WORKSTEP

What is WORKSTEP?

WORKSTEP (including Remploy) provides job support to around 21,500 disabled people who face more complex barriers to getting or keeping a job, but who can work effectively with the right support. It enables eligible disabled people to realise their full potential to work within a commercial environment, giving them, wherever possible, an opportunity to progress into open employment. The programme also offers practical assistance to employers.

How is this provided?

WORKSTEP is managed by Jobcentre Plus who contract with around 180 local authorities, voluntary and private sector organisations and Remploy, to provide support so that eligible disabled people can work, develop and progress in a wide range of jobs. Offering a supported job opportunity involves a three way partnership between you (the employer), a WORKSTEP provider, and a disabled person.

What sort of work can I offer?

There are no restrictions on the type of work you can offer however, the individual must be able to work 16 hours or more per week.

What is expected of our organisation?

As an employer your role is to:

• provide the employment, workplace, tools, training and supervision or line management to develop the skills and personal qualities needed for the employee to progress, if possible, to unsupported employment;
• employ the person, offering the same pay and equivalent terms and conditions as other employees who do the same or similar type of work
• work with the WORKSTEP provider and the employee to implement and support the employee's development plan; and
• include the employee in your usual training and development opportunities.

What does the provider do?

The provider will:

• work closely with you (the employer), to match people to suitable vacancies;
• develop a tailor-made package of support for the individual and the employer (such as access to a job coach or mentor, or learning and development);
• advise on related issues (for example, in raising disability awareness of managers or colleagues and following through the employee's development plan); and
• in some cases, provide financial support (such as helping to offset early costs of supervision and induction)

What does Jobcentre Plus do?

Jobcentre Plus will:

• work with your organisation and the provider to help to find a suitable person;
• work with you, the provider and the employee to design a development plan that gives the disabled person access to appropriate opportunities;
• work with the provider to monitor the operation of WORKSTEP; and
• work with the provider and the employee to identify any necessary support available through other provision, for example Access to Work.

I'm interested. What happens next?

Contact your Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre, who will put you in touch with the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA). The DEA will be pleased to discuss how WORKSTEP could work for you and then, if appropriate, they will put you in touch with a local WORKSTEP provider who will help you find a suitable person for your vacancy.