Jobcentre Plus North East is launching a campaign to tell unemployed people about work trials – a scheme that lets them try out a possible job for up to 15 days, without losing their benefits.

“A work trial is a short period in a real job, and it’s an ideal way for jobseekers and employers to try each other out before making a firm decision about an employment offer”, explained Sandra Gowar, Regional Marketing Manager.

“Many of our customers have used a work trial as a route to a fresh start in a job they like. Interview performance and paper qualifications aren’t always good indications of whether someone will do well once they actually start work. A work trial is a much better guide.”

Jobseeker Barry Nixon – now working for Elite Interiors in Stanley, County Durham – is one of more than a hundred North East people who have landed a job through the work trials programme in the past year.

“I’d been claiming Incapacity Benefit for six years, but I really wanted a job”, he explained. “For me, a work trial was the ideal way of getting back to work. During my two-week trial I was able to test my skills and prove myself to the employer. My advice to other jobseekers is to give work trials a go. I did, and I haven't looked back.”

Barry’s manager is equally positive. Joyce Hodgson said: “When my local Jobcentre Plus told me about work trials, I thought they were a great idea, especially as there was no cost to my company and very little paperwork to complete. So I took Barry has settled in very well and we are all delighted with his willingness and dedication to his new role.”

During a work trial the jobseeker stays on their normal benefits and receives a travel and meal allowance. They get the chance to show their enthusiasm and skills, and to see whether they like the work and the daily routine.

The employer gets time to decide whether the person can do the job and will fit in with their existing team. There’s no obligation on either side and if the trial doesn’t work out it can be cancelled at any time. The unemployed person is not under pressure to take a job they don’t like, and will not lose their benefits.

Work trials are open to people aged 25 or over who have been out of work for six months or more, but early entry is also allowed for many other unemployed people and Jobcentre Plus staff can give further advice on eligibility.

Anyone who would like more information about work trials and a free brochure should contact their nearest Jobcentre Plus office (listed under Jobcentre Plus in the phonebook or by searching here).