need some advice

lyniced

I receive DLA (higher rate for both) - I want to work, as my hubby has lost his job 3 months ago and we have run out of money (he has a company and works as contractor). Whilst my husband looks for a job, we have to earn an income, even if it is a small amount. I haven't worked for 20 years, am wheelchair-bound, have O levels, am computer friendly, BUT I would have difficulty in getting to and from a job. I do get very very tired (have MS) quite quickly.

My question is - do you think I'll be able to get a job? Would anyone want to employ me? If I can't get a job, and we have no income, what can we do? I really don't want to move out of our home - it's a bungalow (and has many adaptations), which is ideal for me.

Desperately hoping you can help me, as I can't sleep with the worry.

TaBunny

Hi Lyniced, I applaud your strength of courage to get out there and want to try and work good for you. First off the best place to start would be your local job centre (or whatever they're called now). Each one of them has to have a disabled advisor, give them a ring and ask if they can arrange a home visit to discuss your needs and help you with advice on what to do etc.

I don't think that your situation should be against you if you want to work then I'm sure there's some kind of work you could do even from home. Also check out the website for disabled people trying to get back into work HERE However the main problem at the moment would be the current climate with so few jobs around but keep at it and good luck.

lolababy

Hi lots of companies outsource work such as data input. It might be worth looking into.
It may be that you can claim from the ILF fund.to fund a pa to help you at work. Go to directgov.uk. You would be able to get extra tax credits due to having a disability that puts you at a disavantage in gaining and sustaining employment. A reqirment for this is working sixteen hours or more.
Councils have a duty to employ a percentage of disabled workers. Id give them a ring and see if they have any vacancies. Also employers have to make adjustments for those with a disability in the work place.
Are you getting all the benefits that your entitled to. Worth looking into.

lyniced

Hey lolababy - do you know of any companies that I can contact to do data input??

lolababy

Hi here are sites;
Elance.com
Guru.com
Let me know how you get on.

irish_eyes

Hello Lyniced, You might be best to try out voluntary work for a few weeks first to see how you cope with the travel and fatigue. A local volunteer agency can match up your skills to work that will suit you. This will give you the chance to try out the work situation to see how you will get on, it will gain you relevant work experience after that 20 year gap and gain you a reference from where you are placed should you decide to apply for work. Hopefully it all works out for you.