Employment and training
For people with learning, physical, sensory or other disabilities
Advice and support on training and employment is available to people with physical, sensory or other disabilities. This includes advice on legal issues surrounding employment. The advice may be provided by the local authority or through third party organisations.
The information below gives you details on how to contact organisations that offer advice and support on employment and training issues for disabled people.
- Help with Access to Work
- Caring and Employment
- Education for People with Special Needs
- Disability Employment and Training Services
- Disability Unit - Department for Work and Pensions
- Department of Health
- The Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
Mental health employment and training services
General employment and training organisations
- Connexions,Connexions is a new service for all 13 to 19 year olds. It aims to help young people make the most of their potential, whatever their ability or background. They offer information and advice on a variety of issues that affect young people and have personal advisors who are professionally qualified to offer the best advice and support on employment and training opportunities. Connexions also work closely with local employers and offer a job placing service for 16 - 19 year olds. You'll find Connexions Personal Advisers in your school or college or you can visit the centre at the above address.
- Jobcentre Plus also see local information.
- Learndirect
- Learning and Skills Council
Help with access to work
New Deal for Disabled People is for those getting a disability or health-related benefit wanting to work but need some help and support along the way.
Caring and employment
Almost two thirds of working age Carers are in some sort of paid employment. A third of those work full-time and provide care for more than 20 hours per week. Combining work and caring can be difficult. The Carer on occasion may have to take time off work to look after the person in need when an emergency occurs. The Government has acknowledged the importance of the Carer being able to do this and at the same time have their rights to employment protected.
The right to have time off
The Employment Relations Act 1999 gave Carers in paid work the right to have time off to deal with a family emergency. Carers cannot now by law be penalised by their employer for taking time off so long as that time off is fully justified. Further information on 'time off' can be found at:www.dti.gov.uk time off work to care for dependents to external website
Work-life balance campaign
In March 2000 the Prime Minister launched the government's Work-Life Balance campaign. This was to encourage employers to recognise the benefits to their organisation of flexible working arrangements and the responsibility that Carers have out of work.
The campaign is for everyone, whether you are an employer, Carer, parent or jobseeker. It is about changing working patterns so that everyone can find a way to help them combine work with 'out of work' responsibilities. More information can be found athttp://www.dti.gov.uk/work-lifebalancelink to external website
Promoting the inclusion of carers into employment
Carers Online report on an 'Action for Carers and Employment' National UK project whose aim is to promote Carers inclusion into the labour market?
Nearly three million Carers juggle paid work and care - that is one in seven people in the workforce - and many have to reduce the hours they work or give up work altogether. Keeping a job, or returning to a job when caring has ended can mean facing significant barriers such as:
- loss of confidence and work skills
- invisibility to mainstream services such as JobCentre Plus
- finding good quality, flexible and affordable alternative care
- finding an understanding and flexible employer
- bridging the gap between benefits and work
The main Carers Online site is available by using the link
This site offers information and ideas to help with the balance between being employed and caring?
- issues faced by Carers in employment
- how employers can help
- how do you find out about Carer friendly policies
- what can Carers do?
- helpful organisations
- employment opportunities
Education for people with Special Needs
What are Special Needs?
A person has special needs when they have:
- a physical disability
- a problem with sight, hearing or speech
- a mental disability
- emotional or behavioural problems
- a medical or health problem
- difficulties with reading, writing, speaking or mathematics work
Special Needs and Education
In September 2002 the Disability Discrimination Act Part IV came into effect making it illegal for disabled children and students in education to be less favourably treated. Providers of education have to make sure where reasonably possible that disabled learners are no longer disadvantaged. The law covers all areas of education such as schools, colleges, universities, adult education and youth services.
Literature and advice for disabled people, parents and others is available free from the
Disability Rights Commission email enquiry@drc-gb.org
Children and Young People
If you are caring for a child or young person with Special Educational Needs, you can get help from The Learning Trust..
Adults
There are a number of places where adults with special needs can get education:
Age Concern
Age Concern offers recreation and educational courses for the Carer and person being cared for subject to the Carer being aged 55 or over. The range of activities includes:
- computer classes
- gentle keep fit
- relaxation
- art and crafts
- debating group
- gardening
Other useful contacts
Here is a brief list of sites you might find of interest:
- ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service),
A free, confidential advice service to employers and employees - Carers Information
- Department for Education and Skills-
This is a government education site providing information on any area of learning for both young people and adults. - the Department of Trade and Industry,
Can supply information on a range of employment issues including flexible working and parental leave for both employee and employer. www.dti.gov.uk/workingparents, www.dti.gov.uk/publications
Service Providers and Partners:
Hackney Recruitment Partnership provides employment advice for people with learning difficulties. There is also an downloadable self-referral form.
Other partner name
Online form: Employment/training enquiry form
Page updated: 7 May 2008