Working Ways launches

Reed in Partnership has today launched Working Ways, a new employment support service that will help open up access to work for people with a disability.

The voluntary service is commissioned as Intensive Personalised Employment Support (IPES) by the Department for Work and Pensions. The voluntary service is designed for people whose barriers to working mean they are more than 12 months away from being ready for employment. Reed in Partnership has designed the service with Remploy and both organisations will deliver it across the north east of England.

Jobseekers who use the service will benefit from a dedicated Key Worker who will help them develop a plan of support that will improve their employment opportunities.

This plan will include work related skills, job search support, access to volunteering and job taster sessions and help with costs, including childcare and travel. Participants will also have access to a range of health and wellbeing support and interventions, both as part of the service and through our links with provision in their local communities. By working closely with their Key Worker, participants will benefit from improved independence, confidence and knowledge.

Reed in Partnership and Remploy are both Disability Confident Leaders and committed to supporting other employers to ensure their workplaces are accessible to people with specific needs. Employers who recruit participants using Working Ways will benefit from a Support Plan that will include help with reasonable adjustments, staff disability training and information and guidance. This ensures that participants have the best chance of transitioning into sustainable employment with a supportive and knowledge employer.

Support is provided for 15 months, plus an additional six months of in-work support.

Commenting on the launch of the service, Nick Hughes, Programme Director at Reed in Partnership said:

“We understand the challenges that people with disabilities can face in a competitive jobs market. We are committed to helping anyone who wants to work and may have encountered problems with access or opportunity.

“Being in employment can provide inclusivity, purpose and the potential for personal development. It can be life changing for a lot of people. We are excited to seeing our Working Ways service enable people to reach their potential.”