Job Broking

What is Job Broking?

Job Broking is designed to assist people who are on a health related benefit move into either full or part-time employment. Network Personnel is contracted by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) to deliver Job Broking throughout Northern Ireland. (excluding Belfast area)

Who is eligible?

Job Broking support is available to people claiming any of the following benefits:

• Incapacity Benefit (including credits only claimants)
• Income Support with a disability premium
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

What are the benefits?

• Allocation of a Personal Job Development Advisor
• Confidential one-to-one meetings in your local area
• Employment assessments, identification of strengths and abilities
• Addressing barriers
• Opportunity to undertake short training courses and to gain recognised qualifications
• Assistance with all aspects of job search – identifying suitable vacancies, completion of application forms, CVs and interview skills training.
• Benefit information, calculation and advice
• Employer subsidy may be available

Permitted Work

If you are claiming Incapacity Benefit there are certain rules that may allow you to work without losing your entitlement. This is called Permitted Work. Permitted Work is a benefit arrangement which allows you test your own capacity for doing some work and gaining new skills The rules allow you to work:

• for earnings of up to and including £20.00 a week for an unlimited period, or
• for less than 16 hours a week, on average, with earnings up to and including £93 a week for a 52 week period or
• for less than 16 hours a week, on average, and earn up to and including £93 a week for as long as your illness or disability is considered sufficiently severe that you are treated as meeting the threshold of incapacity without undergoing a medical assessment

Network Personnel also offer Supported Permitted Work.

Success Stories

Network Personnel has helped over 200 clients secure either full or part time employment. Examples of recent success stories are:

Stacy Davies Success Stories

Following a serious car accident in 2006 on her way to work as a physical care worker, 22 year old Stacey Davies feared that she would never work again. The injuries she suffered required a full year’s recuperation, and doctors told her that she would be unable to resume the career she had followed since she had left school.

Stacey said: “The news from the doctors was devastating for me. I began to consider a return to work but I was at a real crossroads and unsure of what my next move should be.” Stacey’s outlook changed dramatically after she read an article in the local newspaper advertising for Network Personnel’s Job Broking Scheme – an employment support programme designed for people on health related benefits. Stacey explained:

“I spoke to one of the Job Broking Officers and they outlined in detail what the programme involved. At a face-to-face meeting they discussed my current situation including my strengths, training needs and barriers to employment.”

“I was interested in a new career as a clerical worker – my doctor had agreed that this would not aggravate my disability. I had no relevant qualifications but that changed thanks to the Job Broking scheme. On the Job Broking Officer’s recommendation, I undertook voluntary work with the Enniskillen Volunteer Centre and thanks to her; I applied for a twenty-week office skills course in the FE College in Enniskillen, which included the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence). Network Personnel paid the £100 cost of the course which I otherwise couldn’t have afforded.”

Through her new found experience and office skills gained from the course, Stacey found her confidence growing. Her work colleagues helped and encouraged her and the Network Personnel Officer stayed in regular contact to provide support an encouragement.

Helped by Network Personnel staff who advised her on her job application and interview skills, Stacey gradually built up the skills and confidence to apply for an office administration job and although unsuccessful, she thought the interview went well.

Her next application was a different story. When an administration position became available in the Volunteer Centre she applied, was interviewed and was informed she had the job:

“That evening, when I received the telephone call to say the job was mine I was so happy. In such a short space of time my life had changed. I couldn’t have seen this happening after my accident but I am really looking forward to the future now.”

“It was significantly down to the help, support and direction received from Network Personnel.”

For further information on Network Personnel’s Job Broking Scheme and other opportunities contact Cathy McGarvey on 028 796 31032

Margaret Campbell Success Story

I have suffered from Psoriatic Arthritis for many years. The restrictions this puts on my mobility and the fact that I am a single parent, has kept me out of the workplace for many years.

In early August I saw an advertisement in the local paper for the Job Broking Programme a service to help people with health problems into work. I called and spoke to a support worker who clearly explained the service and made an appointment for me to meet for further information. During our first meeting the Support Worker made me feel very at ease discussing my history, hopes and aspirations. Over several meetings we discussed my barriers to employment and drew up a ‘plan’ of action.

My health means I can only do light work, reception or call centre work. After discussion with my Support Worker I recognised the need to obtain some relevant experience and consider doing some up to date qualifications. While this was ongoing a vacancy within one of the local call centres was sent to me by Network Personnel. After a telephone conversation my Support Worker did a benefit calculation for me, to give me an idea of how I would be affected financially by this or a similar job. I made an appointment with my Support Worker who helped me to complete the application form. When offered an interview she was able to meet with me at short notice to help me by practising common questions and responses. I was particularly worried about how to respond to questions about my health and felt much more confident having spoken with her.

I was offered the job! My Support Worker was able to guide me through the process of signing off my benefits and settling into work. I still have contact with her. It’s reassuring to know that if I have a problem or query she will do her best to help me get them sorted.

Contact details/More information:

Cathy McGarvey (Job Broking Co-ordinator)
Network Personnel
The Rainey Centre
80-82 Rainey Street
Magherafelt
BT45 5AJ

Email: cathy.mcgarvey@networkpersonnel.org.uk
Main Tel: 028 7963 1032
Lo-Call No: 0845 362 0747