Jobcentre Plus Launch New Schemes For Disabled

The Personal Support Package – Community Partners

Community Partners will be introduced to jobcentres in a phased approach from April to August 2017.

-They will provide expert knowledge of disability to enhance the support we provide to claimant

-Give advice and support to work coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in all areas of disability

-Raise awareness of the effect a person’s disability can have on finding and keeping a job.

The Community Partner role will vary to ensure that the support provided in each district can meet the needs of the claimants there.

The Personal Support Package – Small Employer Offer

The Small Employer Offer gives Jobcentre Plus the opportunity to raise awareness with small employers of the support available to them when employing a person with a long-term health condition or disability.

102 new Small Employer Advisers (3 per district) will work with local small employers and work coaches to provide support for small employers and their new employees.

The advisers will:

-work with small employers to develop and maintain relationships

-ensure the correct person is referred to a vacancy or work experience opportunity

-support employers and their employees when completing Access to Work applications

The Personal Support Package – Access to Work

Access to Work gives financial support to help eligible people with a health condition or disability to:

-take up a job offer

-retain employment

Currently, people with a mental health condition can receive 6 months of support via the Mental Health Support Service to start a new job.

As part of the Personal Support Package, there will be 1,000 extra Mental Health Support Service places for:

-new Employment and Support Allowance claimants from 3 April 2017 in the work-related activity   group

-those with limited capability for work in Universal Credit, who have a job start date

Approximately 50% of people in these groups have a mental health condition and referring candidates who obtain a job offer can help make their transition more sustainable.

The Personal Support Package – Work Choice

Work Choice is a voluntary employment programme designed specifically for people who, due to their disability, may find it difficult to find or keep a job.

Work Choice is delivered for DWP by external contractors and has effectively provided support, with job outcome rates seeing a steady improvement since the programme was introduced.

From 3 April 2017, extra places on Work Choice are being funded for people who have limited capability for work and are not eligible for:

-the work-related activity component in Employment and Support Allowance

-the additional payment for having limited capability for work in Universal Credit, but who will be work ready within 12 months.

Referrals to Work Choice will end when the new Work and Health programme starts in November 2017.