The person's claim for unemployment benefit was disallowed by a deciding officer on the grounds that she was not available for employment. The person concerned is employed part-time and her contract of employment stated that she was not permitted to be engaged in, or connected with, any other employment. The person subsequently produced evidence from her employer that this clause had been inserted in error. However, the deciding officer did not consider that this additional evidence warranted a change in the decision.
The person concerned appealed against this decision to the social welfare appeals office. An appeals officer, having considered all the evidence presented, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the appeal. The appeals officer's decision was based on the fact that, although the new contract stated that the person concerned was available to pursue full-time employment, the person's efforts in that regard do not suggest that she is available for employment in the substantial manner required under social welfare legislation. Notification of the decision has issued to the person concerned. Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.