Dotty G

I've never really received much support from the Jobcentre to get into work, if anything, they have always put the onus on me, by asking me, what I am doing to increase my chances of finding work, rather than ask me whether there is any support they could give me in order for me do so.

I don't think that the Jobcentre do take people's individual circumstances into account, especially if you have a health condition or physical disability, because when I was telling them that I had such conditions, they still had me in the 'actively seeking work' work group category, which meant that I had to look for work for 35 hours or more a week until I was eventually recognised as having a 'Limited Capacity to Work'. This was after having gone through a series of assessments with them. The whole process took more than 2 years for me to be awarded as having a limited capacity to work.

I think good support to get into work should aim to help individuals find and retain good quality jobs, which should involve personalised assistance, addressing individual needs by integrating with other relevant services.

Good employment support should also focus on an individual's health and well-being and give them access to relevant, well paid work opportunities should any health issues be identified, and if the individual wants to work. I don't think they should be forced into it though, especially if they don't feel well enough to do work, or are just not ready to find work as yet.