Jobcentre Plus not only helped David Mason get back to work after surgery left him with walking difficulties, but helped him find a whole new career. 

David, from Stanley, had been on incapacity benefit for six years following the surgery and was a bit uncertain what his job options would be and what it would be like getting back into work.

David, 42, met with Broker North East adviser Adam Chicken, who provided information of Work Trials which helped to put David’s mind at rest about moving back into work. Broker North East is part of the Jobcentre Plus network and helps people with health problems or disabilities get back into work. Adam spoke to bosses at Lumley Castle, near Chester-le-Street, arranged a Work Trial for David and provided funding for clothing. 

A Work Trial is a short test period in a real job, and it’s the ideal way to fill a vacancy with minimum risk or move back into work after a spell on benefits.  During the Trial the employee stays on their normal benefits, so there’s no cost to the employer.  The employee gets the chance to show their enthusiasm and skills, and the employer gets time to decide whether the person can do the job and fit in with their company.  It’s free and there’s no obligation on either side.

David said:
“The Work Trial gave me a chance to prove to myself and to my new employer that I could do the job. I’d definitely recommend people give it a try.”

The Work Trial was successful and David was offered full-time work as a kitchen porter at Lumley Castle.  Getting back into the work force gave David experience and his confidence grew enough to apply for another job through Jobcentre Plus.  He’s now working as a night porter at Beamish Hall and very happy with the new career he is forging. 

He said:
“The new job’s going really well, with no problems at all. The support I received from Adam at Broker North East helped turned my life around.”

David is one of the many people Broker North East has helped back to work. Adviser Adam Chicken said:

“David has changed his life as a result of having the confidence to contact Broker North East.  During the past four years, 3000 other people have been supported back to work with the help of Broker North East. Over this time I have been privileged to see some remarkable examples of determination from individuals like David. It’s fantastic to see him doing so well and I wish him every success in the future.”

People on incapacity benefits or long term sickness benefits and find out more about the support on offer to help them get back to work, by calling Broker North East on 0800 3897036.