Feeling really cross -and anxious this morning so apologies in advance as this is a bit of a rant ...
I left a teaching job by choice - last day 12 Feb. I didn't think finances would be a problem as I registered with a supply agency in January, ready to start with them on Feb 22nd. However, I need a new DBS certificate. This is delayed at the final 'police check' stage. After phoning to express concern I was initially told that it could not be escalated for 28 days from the point that it arrived at this final stage. Those days have now passed. I rang again yesterday - horrified that the recorded message on the helpline says there is a clearance backlog and now it can take up to 18 weeks (more government cuts?). Rather snitty woman I then got talking to - who had told me it could be escalated after 28 days first time around then tried to tell me I have to wait until 60 days have passed. I queried this (VERY politely) and she grudgingly said I would have to fulfil hardship criteria which would involve them contacting my landlord to check if I am in hardship! a) I do not want to involve my landlord and have them thinking security of tenure is at risk - which it isn't; b) I tried to explain I am not I hardship for now, but not being able to work for another month would severely compromise my position as I need to save any money earned this month towards covering out of term time in the summer. She then said (impatience in her voice very clear) that I could apply for escalation on employment grounds if I am being prevented from working. Alleleuia! Yes! I have work lined up which I cannot take up without the certificate. She took the teaching agency details and said she would phone them yesterday and that I should expect the check to be completed today if that bears out. I phoned the agency - they said they would be on alert for the call and would confirm for her that work is begging and would also let me know when she has phoned them. Didn't hear back from the agency yesterday ... just checked my DBS status online - still incomplete! Each day is costing me £120. I just don't know where to go from here. I will, of course, check with the agency again this a.m. to see if she phoned anyone.
I am really bemused as my check was referred to Met police which have these terrible delays - I have only ever worked in Kent and had a certificate renewal relatively recently as my HR at school said it needed updating. The search for info for me was therefore conducted just a few months ago.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!! I feel there should be some way to address this further. Has anyone else been in a similar position? The woman yesterday gave me the impression that if they do not see fit to escalate after all, I simply have to wait, wait, wait and if this means 18 weeks of waiting I am in real trouble!
xx
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