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Look at direct.gov.uk or learndirect website for useful career information
You can find information about different types of job on learndirect-advice.co.uk Click here and then in the box type the job you are interested in. There is similar information about different jobs on direct.gov.uk. Click here and then in the box type the job you are interested in followed by the word ‘career’. For example ‘scaffolding career’.
You might qualify for extended payments of Housing Benefit / Local Housing Allowance or a Job grant
Extended Housing Benefit / Local Housing Allowance You qualify for extended Housing Benefit (or local Housing Allowance) payments if you have been receiving Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support (or a combination of both) for 26 weeks or more. You also qualify if you have been receiving Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit for 26 weeks or more. The payments are triggered if you come off one of these benefits due to work and the work is expected to last for five weeks or more. Extended Payments mean that you will continue to receive Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit at the same rate for 4 weeks after you start work. You do not need to claim – the Extended Payments will be made automatically. Job Grants This is a one-off tax free payment made if you take a job of at least 16 hours a week. The work must be expected to last for at least 5 weeks. You must have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit or Income Support (or a combination of these) for at least 26 weeks. If you have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance you must be aged over 25. The Job Grant will be £100 for a single person. You do not need to claim – the grant should be paid automatically – although make sure you do receive it.
Linking Rules can allow you to return to full rate of benefit if a job doesn’t work out
If you come off Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit to start work, but then have to stop work within 8 weeks because of illness or disability, you will go back onto Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit at the same rate and on the same terms as before. This may give you some reassurance if you are not sure about trying out a job. There is also a rule which applies if you return to Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit within 52 weeks. See here.
New Deal for Disabled People
This is a voluntary scheme. If you try it out but decide it is not for you, your benefits will not be affected. You will qualify if you are receiving Incapacity Benefit or Income Support based on incapacity for work. It does not matter how long you have been on these benefits. It consists of a network of ‘job brokers’, which are organizations which help people to prepare for work and find work. These organizations are often separate from the jobcentre. They may offer training, work experience or work trials. Once you have registered with a job broker, you have regular contact with them regarding your search for work. There is no time limit for being on this New Deal. You can choose which job broker to use. For details of job brokers in your area go to jobbrokersearch.gov.uk or telephone 0800 137 177 or ask at your local jobcentre.
Permitted Work Rules can allow you to do some work but still keep your Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit
Who do these rules apply to? They apply to you if you are receiving Employment Support Allowance / Incapacity Benefit or Income Support based on your incapacity for work. Why are they important? If you are on a benefit based on your incapacity for work, then you cannot normally do any work and still receive that benefit. The Permitted Work Rules allow an exception to this. If you qualify, you can do some work and still receive incapacity-related benefit. The idea is for you to test out your ability to work before you consider moving permanently into employment.
Rapid Reclaim can fast-track you back on benefits if you have to reclaim within 12 weeks
You can take advantage of this scheme if you have to claim income-based Jobseekers Allowance or Income Support within 12 weeks of a previous claim. You are allowed to complete simpler and shorter claim forms. Your circumstances must be largely the same as when you previously claimed. This scheme will make things easier if, for example, you started a job but couldn’t cope with it.
Working Tax Credit could top up your earnings on a lower paid job
This is a payment made to you if you are a low income worker. If you take a job where you usually work at least 30 hours a week, you can qualify for Working Tax Credit so long as you are aged 25 or over. If you take a job where you usually work between 16 and 29 hours a week, you will only qualify for Working Tax Credit if, for example, you have a disability that puts you at a disadvantage in the jobs market or if you are aged 50 or over and have been claiming benefit continuously for six months. The amount of Working Tax Credit that you can get depends on your circumstances. For tax year 2009-10 you can get up to: £1890 as a ‘basic element’; up to £775 if you work 30 hours or more a week; up to £2530 if you have a disability; and up to £1935 if you are aged 50 or over. The amount of Working Tax Credit that you actually get depends on your income. Payments are made directly into your bank account with your wages. You claim Working Tax credit by post. You can order a claim pack over the phone by calling 0845 300 3900
What to do about gaps in your CV
Try to avoid gaps in your work history. For example, if you were unemployed for a time, it is usually better to say this or an employer might be suspicious. Similarly, if you were ill or caring for someone you can refer to this in your CV.
Jobcentre Jobs are on the Internet
You can search for jobs available through the jobcentre. You can start your search by clicking here. You then follow through a number of questions to find the right jobs for you. The job details will tell you how to apply.
Look at Gumtree and TNT websites
Two websites that homeless people often find useful, partly because they often have ‘live-in’ jobs in the hotel or catering industry are: Gumtree TNT Magazine
Register with a few Agencies
It might be a good idea to register with a few employment agencies (you can register with as many as you like). For more on employment agencies see here
Watch out for Jobs Fairs
These are held every so often at major venues and can involve many major employers under one roof. They might also combine careers and training opportunities. They can be a good way of finding out a lot about different jobs or employers quickly and making contacts. Job fairs are advertised in newspapers such as The Evening Standard. Special Jobs fairs have been organized for homeless people by Crisis and Jobcentre Plus
Completing Application Forms
Firstly, make a photocopy or photocopies of the application form to draft out your answers on. Keep the original clean for your final version – many employers will reject, without reading, forms which are creased or grubby. Read all the questions thoroughly before you start. A common mistake is to give an over-long answer to question one and then find out that half of it should have been put under question three. Make your writing neat and readable. If your handwriting is poor, then print your answers in block capitals. Ask for help if you are not sure what any question means. Don’t leave any questions blank. If a question does not apply to you write ‘N/A’ (not applicable) as the employer will then know that you have read the question. Don’t give misleading or dishonest information – the form may become part of your employment records. If the form says ‘you may use this space for further information’, or something similar, always use this to add something to support your application. This is often the most important section of the form and your only chance to sell yourself to the employer. Describe yourself in a positive way, for example, by emphasizing any particular skills, showing the confidence to do the job and why you are keen on in. Don’t forget to sign the form. Make a copy of the form before sending it off.
Making Telephone Calls
Telephone from a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. If telephoning from a pay phone, make sure you have enough of the right coins or phonecard. Have pen and paper ready in case you need to make notes. Have your CV handy as you may be asked about your experience or qualifications. Have your diary with you in case you are invited for an interview. Think about what you are going to say before making the phonecall. (advertised jobs only) have the advert with you and underline any job reference number and the name of any person you should speak to. If an advertised job has already gone or if an employer does not have any other jobs at the moment, ask whether there is any chance of future job opportunities coming up. Be prepared for an answering machine – work out a short message.
Interviews
The interview is the one and only chance you get to convince the employer that you are the best person for the job. You should therefore use the interview to ‘sell’ yourself. To a large extent, interviews are predictable and therefore can be planned for. For more advice about interviews see here
Think Positively about your Age
Although age discrimination does exist, the important thing is to think positively. Keep the following points in mind: Many employers prefer people who have life and work experience and maturity. It can be an asset to stress these things. Many employers recognise that older workers often have more commitment and less absence from work. More mature people often have good customer service skills. Older workers do have a continuing ability to learn, transfer skills, and support younger or less experienced staff. Assess your positive attributes and the wealth of experience and lifeskills you have gained. It might be relevant to consider new areas of work after assessing your skills. Over the coming years attitudes to older workers is likely to change as the population generally gets older and as more people work into their 60s and beyond. Many large companies now say that they welcome older workers, including Tesco, Sainsburys, B&Q, Marks & Spencer and Whitbread.
Could an old bank Account still be open?
If you need a bank account, think first about whether you have had bank or building society accounts in the past. Could any of these still be open? They might still be open even if you haven’t any dealings for years and even if there was only the odd £1 or so in it. You probably won’t have any paperwork for the account so you need to go into a branch for the relevant bank or building society and ask whether the account is still open. You will need to take some proof of identity with you. If there is an old account open, this will be the answer to your problem.
Women – do you need interview clothes?
‘Dress for Success’ is a charity that can provide women with free clothing appropriate for an interview. At the same time you will be given personal support to boost your confidence. If you get a job they will then give you further clothing for a good working wardrobe. You should be referred by an organization such as a homeless daycentre or an employment advisor so ask one of these. Dress for Success is based at Unit 9, 89 Shepperton Road, N1 3DF. Telephone 7288 1770 For more information see dressforsuccess.org
Companies open-minded about convictions
Arriva London (bus operator) and Transport for London (employ workers on the underground) will consider applications from ex-offenders and judge them on the merits and nature of the crime. South West Trains – have taken on many ex-offenders on their operations out of Waterloo station, including drivers, maintenance staff, rail operators and cleaners. Marks & Spencers – have run schemes giving work experience in loading and collect-by-car services to low-risk prisoners.
Check your own criminal record
You might not be sure what records are held about you and want to check for yourself before applying for jobs. Unfortunately you cannot do this through the Criminal Records Bureau. You can ask the police to provide information that they hold about you on the Police National Computer. This will include convictions, cautions and warnings. You request this at a police station, providing identification and a fee of £10. To download a form go to met.police.uk An alternative suggestion is to apply for a voluntary job where a check will be needed. That way you will get a full CRB check and it shouldn’t cost you anything.
You might be able to get a Budgetting Loan for clothes or tools you need for Work
One of the reasons you can apply for a budgeting loan is ‘expenses associated with seeking work’. This might, for example, be for special clothing or tools that you need. For more details see Budgeting Loans
You might be able apply for up to £2,500 from Crisis ‘Changing Lives Awards’ for tools or equipment to use in your work
This scheme is run by the homeless charity Crisis Grants (not repayable) of up to £2500 are available for ‘Tools and equipment to use for a job linked directly to [your] career goal’. You must have been homeless but are now in more settled accommodation, such as a hostel, supported housing or living independently You must have had the help of a support worker (such as a keyworker or employment advisor) for at least six months and that person must be prepared to write a statement supporting your application Grants are usually awarded at three times during the year For more information and details of how to apply go to crisis.org.uk
The Home Office website has lots of information for Jobseekers from outside the UK
Follow this link Home Office website
How to get a national insurance number
First you ring 0845 600 0643. You can do this from your own phone or at the Jobcentre. You will be asked some basic details such as your name and address. You can also request that you have an interpreter at your interview. You should then receive a letter asking you to come to an interview, usually within a month. The letter will tell you where to go and which documents to take with you. You will need to take documents proving your identity to the interview. This could be a passport, identity card, birth certificate, driving licence, Home Office letters or other documents. You will need to take documents proving your address. This could be a tenancy agreement, bills, bank statement or other letters with your address on. If you are using a friend's address you should take a bills or letters with their address on. You will need to take documents proving that you have the right to work in the UK. This could, for example, be a passport, birth certificate or Home Office document confirming your right to work. You will need to take documents proving that you are actively seeking work - see above If your application is successful, you will receive your National Insurance number some time after the interview. You will then receive a National Insurance number card at a later date.
How to prove you are looking for Work to get a National Insurance Number
Letters from employers saying that you were not successful in applying for jobs is the best evidence. You can also use copies of letters or application forms you have sent off when applying for jobs. ou might also keep compliment slips if you go into shops and ask for work – ideally get them signed by someone. You can register with agencies The general advice is to collect as many documents as possible showing you have been looking for work and take these to your National Insurance interview
Some ideas if you are having problems getting References
This can be quite common. It often happens if you have moved around a lot, if you have come from overseas, if you have had a lot of short-term jobs or if old employers no longer exist. If you are likely to need references, think about it early on. Make a list of all possible people who might be able to give you a reference and try to contact them. A bit of detective work can pay off. If you are really struggling for references, think as widely as possible about who might give you a reference. If there are no former employers, think about college tutors or anyone else you have met who has a responsible job. Keyworkers, employment support workers, health workers or daycentre workers might give you a reference Taking part in a work experience placement such as the Ready for Work programme can lead to a reference Voluntary work is another good way of getting a reference
You could get your own landline voicemail number through ‘Voicemail4All’
If you do not have your own landline or mobile phone, it can be a problem not having a telephone number to give to possible employers. St Mungos run ‘Voicemail4All’ which gives you a free personal 020 voicemail number. Any employers will presume that this is a normal London landline. People can leave messages for you on this number and you can then pick the messages up from any phone. The service is totally free. You can get your free voicemail number through St Mungos or one of its partner organizations. For a list of where to go see voicemail4all.org.uk
Get two weeks work experience with a large company through ‘Ready for Work’
This is a two-week work placement programme run by an organization called ‘Business in the Community’. It offers work experience for homeless people with a number of large companies
You might be able to apply for up to £2,500 from Crisis ‘Changing Lives Awards’ for starting up a business
This scheme is run by the homeless charity Crisis Grants (not repayable) of up to £2,500 are available for starting your own business You must have been homeless but are now in more settled accommodation, such as a hostel, supported housing or living independently You must have had the help of a support worker (such as a keyworker or employment advisor) for at least six months and that person must be prepared to write a statement supporting your application You should have received some small business training before applying Grants are usually awarded at three times during the year For more information and details of how to apply go to crisis.org.uk
You can get help to start up a business through Jobcentre schemes which can have advantages
If you are on benefits, starting up in business through one of the Jobcentre schemes is worth considering. They basically allow you to test out whether self-employment would work for you whilst initially staying on benefits. If it does not work out you return to benefits.
Get a ‘better off’ calculation if you are thinking about part-time work
If you are thinking of taking part-time work, it is a good idea to get a ‘better-off’ calculation first. Supply an advisor with your expected level of earnings and other details of your income and outgoings. They will then work out how much benefit or tax credit you might get whilst in your job. You can then compare your income in work and out of work. Ask an employment support worker, benefits worker or a local advice agency.
Doing Voluntary Work can have real advantages
Good reasons to volunteer include: Testing out job ideas. If you have little experience of the world of work, are considering a career change, or which course to do at college, voluntary work can give you an insight into what you might like. The wide range of voluntary jobs available means that you can usually find something to match your skills or interests Work experience. You can gain valuable experience that might help you get a job or a place on a course in the future. Some jobs, such as social work or youth work, actually require voluntary experience before you can train for the job. Improving your CV. Putting voluntary work experience on your CV really can impress possible employers. It might also be useful if you haven’t had a lot of recent paid work. Gaining skills and knowledge. Whatever you do, it is likely you will learn something new. For some types of voluntary work, proper training is given because you couldn’t do the job without it. For example, the Samaritans have a thorough training programme and some conservation projects train people in things like dry stone walling. Getting paid work. Volunteering could lead to you getting paid work in the organization you volunteer for. You not only learn the job but will also know when jobs come up and understand what is going on in the organization. Self-esteem and friendship. At the very least, being a volunteer is a chance to feel good about yourself. It can also be a good way of finding new friends.
The Do-it.org website is a very quick way to find voluntary jobs
The do-it.org.uk website is easily the best place to start if you are looking for voluntary work It has thousands of voluntary opportunities from around the country It is easy to use. On the homepage, where it says ‘quick search’, click on the type of volunteer job you are interested in from the drop down menu and then type in your postcode. When you then click on ‘search’ it will give you a number of possible jobs within 5km of your address. You can widen, narrow or alter your search at this point if you want to. If you click on one of the volunteer jobs offered, you will then be given fuller details. At the end of the job description it will then give you contact details. This will be the local Volunteer Centre where you are likely to be interviewed.
You can apply for a Crisis Loan to help you through to your first payday
If you are in real difficulties, you can apply for a Crisis Loan from the Jobcentre. One of the specific reasons that you can apply for a Crisis Loan is that you are waiting for your first wages. |