For many parents of disabled children it is very difficult to think about paid employment, particularly if your child needs a lot of care. This information is aimed at parents who are thinking about returning to work or are currently in employment. Here you'll find information about what support is available if you are thinking of going back to work and your rights when you are in work.
Returning to work
Sometimes parents with disabled children are made to feel like they are ‘expected’ to stay at home and care for their child. However, with support, some parents do manage to work outside the home.
Research shows that a main problem for parent carers was a lack of information about locally based services, benefits and employment policies.
The first steps
You have learned a lot of valuable skills as a parent and many of these can be transferred to work. However, if you have been out of paid employment for some time, it can be daunting to think about returning to work.
You may need to update your skills and there are many ways to do this. Some parents start by trying voluntary work, or by going to college part-time. Your local council for voluntary services (CVS) or volunteer centre will be able to tell you about volunteering opportunities in your area. Alternatively, visit Web: http://www.volunteering.org.uk
For information about courses, you can call the Learn Direct Helpline Tel: 0800 100 900 (for Textphone users dial 18001 then the helpline number to talk to an adviser via Typetalk) or visit Web: http://www.learndirect.co.uk
Alternatively contact your local college.
New Deal
This is a scheme set up across the UK by the government as part of their ‘welfare to work’ strategy. Its aim is to narrow the gap between the skills those wanting to return to work have, and the skills that employers demand. Participants in the New Deal may also be able to access help with work-related expenses such as childcare and travel costs. There are schemes designed to help different groups, including:
- lone parents
- people over 50 years of age
- people with disabilities
- partners of people claiming certain benefits
- young people
More information about the scheme can be found by contacting your local Jobcentre Plus
Web: http://www.newdeal.gov.uk
Tel: 0845 606 2626 (helpline)
Textphone: 0845 606 0680
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