I am currently considering a return to work as

my RA is now under better control. What help

is there for me to do this?

Taken from NRAS magazine, New Year 2010

I am pleased to hear that you are feeling better and hope that the two Government programmes listed below will help you get back into the workplace.

Work Preparation programme

If you are thinking about returning to work after a long period of sickness or unemployment, the Work Preparation programme offered by Jobcentre Plus may provide the support you need.

Work Preparation is a flexible, individually-tailored programme that can help you prepare for the return to work by, identifying the type of work most suitable for you, giving you the opportunity to gain work experience in a work environment, to learn new skills or to update old ones and to build your confidence.

Taking part

You will need to make an appointment with the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA), contact your local Jobcentre for contact details! They will be able to discuss whether the Work Preparation programme is likely to give you the help you are looking for.

The programme lasts on average between six and thirteen weeks and is normally available locally. At the end of a programme, the provider will complete a final report and give a copy to you and to your Disability Employment Adviser (DEA). You will then have an appointment with your DEA so that you can discuss the report. The two of you will agree an action plan for the future, which may include looking for work, training or further education.

Access to work scheme

Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you do your job. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs.

About Access to Work

Access to Work might pay towards the equipment you need at work, adapting premises to meet your needs, or a support worker. It can also pay towards the cost of getting to work if you cannot use public transport.

If you need a communicator at job interviews, Access to Work may be available, too.

Who can get Access to Work

You may be able to get Access to Work if you are:

•   in a paid job
•   unemployed and about to start a job
•   unemployed and about to start a Work Trial
•   self-employed

and your disability or health condition stops you from being able to do parts of your job.

Your disability or health condition may not have a big effect on what you do each day, but may have a long-term effect on how well you can do your job.

How to contact Access to Work

If you feel that the type of work you do is affected by a disability or health condition that is likely to last for 12 months or more, contact your regional Access to Work contact centre to check whether you can get help.

Alternatively, ask the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre about Access to Work.

Your Access to Work grant

The amount of help which you may receive from Access to Work will vary depending on how long you have been employed, what support you need and whether you are self-employed.

Access to Work can pay up to 100 per cent of the approved costs if you are:
•   unemployed and starting a new job
•   self-employed
•   working for an employer and have been in the job for less than six weeks

Whatever your employment status, Access to Work will also pay up to 100 per cent of the approved costs of help with:
•   support workers
•   fares to work
•   communicator support at interview
 
Access to Work pays a proportion of the costs of support if all of the following apply to you:
•   you're working for an employer
•   you've been in the job for six weeks or more
•   you need special equipment or adaptations to premises

The precise level of cost sharing is agreed between your employer and the Access to Work adviser.
After between one and three years, Access to Work will review your circumstances and the support you're receiving.

Contact your local JobCentre Plus to find details of local Job Preparation Programmes and your regional Access to Work centre!

Further information about Work can also be found in the NRAS publications “I want to work – an employee’s guide” and “When an employee has Rheumatoid Arthritis – an employer’s guide” To request copies please call the NRAS office or order online from the NRAS website.