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Work/volunteering

Worrying trend

(9 Posts)
faringdon59 Tue 25-Aug-26 12:05:19

I've noticed in the last few months that most people I speak to are not working a full time week, which i would refer to as being 37 and a half hours.
They are either doing
a) a fixed amount of hours then being topped up with benefits.
b) three days a week to manage 'health conditions'
c) working less to do other things
I find this a concerning trend. Also most of the people who are totally NEET are not signing on either.
Therefore losing contact with Job Centres, where they would probably have access to a Job Coach, CV advice services etc
And how will these periods of inactivity show up on their State Pension record, have they thought that far ahead?

Desdemona Tue 25-Aug-26 13:09:49

I can't speak for all the reasons and scenarios for people working part time, but many employment sectors (retail/hospitality for example) don't want full-timers on their books.

They like people with small contracts (or even zero-hours contracts) so they can save money on insurance, and staff benefits such as holiday pay. Sometimes overtime is available to supplement a small contract but often not, because places run on fewer staff generally.

It isn't always choice to be part-time.

fancythat Tue 25-Aug-26 13:18:01

Which ages are you talking about?

fancythat Tue 25-Aug-26 13:20:18

I dont know about NEET.
But the rest of what you are saying, yes, I agree with you.

c. that is not a bad thing?
The people I personally know like that, are either making more money on the other days, or are using it as a better work life balance. Or both.

Greenfinch Tue 25-Aug-26 13:24:00

My grandson is a NEET. He doesn’t feel justified in claiming benefits and although he has had a few interviews, because he is autistic, the prospect seems hopeless. There is no support. What is he supposed to do?

SueDonim Tue 25-Aug-26 13:38:24

Some people have ‘portfolio’ careers, where they work fewer hours than FT in each but in total it comes to FT hours or more.

It’s worth NEET’s signing on just to get the ‘stamp’ for their pension records. I don’t know any details but I wonder if it’s possible to get your contributions paid but not actually claim money?

Luckygirl3 Tue 25-Aug-26 13:40:51

I think it is good that a few people are not flogging themselves to death at work. Work/life balance is a good thing.

BlueBelle Tue 25-Aug-26 13:45:34

And what is NEET I just don’t do acronyms I think its a lazy way of talking or writing just like this stupid DD business ( not so much used on here now thankfully)
Say it for what it is please

Greenfinch Tue 25-Aug-26 13:52:28

Not in Employment,Education or Training. It’s a very common abbreviation amongst those affected by it.