Candidate FAQs

A. You can contact us to make a referral either for yourself or for someone else if you/they are over 18 with a learning disability and live in Essex by:

• Contacting us via our website
• Emailing us at inclusive.employment@essexcares.org
• Calling our contact centre on 03330 135 438 and asking to speak to the inclusive employment team.
  

A. Through our Inclusive Employer scheme, we reach out to those who are already advertising for roles and those who are already disability confident to see if we can grow that within their company. We also approach employers who may not yet have thought about employing someone with a disability, appealing to their social conscience and encouraging them to engage with the local community in a more meaningful way.

We build positive relationships with companies, network extensively, attend job fairs, hold face-to-face meetings, and have even been lobbying local employers to support the scheme. We ensure that, when a business employs one of our customers, the relationship is mutually beneficial and that the employer feels supported throughout, which gives us strong testimonials and recommendations to share with other potential employers.

A. ECL works hard to ensure the needs of employees are captured in our vocational profile so we can find the right match. Our employer engagement team works closely with the Inclusive Employment Consultants so that those needs are represented when discussing placements. Site visits are always carried out before the start of any period of employment so that access requirements and health and safety risks can be identified and addressed. We would never place someone with an employer that is unable to accommodate a customer’s needs.

A. Absolutely! At the start of your journey, your Inclusive Employment Consultant will work with you to complete a Vocational Profile.

This will tell us what type of work you want to do, as well as what type of work would best match your needs, your skills, and your strengths.

A. Yes, we have had instances where individuals have had interviews or job start dates agreed but were concerned about how they would manage without extra support.

You can send a referral through to us and we’d be happy to work with you to provide the support you need to make that job a success.

You can make a referral by contacting us via our website or by emailing us at inclusive.employment@essexcares.org.

A. Don’t worry. ECL can help you to get work experience, find an apprenticeship, or secure voluntary work to help build your skills and confidence.

ECL can identify relevant training courses to develop the skills you need, and our ‘access to higher education’ department helps people gain the qualifications needed to move into higher education if that’s your chosen pathway. Our apprenticeship team can also help to secure inclusive apprenticeships.

A. ECL will help you to produce a winning CV. We will also help with job applications and cover letters.

A. You will probably need to attend interviews but don’t worry. ECL will help make sure you’re able to go into every situation feeling confident and prepared.

A. Not necessarily, we will help you find a job that offers hours to suit your needs. Employment placements can be for as little as a couple of hours a week, part-time or full-time, depending on the employer and the employee.

A. We will ensure your job is within comfortable travelling distance. We’ll also provide travel training so that you are confident with the journey before you do it independently.

A. During the agreed settling-in period of your employment your Inclusive Employment Consultant will be in contact frequently.

Once you and your employer are happy that you have settled in well, we will continue to check in on you regularly to ensure that things are progressing well.

You can contact us whenever you need us.

A. The support you get at work will depend on your needs. Your Inclusive Employment Consultant will work with you and your employer to ensure the necessary support is in place.

We will liaise with you and your employer to ensure the arrangement is working well for you both and make adjustments until everyone is satisfied.

You will also have a contact number and email address for us, should you need to ask for more help.

A. Yes, we will ensure that your employer appoints a work buddy or mentor and that you feel comfortable with them.

A. Yes, we will assess all the potential risks in the workplace to make sure you are as safe as possible.

A. Once you start work, you will probably find you don’t need us as much so your attendance at our day centres might reduce. We’ll still be there providing support to you throughout your employment.

A. No, a person with a learning disability must be paid the same as other employees for the same work. The National Minimum Wage must be paid as a minimum.

A person with a learning disability can often do the same job as anyone else with the right support.

A. No, income from employment should not be considered when assessing the contribution you need to make for your care.

A. Our service is funded by Essex County Council and it is free to individuals who are over 18, have a learning disability and/or autism, and live in Essex.

Some other costs may be incurred, such as getting to and from work, or if specialist equipment or technology is required to enable you to do your job, but the Inclusive Employment team works closely with schemes such as Access to Work and The Princes Trust to secure help with this wherever possible.

A. The impact of employment varies depending on the type of benefit. Below, we outline some of the ways being employed may affect you.

Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Disability benefits such as Disability Living Allowance and PIP should not be affected by employment. They are not means-tested, so earnings do not affect the amount of your benefit.

However, starting work would be considered as a change in circumstance so you will need to inform the DWP of this. Starting work could mean your care or mobility needs increase.

Universal Credit

If you’re employed, how much Universal Credit you get will depend on your earnings. Your Universal Credit payment will reduce gradually as you earn more – usually for every £1 you earn your payment reduces by 63p.

However, some of your earnings (up to a maximum of £512 per month) may be disregarded by applying for Work Allowance. This means that under the following circumstances, you can earn a certain amount before your Universal Credit is reduced.

If you or your partner are either:

• responsible for a child or young person
• living with a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.

If you get help with housing costs, your monthly work allowance is £292, but if you do not get help with housing costs then that amount increases to £512.

You can use the benefits calculator on www.gov.uk/benefits-calculator... to see how increasing your hours or starting a new job could affect what you get.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you are receiving ESA you can earn up to £140 per week after tax and National Insurance deductions if you are participating in a Supported Employment Scheme, such as the one run by ECL.

For the latest information go to www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-your-earningsaffect-your-payments. If you are in any doubt about the effect earnings from employment will have on your benefits, ask your Inclusive Employment Consultant.

A. Access to Work is a publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work. It can provide practical and financial support if you have a disability or long-term physical or mental health condition.

How much you get depends on your circumstances. The money does not have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.

Find more information at: www.gov.uk/access-to-work/what...

A. If you stop working, any benefits that were affected by your income would be reinstated.