I know this is an old thread but given my recent experience I do have to wonder was it worth it my working for a couple of weeks up to Christmas.
I managed to get some temporary work at a well know supermarket. First week was 23 hours, second week 38 hours, Slightly above minimum wage. Week one I came out with 123.00, week 2 I estimate I will get around 228.00, thanks to the employer not bothering to put my tax credits in, even though I gave them my P45. The payslip I got does not have my PPS number on and my name is incorrect. They also made an unauthorised deduction for a trade union subscription ( I am not particularly anti union but it was not worth me paying a fee for 10 days work, and I was not asked or informed about union membership) I know I should be able to get the tax back but the point is over the 2 weeks I earned less than I could have got on the dole, plus had to pay for lunch ( nowhere to store a packed lunch). A few people simply walked off the job when they opened their payslip last week, it's not something I would do but I could understand why they did it.
I went for an interview, at the interview I was informed if I got the job I would have to work 17.5 hours over a 5 day week, taking into account travelling costs (it's at least 25 minute drive) again I would come out with significanly less than the dole. Personally speaking I probably would take the job for my own self esteem, I hate sitting around the house feeling depressed, but again I can understand why many people would simply say it's not worth the hassle, particularly if it also meant losing additional benefits (which I don't get) such as medical card, rent allowance etc