The trick is to have a job for pretty soon after your leaving date

Easier said than done

but one can dream

Thanks Norma - I think really it's pie in the sky as I am a lp and so the breadwinner.

It's too high risk really

My empolyer offered voluntary redunancy, but put that it was compulsory on the letters so that benefits were paid

I thought that you had to wait 6 months if you had taken VR, but this site seems to suggest that you will be entitled either way.

The other thing to consider is if you have any payment protection insurance on mortgage or loans etc. You would need to check their terms and conditions.
<<disclaimer - not qualified in any way, please see someone who knows what they are talkng about>>

My employer is offering vol redundancy - half a year's salary and dates of leaving into the future (up to 2012) I think.

I am not even sure if an application would be accepted from me but projecting ahead what happens re js allowance if someone takes vol redundancy and then when money has run out you can't find work.

Obviously this is the worst case scenario but
just trying to cover all eventualaties when deciding to apply.