The Working Matters pilot helped thousands of Glasgow City Region residents in receipt of health-related benefits to begin the journey into long-term employment.
In the short film below, Anna and Paul talk about how Working Matters helped them.
Who was eligible?
People in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit who have submitted a fit note often struggle with a whole range of different issues that stop them from being able to take on paid work – such as disability, mental or ill-health, literacy or numeracy problems.
Working Matters was voluntary. It provided the opportunity to explore options, access training, new skills or even support with confidence / self-esteem – a common result of long-term unemployment.
For many Working Matters was the first step in a journey to paid employment.
How did it work?
Those joining the Working Matters programme will had a dedicated adviser who can provided a range of information and advice. Working together with their personal adviser, clients could discuss, in confidence, any barriers to working and explore a range of support activities tailored to individual needs. These included health-specific support, such as holistic therapies, combined with employability support, including assistance with online job applications, interview and C.V. preparation, training, I.T. skills, volunteering and work experience. Information and guidance was also available on housing, budgeting, banking and managing debt, confidence building and personal development.
Working Matters has helped thousands of people to take the first steps on a journey back to work. View some of their stories. Names and other details have been changed to ensure confidentiality
West Dunbartonshire Council’s approach to Working Matters was adapted to meet local ambitions to introduce system changes to assist highly vulnerable people to move towards and into employment.
