Smart Phones From The Job Centre

Any one else on here been given a smart phone from the Job Centre? I was on my usual signing on as i'm still on JSA and happened to pull out my old Nokia phone which I have had since 2010 and the WC not my usual one said do you want a smart phone. I said that I like my old Nokia and I do all my job hunting on my desk top computer. They then told me that they will get me one and pay for it, so I think why not it's free and if they want to see my job hunting online well they can pay for it. They ordered it from Argos and I picked it up from Argos myself. I will use this phone just for the jobcentre and no personal information or photos will be stored on the phone.

What phone did they get you?

Do yourself a favour and go through all the settings and options, especially Google, making sure you turn off GPS, location history and anything else that could be used against you later on.  I realise that the jobcentre have reserved this phone for you and you've picked it up yourself - but what's to stop them saying "prove you went to an interview on this date at this time by showing us your location history"?

When installing apps, pay attention to any data consent choices that you are given and only accept what you need to accept.  It's a bit like cookies, the websites will still work if you reject cookies, they just can't profit as much by tracking you or analysing your usage data.

I'd recommend use Private mode (or Incognito mode) on the built-in Chrome browser.  This will minimise any snooping the DWP might do if they insist on looking at your phone - previously visited websites won't be visible, for example.  I personally have Firefox installed on my phone with the uBlock Origin add-on  installed to help maximise my privacy, by blocking unwanted tracking cookies, adverts, etc.

Just be cautious of the iron hand in the velvet glove.

I've never been bought a phone but I was nearly bought new interview clothes once. That saga is probably a whole new thread in itself.*

I wouldn't expect a Pixel or an iPhone, but I hope they didn't get you the cheapest out of the Argos catalogue. If they are willing to buy even in the £100-£200 range then you can get a decent budget phone with a bit more longevity in it. Hopefully it was SIM free so you can choose the best value network as well.

Don't forget to install a recording app on your new toy so you have an accurate & contemporaneous record of all visits to JCP and any providers.

*Many years ago I took the WC up on their offer of new interview clothes. My JCP would only buy clothes from one store and I was issued with a docket thing to get said items. I have a small, lean build and the smallest adult sizes in this shop were way too big. Rather than interview smart I looked like I'd been in the dressing up box. I do believe they now let WC buy from a much wider range of clothes stores.

The Job Centre got me a smartphone a few years ago, even though I insisted I didn't want one. It was a Vodafone 'Smart First' from Argos. I've never owned a mobile phone and I still don't as I seem to have misplaced it..

, this sudden burst of generosity from the DWP , has put me on alert ...

While it sounds like a good offer? As others have suggested alteria motives ️. Why a phone , a laptop/pc. I consider better for job seeking?
Has the DWP and Argos, had some secret pact??? What's next the DWP and Halfords , going to give away free bicycles . So able to get that dream job in the Gig economy....

by Ignatius.

*Many years ago I took the WC up on their offer of new interview clothes. My JCP would only buy clothes from one store and I was issued with a docket thing to get said items. I have a small, lean build and the smallest adult sizes in this shop were way too big. Rather than interview smart I looked like I'd been in the dressing up box. I do believe they now let WC buy from a much wider range of clothes stores.


I once also got an interview parcel once. I can only say it must of been a 'De-mob' garment left over from the 1940's. And look like a complete . I am surprised hr kept a straight face during the interview.. I didn't get the position, maybe they thought I looked like a 'complete clown'. Maybe I should of visited one of the local charity outlets... Not sure if my JCP , still use this outfitters, they'd get a from me..

The Catwoman wrote:What phone did they get you?

Nokia G22. It's not a bad phone as it goes, it does what I want it to do like going on ebay and and bidding on something when i'm not at my desk top computer. Before I had the phone I had to write down all my job search the day before I went into JC and I found it a right pain in the arse doing it. This way I just log into the find a job etc to show them and they are fine with that. I'm not one of these people who is glued to a smart phone so i'm not bothered about the make and i've always had Nokia's since 2001 and my last Nokia a 6700 slide I got in 2010 is still going strong on its second battery.

Yes Pintel, the bikes for that great Bicycle gig and the phone so roach vill can contact us 24/7 just in case any other great opportunities should arise. Thats sarcasm i might add. I think the bike gig was for us all to go delivering Pizzas. Next thing their have us all back up chimneys .

I'd never heard of Good Things Databank. It is a bit like a food bank but it specialises in enabling people on low incomes who are digitally excluded to get online. It looks like you get a data SIM free of charge. I've never seen anything promoting this at the jobcentre, but then again they don't like promoting anything that suggests people on benefits can't afford to live. It certainly seems like an excellent idea and could come in handy given price rises for everything.

https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/national-databank/