Job Introduction Scheme

The Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) can help you if you are thinking of recruiting someone with a disability who you believe has the skills and potential to do the job, but who you are concerned about employing for practical reasons relating to their disability.

If you would like to employ a disabled person but either you or they have genuine concerns about their ability to manage the particular job, you should discuss it with a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA). DEAs are usually based at your local Jobcentre. The DEA will decide whether JIS will be available in these circumstances.

JIS can pay you a weekly grant of £75 for the first 6 weeks that you employ the disabled person. In exceptional circumstances, and after agreement with the DEA, this may be extended to 13 weeks.

You must apply for JIS before the person starts work.

The job can be full or part time, but must be expected to last for at least 6 months including the JIS period. It must be a genuine job and not specifically created to take advantage of JIS.

The JIS grant is not available for every job, payment depends on the circumstances of the customer at the time of employment. Your local DEA will be able to advise whether JIS is available for someone you are considering employing.

How much do I pay the employee while I am receiving JIS support?

You pay the normal rate for the job while receiving the JIS grant. JIS is paid to help towards the wages or other employment costs during these few weeks.

Can I tell potential employees about JIS?

Yes, though you should discuss this with the DEA first as it is their decision whether JIS will be paid for a particular job.

To apply for JIS, contact your local Jobcentre for details of where your local Disability Employment Adviser is based.