Cardiff

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Employment Support

Resources for finding jobs, workplace rights, and employment-related benefits in Cardiff.

Sections

1. Types of Employment Support Available

a. Universal Credit (UC)

Universal Credit is a government benefit designed to support individuals who are unemployed or on a low income. It combines several benefits into one payment and includes support for housing, children, and employment.

  • Employment Support Component: If you are actively seeking work, Universal Credit provides access to a Work Coach who can help you find employment, develop skills, and access training opportunities.
  • Additional Support: You may also receive help with travel costs for interviews, childcare costs, and work-related expenses.

b. Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance (JSA)

JSA is a benefit for individuals who are actively looking for work. There are two types:

  • New Style JSA: For those who have paid enough National Insurance contributions in the last two years.
  • Income-Based JSA: For those with low or no income (now largely replaced by Universal Credit).

c. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

ESA is for individuals who have a health condition or disability that affects their ability to work. It provides financial support and access to a Work Capability Assessment to determine what kind of work you can do.

d. Access to Work

This is a government scheme that provides financial support to help individuals with disabilities or health conditions start or stay in work. It can cover costs such as:

  • Special equipment or adaptations.
  • Travel costs if you cannot use public transport.
  • Support workers.

e. Cardiff Council Employment Services

Cardiff Council offers local employment support through initiatives such as:

  • Into Work Advice Service: Free advice and training to help residents find work, including CV writing, interview preparation, and digital skills training.
  • Cardiff Works: A temporary staffing agency run by the council that helps residents find temporary employment opportunities within the council and other organizations.

f. Training and Skills Development

  • Jobcentre Plus: Offers free training courses, workshops, and job fairs to help individuals improve their employability.
  • Adult Learning Cardiff: Provides affordable or free courses in IT, English, and vocational skills to help residents gain qualifications and improve their job prospects.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for employment support benefits depends on your circumstances. Below are the general criteria for each type of support:

Universal Credit

  • Aged 18 or over (16 or 17 in some cases).
  • Under State Pension age.
  • Have less than ยฃ16,000 in savings.
  • Living in the UK and not in full-time education.
  • Actively seeking work (unless exempt due to health or caring responsibilities).

Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance

  • Aged 18 or over and under State Pension age.
  • Working less than 16 hours per week.
  • Actively seeking and available for work.
  • Have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions (for New Style JSA).

Employment and Support Allowance

  • Aged 16 or over and under State Pension age.
  • Have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work.
  • Meet the National Insurance contribution requirements (for New Style ESA).

Access to Work

  • Have a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.
  • Be in paid employment or about to start a job.
  • Live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Cardiff Council Employment Services

  • Must be a resident of Cardiff.
  • Some services may have additional criteria, such as being unemployed or on a low income.

3. Application Procedures

Universal Credit

  1. Apply online at the Universal Credit website.
  2. Attend an initial interview at your local Jobcentre Plus in Cardiff.
  3. Provide necessary documents, such as ID, bank details, and proof of income.

Jobseekerโ€™s Allowance

  1. Apply online at the JSA website.
  2. Attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus.
  3. Sign a "Claimant Commitment" outlining your job search activities.

Employment and Support Allowance

  1. Apply online or by phone via the ESA website.
  2. Submit a medical certificate from your doctor.
  3. Attend a Work Capability Assessment.

Access to Work

  1. Apply online or by phone via the Access to Work website.
  2. Provide details about your job and health condition.
  3. An advisor will assess your needs and approve funding.

Cardiff Council Employment Services

  1. Visit the Into Work Advice Service website or contact them directly.
  2. Register for workshops, training, or one-on-one support.
  3. For Cardiff Works, complete an online application and attend an interview.

4. Associated Costs

  • Universal Credit, JSA, and ESA: Free to apply. Payments are made directly to your bank account.
  • Access to Work: Free to apply, but you may need to contribute to costs if your employer is a large organization.
  • Cardiff Council Services: Most services are free for Cardiff residents.

5. Local Considerations and Resources in Cardiff

a. Jobcentre Plus Locations

Cardiff has several Jobcentre Plus offices where you can access employment support:

  • Cardiff Central Jobcentre: 3-4 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3DP.
  • Cardiff East Jobcentre: St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, Cardiff, CF3 0EY.

b. Local Charities and Organizations

  • The Wallich: Offers support for homeless individuals seeking employment.
  • Cardiff Foodbank: Provides food parcels and advice for those in financial hardship.
  • The Princeโ€™s Trust: Offers free programs for young people (16-30) to help them gain skills and find work.

c. Public Transport Discounts

If you are receiving benefits, you may qualify for discounted travel through the Transport for Wales Railcard or Cardiff Bus schemes.

d. Language Support

For non-English speakers, Cardiff Council and local charities offer translation services and English language classes to help with job applications and interviews.

6. Additional Tips

  • Digital Skills: Many jobs require basic IT skills. Cardiff libraries offer free computer access and digital skills training.
  • Networking: Attend local job fairs and networking events to meet employers and learn about opportunities.
  • Volunteering: Consider volunteering to gain experience and improve your CV.

By utilizing these resources and services, you can access comprehensive employment support in Cardiff. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!