1. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council Social Inclusion Regional Group Access To Job Event Removing Barriers to employment An Advisers Perspective Beckie Smart & Roger Stephenson

2. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council The Work Of An Advisor What we do! Client Registrations – Identifying & recording client barriers to work Action Planning – Tailored to the individual client Regular Caseload Appointments – Dictated by clients needs Signposting To Partner & Other Organisations for further help NEWS Team A County wide service aiming to reduce the number of mainstream benefit claimants particularly in the most deprived lower super output areas

3. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council Physical Disability English as a 2 nd language Mental Health IssueEx Offenders Other Health Issue Drug/Alcohol Misuse People made redundantLearning Disabilities People with low basic skillsPeople In or Leaving Care Lone Parents50 years + Homeless peopleEthnic Minority Group People facing redundancyYoung people who are NEET Migrant labour (e.g. Polish)Labour marker returners Asylum SeekersCarers Refugees Who Needs Support?

4. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council The Range Of Barriers To work Ill health, both physical and mental health issues Lone parent (Childcare issues, not enough money or support) Young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) ack skills/experience, travel issues, etc) No transport or poor transport links to work ESOL Ex-offenders/gap in employment Homelessness and other housing issues Low level skills and qualifications Low self esteem and confidence Lack of knowledge/awareness of help available Debt and money issues Earnings gap between welfare and work (coming off benefits, no safety net) Overcoming the barriers:

5. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council Example Of The Support Process From a registration an action plan is created... Client has health problems and in receipt of Incapacity Benefit Remove barrier Referral into specialist organisation assistance (Shaw Trust | A4E | Pinetree Trust ) Client offered follow up caseload interview Remove Barrier Funding available IWLE Workwear/Clothing Travel to work Training courses Licenses/tickets Childcare costs Tools/Equipment

6. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council What We Offer.... One to one interviews & Resource Centre facilities Flexibility of support A relaxed informal atmosphere A seamless journey from registration through action plan targets Expert Information Advice and Guidance Locations at the heart of the community An individual service to remove individuals barriers Strong links with post employment support Excellent links with partner organisations Support to remove financial barriers to work (tools, work clothes, travel costs etc.)

7. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council The result of NEWS support The items shown in the pictures funded by NEWS are the Gazebo, Tables & Chairs! As a result of NEWS help, this client moved from claiming welfare benefits for 15 years & into employment! The funding certainly helped, but it constituted only a small part of the help & support NEWS offered!

8. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council Summary There is no ‘typical’ workless person Support needs to be tailored …. Partnership is key …… What can be achieved ……..

9. www.northumberland.gov.uk Copyright 2009 Northumberland County Council NEWS Contact Details Telephone - 01670 542082 Freephone - 0800 3895990 Northumberland Employability & Work Service