdgeek

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#2421904 16-Feb-2020 19:16

ProfX:

The way they explained it was 6 days a week, unless it rains. Mostly day work (Picked up by a bus early in the morning.) but could be rostered onto night shifts as well. Without knowing the exact role it is difficult to know if I can perform it (eg past back sports injury).

My main point of argument was that I believe it would be detrimental for me finding a long term solution. Applying for roles, taking time off for interviews etc. I told them I was not going to wait till the perfect job and perfectly happy doing shop work or office work in the meantime. However, fruit picking or coming off benefits are my only options (according to WINZ).

I understand the sentiment of wishing to get people off benefits ASAP (trust me its not something I wish to perform). Providing such jobs is required and beneficial in select circumstances. For example those with no work experience or helping people who have not worked in a long time gain confidence. But its should not be a one size fits all.

I also appreciate the perception of being a tax burden. However, what I would say is that simply placing me in a minimum wage role has a net effect of making me less of a tax burden (but increases the probability of that being for a longer time). That's different from if I was working in a role of my skills where I would be a net tax contributor.

I think the likelihood is that I will come off benefits and gamble that I will be able to find office or shop role closer to home, not 6 days a week, and won't leave me too exhausted to find a long term solution. But cant help but feel let down by the system.

What I bolded, I;d be very surprised and shocked, if that was compromised. As to doing shop work or office work, if it was me, id be into fresh air and exercise, after all its only transitory.

MadEngineer

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#2421950 16-Feb-2020 20:33

Be thankful you have a job and bloody well get on with it.

Look at the positives and make the most of it - exercise, a chance to do something you would never have done otherwise, gain some knowledge of the industry. Don’t be the guy going along just because you have to and input the minimum amount of effort or worse slack off so that you get fired.

You’ll quickly then realise that once you’re employed, finding another job is so much easier.

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

gzt

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#2422761 17-Feb-2020 21:12

I think it's excellent that winz and whatever dept are taking some initiative here. No doubt this is an excellent outcome for many people. The OP has not provided dates and details but as described by the OP I see some general problems with these arrangements.

Apparently Winz have not interviewed the OP to determine any relevant circumstances at all related to this position. Official winz definition: "Suitable employment: Work that is suited to a person taking into account their circumstances"

Second, the employer has not asked even basic questions. That part is ok, it's their choice and implies accepting some liability.

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