Routes To Employment

Employment and Disability There are 13.9 million disabled people in the UK. 8 per cent of children are disabled  19 per cent of working age adults are disabled 45 per cent of pension age adults are disabled Over 3.4 million disabled people are in employment Disabled people are more than twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people

Governments intentions The path a person takes in life and in work should not be dictated by their disability or health condition. Everyone deserves the chance to find a job that’s right for them The government will help to get more disabled people into work in the next decade They will help and improve services for those with health conditions, supporting them get into and stay in work, and helping make sure services are accessible and inclusive for all. 2,000 work coaches have received training since 2015 to help them work with benefit claimants with mental health conditions. The government is committed to building on this resource

Benefits of being in employment Being in work: keeps us busy, challenges us and gives us the means to develop ourselves; gives us a sense of pride, identity and personal achievement; enables us to socialise, build contacts and find support; provides us with money to support ourselves and explore our interests. Health benefits of working People in work tend to enjoy happier and healthier lives than those who are not in work. Our physical and mental health is generally improved through work – we recover from sickness quicker and are at less risk of long term illness and incapacity. Because of the health benefits, sick and disabled people are encouraged to return to, or remain in, work if their health condition permits it.

What happens at 18 years Who, where, what and how Who do I turn to now What’s available How do I access it? Will we meet the eligibility criteria Who will support us / where has my support gone??

The role of the Job centre The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides a programme of intensive support for all 18 to 21 year olds making a new claim to Universal Credit. This is known as the Youth Obligation Support Programme. This programme is being rolled-out in line with the roll-out schedule for Universal Credit. It aims to encourage and support all young people into employment, work-related training or an apprenticeship. If you are 18 to 21 years old and are making a new claim to Universal Credit, you will receive a programme of intensive support, based on evidence of what works, tailored to your needs and job goals. Throughout this, you will continue to receive Universal Credit in line with the agreements made in your claimant commitment. If you are attending training or work experience, you may be reimbursed for travel or childcare costs.

Supported internships are a structured study programme based with an employer. They enable young people aged 16-24 with a statement of SEN, or an Education, Health and Care plan to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need for work, through learning in the workplace. Supported internships are unpaid, and last for a minimum of six months. Wherever possible, they support the young person to move into paid employment at the end of the programme. Alongside their time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme which includes the chance to study for relevant substantial qualifications, if appropriate, and English and maths.

An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances you should be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice, you’ll: – work alongside experienced staff – gain job-specific skills – earn a wage and get holiday pay – be given time for study related to your role (the equivalent of one day a week)

What can I earn? The national minimum wage (NMW) for apprentices is £3.70 per hour as from April 2018. The apprentice NMW applies to apprentices aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship. Apprentices aged 25 and over, and not in the first year of their apprenticeship, will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage.

Access to benefits once in work DLA and PIP not affected Entitled to website can show how much better off in work you will be Tax Credits Access to Work You may be able to get other benefits as well, depending on your circumstances. You may be able to get benefits for being on a low income like Housing Benefit or benefits because you've children. You may also be able to claim Council Tax Reduction to help with your council tax. Even if you can't claim any benefits, you may be able to get national insurance credits if you are unable to work or you are a carer.

DWP Access to Work Access to Work can help pay for support you may need because of your disability or long term health condition, for example: Aid and equipment in your workplace Adapting equipment to make it easier for you to use Money towards any extra travel costs to and from work if you can’t use available public transport, or if you need help to adapt your vehicle An interpreter or other support at a job interview if you have difficulty communicating Other practical help at work, such as a job coach or a note taker or lip speaker

Supported Employment Strategy Our vision is that all young people and adults living in Swindon have the opportunity and support to gain sustained paid employment or volunteering. (Joint Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2017-2022) Supported Employment Strategy - we are consulting on the strategy. To see the consultation slide pack and strategy go to the link below to Survey Monkey https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/S6Q7BHT

weblinks https://www.getingofar.gov.uk/ https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work https://www.entitledto.co.uk/ https://www.pluss.org.uk/ http://www.workinglinks.co.uk/ http://catch22swindon.org.uk/about/ https://www.swindon.ac.uk/Home.aspx https://www.gwh.nhs.uk/support-us/volunteers/ http://www.newcollege.ac.uk/ http://www.swindondownsgroup.org.uk/workfit/ https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20032/schools_and_education/402/adult_and_community_learning/1 http://www.uplandseducationaltrust.org.uk/Horizons-College/ http://www.citizensadviceswindon.org.uk/