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Our Mission Statement
Pathways Community Interest Company will work to improve the lives of our Work Programme customers by supporting them with issues affecting Health and Lifestyle. We will raise aspirations and self-confidence, enabling our customers to enhance their employability and social skills to achieve employment. Our customers, as part of their journey with us, will be supported to maximise their personal value to their community and will be proud to be part of a 'local project focusing on employability, regeneration and sustainability'.
What is the Work Programme?
The Work Programme is delivered for Jobcentre Plus by specialist organisations, called ‘providers’.
Your provider will give you all the support you need to find and stay in work, even if:
• you change benefits
• you get a job
The Work Programme may include you taking part in activities to help you find work like:
• work experience
The support you get will be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Your involvement in the Work Programme will last up to two years.
A Jobcentre Plus adviser will explain:
• what to expect when you join the Work Programme
• what will happen when you start
When you must take part in the Work Programme?
If you have to take part in the Work Programme, Jobcentre Plus willwrite and ask you to attend an interview.
You may have to take part if you’re getting either:
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance and the Work Programme
If you’re getting Jobseeker’s Allowance, you may have to take part in the Work Programme after:
• nine months - if you’re aged 18 to 24
• 12 months - if you’re 25 or over
You may join the Work Programme earlier, if both you and your Jobcentre Plus adviser agree.
Employment and Support Allowance and the Work Programme
If you’re getting Employment and Support Allowance and are in the work-related activity group there are rules about taking part in the Work Programme. You may have to take part from three months before the date your doctor expects you to be fit for work.
There are some exceptions to this, like:
• if you’re a full-time carer
• if you’re a lone parent with a child under five
Volunteering to take part in the Work Programme
If you don’t have to take part, you can volunteer to join the Work Programme.
To volunteer, you must be getting:
• Employment and Support Allowance (and you’re in the ‘support group’)
• Pension Credit
Not everyone who volunteers to join the Work Programme will be able to. Depending on your circumstances, Jobcentre Plus may offer you different help instead.
