Further education, finding work or changing career

When considering your education or work options it will help if you are aware of support available to you within further education or work.

If planning to undertake further education, consider applying to student support services for advice on what support is available to students with a disability or health condition. Further education providers have a legal duty to remove or reduce the barriers that disabled students or those living with a health condition face in education. They should take proactive steps to ensure students can fully participate on the course and access other benefits, facilities, and services. This is called ‘making reasonable adjustments’. Education providers are required to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. Details of rights for those living in Northern Ireland can be found here.

Disabled students allowance is available to undergraduate or postgraduate students, including Open University or distance learning, depending on the type of course you are doing.  It can cover study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long-term condition, or disability. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income.

Volunteering

Volunteering can often be the first step into employment. If you have been out of work for some time it can help you build the skills and confidence to return to the workforce.

While you do not have a contract of employment as a volunteer, or the same rights as an employee or worker, you may have a volunteer agreement or role description. You should be provided with the training and support needed to carry out your role and have any expenses reimbursed. There are bodies such as the National Council for Voluntary Organisations NCVO within each nation that provides advice to organisations who recruit volunteers.

Volunteering is encouraged to help you gain valuable skills and experience as well as being good for your wellbeing. However, be aware that you may have to notify DWP if you are volunteering.

Whether you are just starting out on your career path or considering a change of job or career, you can get advice from your local careers service or jobcentre. While the impact of your condition may influence your career choices, many of the barriers to work can be removed or reduced with the right support.

We have highlighted some points to help you consider your work options

• You are legally entitled to fair treatment when applying for jobs or promotions, and to equal pay.
• Identify what type of work you would like to do, day or weekly hours, home working or hybrid – splitting between work location and home.
• Consider your capacity to travel, access to transport or parking.
• Think about any adjustments, travel support or equipment that you may need and how you can apply for these.
• You can apply for Access to Work AtW, support as soon as you have a job offer. Bear in mind there can be a considerable waiting time, therefore apply as early as possible.
• If you accessed disabled student allowance, DSA, and received support or equipment while at college or university, this may help when considering your future needs in work.
• What level of income do you need to cover your outgoings? This may allow you to consider the minimum number of hours you want or can work.
• If the number of hours or days you can work are limited, check out any welfare benefits that you may be able to claim, in addition to your wage.
• The Disability employment adviser or work coach at your local jobcentre can advise if there are any employability programmes, training opportunities or services that could help you.
• Look out for employers who are part of the Disability Confident scheme, a government initiative designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.
• Check out dedicated job search websites which specialises in supporting jobseekers who live with health conditions or a disability.

You do not need to disclose your condition on the job application or at interview unless you wish to. Employers cannot ask you about your health condition or disability at any stage in the application or interview process unless it is to enable you to attend an interview or take part in an interview test. There are a few exceptions that can be found on the ACAS website.

Once you have been offered the job you may consider sharing information on your condition and discussing any adjustments or equipment that you need in advance to starting work.  This can be helpful, especially if you need specialist equipment or travel support as Access to Work applications can take some time to be processed.

Approach this with a ‘can do’ mindset. Your employer may have no idea how your condition impacts on you. Therefore, it is up to you to help them understand and advise them of what you feel would work. You may already be aware of adjustments or equipment that would reduce the barriers to work, this will give your employer confidence. If you are unsure, advising them about Access to Work scheme and sharing the employers factsheet can help.