Chair: David Foster – Tel: 01788 544991 Secretary: John Burrell – Tel 01788 533796
Presentation by Christine Grimshaw & Theresa “Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities”.
The Job Centre is here to help everyone – give help, advice and support whether looking for or in work. One to one assessments are available and specialist advice/support is available.
Work Preparation – from 2 days to 6 weeks support which prepares you for work – helps you to manage your work, identifies the abilities you have, builds up your confidence and explores new skills. You can stay on benefits while on work preparation and also get paid expenses/allowances.
Job Induction – pays an allowance to your employer for additional training needs.
Access to Work – help with getting to work and with practical problems/issues at work, also help with support workers and cost getting to work, and training to update skills.
Training – helps with funding, residential, local colleges and university.
Work Step – national programme providing help to find work and helping you at work.
Job Searching – active with employers – matching employers with people with disabilities, - people employed on trial basis initially to see if work suits them. Also gives help with CV’s etc.
Retention – supports workers in work and discusses disability with employer – also specialist support available if required. Review situation regularly when you first start and then every 6 months, training opportunities help with career progression. Also helps you get off Work Step and into long term employment. To receive support you need to contact Chris at Job Centre (01788 534282).
Q - As the benefit is paid to employers, I’ve heard that when the money runs out the employer gets rid of the person and applies again?
A - Neither Chris or Theresa have heard of this happening, certainly not in Warwickshire.
Q - Anything in the system for disabled people to work in the sports industry?
A - Yes it would be the same as any other employment.
Q - Is it right that people on benefits can earn up to £20 per week (16 hrs a week) before benefits are reduced?
A - Depends on what benefits you are receiving. Job Seekers could be only £5 a week better off. Rules are very complicated . Job Centre has leaflets on how work could affect benefits.
Q - How would you support someone who because of his or her disability needs to be off work for some time?
A - The law states they cannot discriminate. We would promote ability not disability with employer and give help and support to keep that job open.
David thanked Christine and Theresa for a very informative presentation.
Apologies – Peter Elliot, Jill Atkinson, John Hicks, Clare Montague, Martin Eversfield, Christeen Whitehouse, Fiona Barrington, Daphne Johnson, Susanna Vandervelden, Marla Solanki.
Present – John Burrell, David Foster, Andrew Cowan, Derek Hillman, Sue Hillman, Pam Jones, Maria Drecke, Paul Cooper, Pat Clarke, Tony Woffenden, Anne Cooper, Joyce Carter, Sheena Corbett, Cllr. Chris Holman, Brian Edwards, Sarah Gibbons, Gordon Boyle, Harry Mossop, Jan Dunseith, Nicola Tompkins, Lionel Bourton, Jane Robinson, Geoff Wilde, Icilin Johnson, Patsy Newsam, Alan Thompson, Dan Green.
Wolvey Parish Clerk – gave access advice on proposed “Wetland Reserve Walkway”.
Premises in Bilton Road – ‘New Directions’ asked for advice on their proposed ramp to give access to the rear garden.
Public Seating in Council Parks – received request from disabled person as to whether bench seating could be raised about 100 to 150mm. Advice from Parks Manager is that one Council did this and received insurance claims from able bodied people for back injuries and they have reverted back to the normal standard. Therefore Rugby will continue with normal standard.
David advised that Oxford City have buses that allow scooters. David is going to meet representative from Centro to see what they are doing.
Shopwatch – About 54% of shops in the Town Centre are accessible however we need to get people to understand and accept their responsibilities. David wants to engage Coventry Law Centre to take up the case at the ‘Observer’ in order to get level access – everyone agreed to this.
Next Meeting - August 26th at 10am – Sue to Chair