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I Want To Work But...

What is this leaflet about?

Having a job that suits you brings a sense of contributing and giving back; it can be a way of finding new friends; furthering your self-reliance and increasing your income. People's experience and research studies have shown that work, both paid and voluntary, promotes positive mental health and aids recovery.

If you are interested in work, searching for the right job can be time consuming and stressful, especially if you are worried your mental health problems may affect your chances of getting the work you want. Often these concerns are related to finance and benefits, disclosure and stigma, as well as rights and responsibilities both for yourself and your potential employer.

This leaflet is designed to provide information and contacts for people who have experienced mental health problems and want to work.

About us:

The Scottish Mental Health and Employment Network was set up in 2008 by a range of government and non-government organisations committed to improving the mental health of Scotland's population and supporting the recovery of individuals who have experienced mental health problems in relation to employment. It recognises the evidence that employment is good for health, and supports the ethos of recovery which states that everyone's recovery journey is individual. This means, it views work as one of the most empowering and effective options that should be available to people in support of their recovery. The network's aim is to raise awareness of the need to increase and improve the support available for people with mental health problems who are in employment, or for those thinking about work. The network recognises that not all jobs or work environments support mental health, and it aims to encourage mentally-healthy workplaces where everyone's mental health and wellbeing is promoted. It works through sharing good practice and communicating key messages around mental health and work to a variety of audiences. The network includes individuals with personal experience of mental health problems.

...would I have less money?

Moving away from benefits can cause financial worry but, whether you are looking for paid or voluntary work, support is available to ease this process.

Permitted work and working tax credits are just some of the financial supports available. You can ask for a Better-off Calculation from the Citizens Advice Bureau or your Local Authority's Welfare/Money Advice/housing teams, or Jobcentre Plus to check you'd be financially better off in work. For further information, www.cas.org.uk or www.jobcentreplus.org.uk.

...how are welfare benefits changing?

From the autumn of 2008, people with a health problem or disability who apply for an out-of-work benefit, will no longer be claiming incapacity benefit and income support, but rather Employment and Support Allowance ( ESA). The ESA will be supported by a Work Capability Assessment, which looks at what you can do; after which you will be placed in a work-related activity group, or a support group, with accompanying benefits and assistance. For more information speak to your local Jobcentre Plus office.

If you are already claiming incapacity benefit, you will continue to receive your current benefit, and your medical assessments will continue to be the existing Personal Capability Assessment, for sometime, but you are free to seek the new support on offer.

...how can I stay healthy at work?

People with experience of recovery often mention that being able to do something meaningful benefited their wellbeing. Being able to give back to the community, being self-sufficient, setting goals, meeting new people, learning new skills and earning money is known to help boost positive mental health.

To promote your health when you start work, let supporters know your concerns and speak to an employability advisor, such as a Disability Employment Advisor in Jobcentre Plus, or someone in a specialist mental health and employment agency, the details of which are likely to be available from your local mental health team, Local Authority supported employment team or job centre.

...should I disclose my mental health problems?

The choice is yours, but you may miss out on certain support if you don't.

If you choose to disclose a mental health problem you are likely to have rights under the Disability Discrimination Act ( DDA) which says it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against you. Also, it says that employers can receive assistance to ensure they can support you.

For some specific types of work you have a legal requirement to inform your employer; seek advice if you are concerned. For more information on the DDA you can visit the Equality and Human Rights Commission website www.equalityhumanrights.com or call their Scottish helpline on 0845 604 5510.

Alternatively, you may like to talk to a trade union representative. In work places where there are only a few union members or none at all you can discuss issues with local Trade Union Councils. Contact details are on the Scottish Trade Union Congress website on www.stuc.org.uk.

...I need a CV and additional training, who can help me?

A range of Scottish agencies are committed to working in partnership to support people's individual and holistic needs to return to work, such as the NHS, Scottish Trade Unions (Support@Work), Jobc_entre Plus, SAMH, Forth Sector, Shaw Trust. To find out more about what services are available, such as preparation for work, support in work, training and equipment please return the confidential tear-off slip at the end of this leaflet. Also, the Really Useful Book of Learning and Earning provides information about the journey into work, hints and tips and a blank action plan. This is available at www.socialinclusion.org.uk/publications/ReallyUsefulBook.pdf.

...what should I be looking for in an employer?

When considering potential employers, look for ones who have shown an awareness of health at work and mental health, for example employers who have signed the 'see me' pledge, or are members of the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives Award Scheme, or have a mental health policy.

Employers awarded the disability or 'double tick' symbol have made five commitments around the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled employees.

As an employee you should expect to be treated fairly, without discrimination or bullying. Support from your employer can help make the most of your abilities: it is known that good management practice, an open and supportive environment, and flexible working practices all promote wellbeing at work. Support you might look for could include regular, open discussions with your manager, flexible working hours, agreement to change the times or periods of breaks, quieter working environment, better access to light, fresh air or exercise programmes.

For more information: www.seemescotland.org and www.healthyworkinglives.com, or advice line 0800 019 221 for Healthy Working Lives advisors.

...who can support me in my new job?

Any change in lifestyle can be stressful. Use your existing support network, friends, carers and professionals, and find out if there is additional support available linked to your workplace such as counselling or employee assistance programmes or trade union representation. The TUC website has information on support for employees with mental health problems www.tuc.org.uk. Local and national employability projects provide support at work, such as Shaw Trust http://www.shaw-trust.org.uk.

In your area there may be a local group where people with lived experience of mental health problems meet and you can share experiences. The National Mental Health Service User Led organisation, VoX, will provide information where possible: www.voxscotland.org.uk, 0141 572 1663.

For more information see :www.employabilityinscotland.com.

Contact for more copies:

workforceplus@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

I'd like to know more about getting back to work...

I would like an appointment to discuss my employment options

please contact me by - phone / email / letter (delete as appropriate)

please send me an information pack

I am interested in hearing more about the Scottish Mental Health & Employment Network, please add my name to the mailing list.

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In accordance with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998, we will not disclose any information about you outwith the organisation unless first seeking your permission.

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