Working when you're Disabled or a Carer
Whether you have a disability, a health condition or you're a carer, this section will highlight some of the opportunities that are available and how to make the most of them.
If full-time work isn't an option
You may want to return to work, stay in work or find paid work for the first time, but a full-time job may not be suitable. If this is the case, Job Centre Plus suggests the following options:
- Part-time work: this is a good way to fit work around your other responsibilities or commitments. If your part-time work is less than 16 hours a week, you may still be able to get Income Support, income based Jobseeker’s Allowance or Carer’s Allowance.
- Job-sharing: sometimes 2 people can share a full-time job. Look out for jobs advertised as job share. If you want to share a job with someone you know, you could always suggest the idea to your employer.
- Flexible working: employers sometimes agree to flexible working arrangements. This might mean choosing your start and finish times or working longer hours on some days or at some times of the year so you can take more time off on the other days or at other times of the year.
- Self-employment: working for yourself offers flexibility and the right type of challenge for some people, but you will take on extra responsibility (for example, paying your own income tax).
- Voluntary work: working without pay is one way to get work experience and find out more about an area that interests you. It’s good for your CV (curriculum vitae) too.
- Agency work: you could work in a job for a set length of time (usually for the length of a project or to fill in for a permanent member of staff).
Contact your local Jobcentre Plus for more information
Barrhead
Tel: 0141 800 2100
Address: Barrhead Jobcentre, 20 Paisley Road, Barrhead, Glasgow, G78 1NF
Glasgow Southside
Tel: 0141 800 3100
Address: Langside Jobcentre, 152-158 Battlefield Road, Glasgow, G42 9JT
Newlands
Tel: 0141 636 8100
Address: Newlands Jobcentre, 8 Coustonholm Road, Glasgow, G43 1SS
Your job centre will also be able to tell you more about these working options and are in the the best position to help if you are looking for work.
Touch screen terminals make searching for jobs easier and advisers will be able to help you with your benefit questions, CV writing and interview preparation.
Most Jobcentres also have Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs), who are specially trained to deal with your enquiries. They can help you if you are already in work or if you're looking for work, they'll also be able to advise you on training programs and further education.
Options for getting you into work
A Job Centre Adviser will also be able to tell you more about these working options:
Permitted Work
If you are on Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, you might be able to do certain work, known as ‘permitted work’, without affecting your payments. This could help you move into work of 16 hours or more a week.
New Deal for Disabled People
New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is a voluntary programme for people who are claiming a benefit relating to their disability or health condition. You'll receive all the support you need to help you find work that suits you.
- You can also call the NDDP helpline on 0800 137 177 or if you have a textphone 0800 435 550.
Work Trial
Work Trial is a programme that gives you the chance to try out a job with an employer for up to 15 days. You’ll carry on getting your benefits while you’re on the trial, so it’s a risk-free way of finding out if a job is right for you. If the employer offers you a job at the end of your Work Trial and you accept it, this does not mean that all financial help will end. You may still be able to get some benefits and tax credits.
Job Introduction Scheme
If you find a job you would like but you or the employer are not sure whether it would be suitable, the Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) might be able to help. The scheme offers an employer help towards your wages or other employment costs for the first few weeks (the JIS period) until you are both sure the job is right for you.The scheme can apply to any full-time or part-time job lasting at least 26 weeks. Ideally, at the end of the JIS period, you and your employer will both be reassured and you will keep the job, which you can do with confidence.
WorkPath programmes
- Access to Work provides advice and practical support to help you and your employer overcome anything relating to a disability that is preventing you from working. It can help if you are already in work or just starting a new job. This programme depends on your personal circumstances, so ask a Jobcentre adviser.
- Work Preparation can help if you've been out of work for a long time. It will help you find suitable work and prepare you for returning to work, helping you to build up your confidence.
- WORKSTEP will help you find a job and settle in, introducing you to your colleagues and keeping in touch to check that everything is going OK.
More information online
Direct.gov
Gives information on the services provided by Disability Employment Advisers which are based at your local job centre.
EmployAbility
Helps disabled people enter the world of work, with information on internships, graduate fairs and links.
Employment Opportunities
Training courses, information and advice are all available to help prepare disabled people for work.
Skill Scotland
Provides information for disabled students, helping to get the best education available. Free booklets are offered online.
