Jobcentre Plus Support for customers with Disabilities & Health Conditions Presenter – Lucy Harvey

We offer our help and support with: Jobcentre Plus supports customers with health conditions or disabilities: return to the labour market, remain in the labour market We offer our help and support with: Dedicated Disability Employment Advisers & various training providers Permitted Work Work Experience Voluntary Work Individual recruitment support from our Employer Adviser team Access to Work

Dedicated Disability Employment Advisers In Jobcentre Plus offices we have Disability Employment Advisers who support customers with their move closer to or into the labour market, support customers who are in danger of losing their job through ill health. They have more specialist knowledge to help customers with health related barriers to work. They have access to various skills provision, specialist advice, Work Choice, Job Search Support and signposting to appropriate provision including, Work Psychologist.

Permitted Work Allows Employment Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit claimants to try part time work, without giving up their benefits to see if they are well enough to take up employment. If people are in the Work Related Activity Group they can work less than 16 hours per week and earn no more than £107.50 for up to 1 year without it having an effect on benefit. If they are in the Support Group they can work for an indefinite period working less than 16 hours and earning no more than £107.50 per week, however Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax benefit may be reduced or stopped

Work Experience Voluntary Work Work experience will enable individuals who are unemployed the opportunity to volunteer for placements with host employers lasting 2-8 weeks. Voluntary Work To be completed with a Voluntary Organisation, allowing people the chance to ease back into the labour market at a pace that suits the individual. We match customers to suitable host employers and complete a light touch selection process. We are able to discuss the needs of individuals with employers and where appropriate make suitable changes to meet health conditions and disabilities of customers wanting to participate in a placement There is no limit to the hours or length of Voluntary Work, it will also give customers new skills, confidence and an up to date reference for CVs for future employment

Sector-based work academies These provide sector-based training, work experience and a guaranteed job interview for claimants. They can help you fill vacancies more effectively and have successfully supported business across the UK with large, medium or small recruitments. Work trials A work trial is an opportunity for employers and potential employees to trial a vacancy before a final job offer. Sbwa up to 6 weeks for the training and must have an employer sponsor for the Guaranteed interview element Once agreed with Jobcentre Plus, you can offer a work trial if the job is for 16 hours or more a week and lasts at least 13 weeks. The work trial can last up to 30 days. Work Trials also allow customers an opportunity to see if your company is suited to them.

What Jobcentre Plus Employer Advisors can offer Our specialist Employer Adviser team will discuss and agree a flexible recruitment package based on your needs. This may include some of the following: Named Employer Adviser in local offices Advertising and promoting your vacancy Sifting and Matching suitable candidates Support with selection and interviewing Interview Facilities within the local office Access to Disability and Employment Advisers in local office

For further information contact Jobcentre Plus lucy.harvey@dwp.gsi.gov.uk lynne.symons@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Marzenna.seares@dwp.gsi.gov.uk Or visit www.gov.uk Contact details and obtain further information