Workstep

The aim of Workstep, (formerly the Supported Employment Programme), is to provide support in jobs to those people with disabilities who have more complex barriers to finding and keeping work but who, with the right support, are able to make a valuable contribution in their job and, where appropriate, can develop and progress to open employment.

WORKSTEP offers a range of support to employers and employees. It also offers other practical help including, for example, job training or job coaching, mentoring from colleagues or advice and awareness support for the employer and employees.

The programme can also provide support to enable eligible individuals to retain their job, if they are otherwise unable to continue work because of their disability and the Access to Work programme alone is unable to provide the level of support required.

The eligibility criteria are as follows:

There must be evidence that Workstep is the most appropriate option for the individual at this time.
All eligible people must be disabled as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
The individual must also fall within one of the following groups of people:
- on Incapacity Benefit (including Severe Disablement Allowance and Income Support)
- on Jobseekers Allowance or signing for NI credits only for six months or more.
- on Jobseekers Allowance for less than 6 months but having been in receipt of Incapacity Benefit immediately before claiming Jobseekers Allowance.
- a former supported employee, who has progressed but needs to return to the programme within 2 years, or has left for other reasons and returns within one year.
- currently in work but at serious risk of losing their job as a result of disability, even after the employer has made all reasonable adjustments and considered other available support options.
- ineligible to claim Incapacity Benefit as a non-claimant returner to the labour market or a recent/prospective full-time education or training leaver.

The Employment Unit manages Workstep places throughout Tayside, in a wide variety of employment situations. The programme enables an employee with a disability to work at their own pace and level of ability, whilst receiving a full wage for the job.

The Employment Unit is experienced in providing support, guidance and advice to meet the needs of both the employers and the employees. Advice can be given should any special equipment or adaptations be required.

« Back to Employment Unit page