National Employment Charity Place Its 4000th person back into work

Shaw Trust finding work for people despite recession

National employment charity, Shaw Trust, has placed its 4000th client back into work in Greater Manchester; it was announced at an event in Rochdale attended by Minister for Disabled People, Jonathan Shaw.

The charity, which helps disabled and disadvantaged people find work and achieve independence through employment, helped its 4000th client, Susan Coyne, find work after she was forced to give up her job as a support worker due to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Working with the Rochdale branch of supermarket chain, Morrison’s, Shaw Trust found Susan employment after she began claiming Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Sally Burton, Chief Executive of Shaw Trust comments:
“During these tough times of recession it is harder for people to find work. However, this figure shows that there are jobs out there and that with some help from organisations like Shaw Trust people can find work and achieve independence. Shaw Trust has offices all over the country and our advisors are there to help disabled and disadvantaged people back to work.”

Jonathan Shaw commented:
“Gone are the days when writing a sick note is writing people off for life. It is important that people who could work, have the opportunity to do so – work gives people independence over their lives and is the best route out of poverty.

“Nationally, the success of the Pathways programme has so far helped over 173,000 people into work. Working in partnership with the private and voluntary sectors, it proves we can make a significant difference, even with long-term benefit claimants, who are usually considered harder to help find employment. If the right support is offered, just as Shaw Trust is providing here, people find out for themselves how much better off they are working and not on benefits.”

Susan was referred to Shaw Trust by her local Jobcentre Plus. As a claimant of ESA, she was placed on the Pathways to Work programme. This programme operates in 40 per cent of the country. It provides a single gateway to financial, employment and health support for people claiming incapacity benefits using a service that includes support from highly skilled personal advisers, NHS rehabilitation support, a Return to Work Credit of £40 a week, and in-work support.

The Greater Manchester Pathways to Work Programme is one of the most successful Pathways programmes in the country and was recently featured in a Channel 4 documentary ‘Benefit Busters’.
 

Susan’s story

Susan came to Shaw Trust earlier this year. She had previously worked as a support worker but had had to give up her job owing to her ill health - she has had rheumatoid arthritis for the past five years. Susan says it took her two years to come to terms with her condition and says that “she didn’t want to be disabled”.

As a single woman caring for her elderly father she increasingly felt the need to get out. At Shaw Trust Susan attended the job club which she said boosted her confidence as she realised that she wasn’t on her own. Her advisor helped her to create a CV which was typed up for her and she was able to discuss what type of work she would like to look for and how many hours she felt she could work. Together they decided 16 -20 hours per week would be within her physical capabilities.

Her adviser arranged for a Better off Calculation so that Susan was aware of Return to Work Credit and Working Tax Credits. Following the job club Susan started to apply for vacancies in retail and was offered a job at Morrisons in Rochdale. After two weeks Susan was offered a permanent position and is enjoying her new job. She says:
“Life goes on and you have to be prepared do different things. I’m really grateful to Shaw Trust and for the help and support that they gave me. It’s not easy coming to terms with a disability and starting a new job that requires new skills but I am very glad I took those first steps. I’m a much more confident person now and am really enjoying my new job.”

Jo Lutkevitch., Personnel Manager for the Rochdale branch commented:
"Susan is a brilliant, bubbly character who always gives 100%, she exemplifies the Morrisons 'One Team' approach and is a credit to the company.”

She continued: “Working with Shaw Trust has been great, and I am really pleased with the quality of staff that they provide. They make the recruitment process very easy and I really look forward to working with them in the future."

The event also saw Morrisons being presented with a Shaw Trust STAR award in the National Employer category. This award marks the contribution that national employers make to helping disabled and disadvantaged people back to work.

ends

Notes to editors:

1. For further details, please contact Shaw Trust Press Manager Samantha Jobber on 01225 716 300 or 07595 214 649. Or you can email Samantha Jobber.

3. Shaw Trust is a national charity, formed in 1982, which helps people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels. Across the UK around 1,400 staff now oversee a diverse range of more than 200 projects.

4. If you would like to support the work that Shaw Trust does to help disabled and disadvantaged people find work and achieve independence please visit our website
http://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/support_us
 

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