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. Visit www.direct.gov.uk or www.nidirect.gov.uk in Northern Ireland.

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 to find vacancies.

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.

See our section on work support schemes that you could be eligible for.

Jobseeker's Allowance is for people who are unemployed and seeking work. People working fewer than 16 hours a week are also eligible. Ask your local Jobcentre or equivalent.

Remploy supports disabled people through training, help looking for work and job coaching in England and Wales. 

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

Training

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

There are several schemes in different parts of the UK that can help you to learn new skills, get work placements and gain new qualifications. If you are unemployed and actively looking for work, you might be able to get work experience and relevant qualifications at the same time. Ask for details at your local Jobcentre or equivalent.

The Skills Funding Agency in England, the business skills hotline in Wales, and the Scottish Enterprise 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.

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.

Disability Alliance 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.