reduced working hours

Due to an illness i returned to work last october but was only fit to return to work for 20 hours per week, since February i am fit to return to work full time but my employer will not allow me to do so because of cut backs am i entitled to claim any sort of dole or assistance

If youa re available for full-time work and cannot get it, you can claim JB or JA for the days you are not working (Mon-Sat)

Will my partner or myself be means tested when i apply for JB or JA, he is self employed for now

JB is not means tested. Eligibility is dependent on having sufficient stamps for the relevant year ( for 2009 it is 2007).

JA is means tested and your partner's income will be assessed to the extent that you live together.