“But I feel I was left out to dry.”
I was on Job Seekers, but finding it difficult to get a job possibly because I am dyslexic and have problems reading, writing and doing paperwork. I am also no use with computers.
It was about two years ago when we discussed my difficulties at Job Seekers and when it was suggested that I might set myself up as a self-employed window cleaner. This seemed worth doing, especially as there was help available on how to get going. This was from a firm in the area.
The firm sent all the necessary paper work to Company House and helped me to prepare some advertising leaflets. At the same time they explained that I would need to keep records and complete tax returns. They didn’t explain very thoroughly what was needed or maybe I was a bit slow in understanding. Once started, the firm did phone me a couple of times to check on how things were going. I said that the window cleaning, itself, was going well but I was definitely struggling with the paperwork. Each time, they said they could provide some help but they never came back.
The result is that I got behind and failed to make a tax return when I should have done. I am now pursued by HMRC for a chunk of money I can’t afford, made up of tax, fines and interest, all following my failure to submit tax returns. I feel a bit let down. It may be partly my own fault, but, from the start, I had made it clear that I had problems with dyslexia and would need support.
I now feel as though I was left out to dry when I needed the help that I had been led to believe would be available . Has anyone else had the same sort of experience?