A 68 year old man from Tamworth has been given a big "lift" to carry on working thanks to the Jobcentre Plus Access to Work scheme. Archie Miller, who suffers with skin cancer and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), has been given a scissor lift help him in his job and carry on working at Prentice Furniture.

The back-saving lifting gear was provided for Archie through Access to Work after his forward-thinking boss Tom Prentice heard about the scheme when attending a Realising Potential event run by Jobcentre Plus.

Archie said:
"Having this piece of equipment has meant that I am able to carry on working and I don't get as tired as quickly. I could have given up work, but that would have meant giving in. Working has helped me stay positive and motivated."

Tom Prentice, Prentice Furniture company director said:
"I did not realise what Jobcentre Plus could do to help and assist a company the size of Prentices. We don't talk about disabilities here. We look at what's needed for that individual to enable them to work.

"Through Access to Work providing this piece of equipment for Archie, his productivity has increased. This is a bonus, but my main concern was for Archie to try and make work easier for him and enable him to carry on working for us. I was an age positive employer long before legislation came in and did not want to lose Archie; I employ three people over the age of 65 and having a diverse work force gives us the best of both worlds. The younger workers bring new ideas, which keep us moving forward and in touch with technology and the older workers have the skills, experience and maturity to help them develop."

Prentice Furniture, which has two sites in Tamworth, has also signed up to two other Jobcentre Plus initiatives a Local Employer Partnership, New Deal and a Work Trials agreement.

Access to Work assists disabled people, over 16, who are in paid employment, have a job to start or an interview for a job, by providing practical support to overcome work related obstacles from disability. There is an employer cost share involved in some cases.