Looking for work

Once you have decided what kind of work you want, it is a good idea to look as widely as possible for the right job. Jobcentre Plus (JobCentres/Jobs and Benefits Offices in Northern Ireland) have details of thousands of job vacancies, both online and in their offices. They can also help you to apply for jobs.

Local, national or trade newspapers all include job advertisements – most are available in your local library. You could also register with recruitment websites and recruitment agencies, which may be able to find vacancies for you.

Employers who have joined the Positive about Disability scheme (look for the two ticks’ symbol) have committed to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to consider them on their abilities. This scheme does not operate in Northern Ireland.

The help available

Arthritis Care's Preparing for Work programme is aimed at people with arthritis of working age and focuses on gaining the skills and confidence to start work.

Your local Jobcentre or equivalent can offer information on benefits and schemes that can help you find and retain work. You may be referred to a disability employment adviser (disablement employment adviser in Northern Ireland) for specialist help.

Schemes that you could be eligible for include:

Jobseeker’s Allowance is for people who are unemployed and seeking work. People working fewer than 16 hours a week are also eligible.

The New Deal for Disabled People helps people who are claiming benefits relating to their arthritis to train or find work (including help with applications).

If you receive Incapacity Benefit (to be renamed as Employment and Support Allowance for new claimants from October 2008), Pathways to Work sessions could help to build your confidence and explore job opportunities.

Remploy supports disabled people through training, help looking for work and job coaching in England and Wales. Workable is a similar scheme in Northern Ireland.

The Work Preparation programme aims to address the employment needs of people who have been out of work for a long time due to arthritis.

The WORKSTEP (Steps to Work in Northern Ireland) scheme provides disabled people with help to find a job and ongoing support.

Further details on all of these schemes can be found in Arthritis Care’s booklet Working with Arthritis.

Training schemes

You may want to train to change careers or enter the workplace.

If you are unemployed, Work-Based Learning for Adults in England and Wales (Training for Work in Scotland and Northern Ireland) provide work experience and some work-related qualifications.

Learning and Skills Councils in England and Wales and Local Enterprise Companies in Scotland provide a range of training and will be able to tell you what is on offer. JobCentres in Northern Ireland will provide information about training through the disablement advisory service.

Educational courses

Local colleges and universities have a variety of courses at all levels. UCAS has a directory of UK courses on their website. The Prospects website contains information on work related courses.

Learndirect and Learndirect Scotland offer hundreds of home-based online courses.

Skill provides useful advice for disabled people in training and education including leaflets on access and finance (not Northern Ireland). Your college may have a disability support officer.