Good and sufficient reasons for voluntary unemployment

You need to consider if there was a good and sufficient reason for the client to stop work.

Examples of good and sufficient reasons for ceasing employment include (but are not limited to) when the client:

• could no longer realistically transport themselves to their employment (e.g. where a client's place of employment has moved)
• had childcare arrangements that were not adequate or fell through
• had an unexpected event occur (e.g. they had to return to the family home in another location to care for a sick relative)
• left the job because the job was outside of their capabilities or the job was not suitable
• had a significant change in conditions of employment that meant the employment was no longer suitable
• needed to take leave without pay to protect their job in the future, e.g. due to an economic downturn, or an unexpected the temporary closure of the premises as a result of an event such as a fire or flood
• was not able to continue working full-time (and was unable to work reduced hours) as a result of a health condition, illness, or disability and has a medical certificate to show this

Remember you will need to consider the circumstances of each case.

For more information see:

• Voluntary unemployment or dismissal for misconduct
• Non-entitlement period should not be imposed