Ms Vitalis: Is there any way someone can apply to work while they’re waiting for their appeal? My appeal is in October, I am not allowed to work, I have no benefits. I have a 12-year-old child.

Caseworker: You don’t have indefinite leave to remain in the UK, do you?

Ms Vitalis: No, nothing, I’m facing a deportation order.

Caseworker: If you don’t have indefinite leave to remain then obviously you won’t be able to work unfortunately.

Ms Vitalis: So what do you do when you have a child to feed?

Caseworker: Well I’m afraid these are the immigration rules, so you’ll have to get some advice from somebody. But obviously the Home Office point of view, as you are aware, if you don’t have a legal status in the UK you’re not entitled to work or study.

Ms Vitalis: But what about children? […] You cannot have children going destitute, children are different to adults. Fair enough I’m not supposed to work; that does not mean my child has to starve.

Caseworker: No, we’re not saying that. Do you have no one else who can help you? Because that’s how we deal unfortunately… You can’t work, that is definite. And you won’t have access to public funds either if that’s the case… Let me seek some advice.

[Pause while caseworker speaks with colleague]

You’ll have to look on the internet to seek advice from any charitable institutions who may be able to provide some support.

Ms Vitalis: Okay … You don’t provide any help with getting from Kent to Croydon either so how am I supposed to do that every two weeks.

Caseworker: Well, speak to the reporting centre and see if they can provide you with a travel warrant or something.