Advice on job/getting off Esa/p45

Dapperdon

Hi all,

I would be grateful for any advice regarding the following-

Basically I’ve been on ESA for exactly 5 yrs now/ and in that time I’ve had 3 operations and started two new treatments for my spinal arthritis- all engineered to get me back to my feet ( ideally desk job so to speak)

I have a bachelors degree but my health took a turn for the worse in my final yr uni. Luckily I was able to complete it and gain a 2-1 but was only able to work part time for my father there after. I did this for about 6yrs before I had to stop completely.

Fast forward 5 yrs, I’ve just had surgery and awaiting recovery etc. And to pass the time I’ve been studying finance (self- study). Once I past the exams and IF I feel strong enough hopefully I can apply for work this year. (That is my ambition/ goal).

I’ve just updated my CV however this is the dilemma I face. A lot of roles require “experience” & I know NEW employers would request a P45. other than showing my tax contributions/ and income, would a new employer know I’ve been OFF work for the last 5 yrs?

This would be a huge disadvantage career wise for myself. Prior to ESA my last employer was my father/ family run business.

Many thanks in advance

Diamandis

Surely your CV would show that you've not been working for a while anyway? You should be able to complete a new starters form for tax purposes if you don't have a p45.

You just need to explain you had been out of employment due to getting surgery but you're able to work now. You also used this time to complete further studying so you can spin this as a positive.

Dapperdon

Thanks! Ok, I’ll do just that then.

In terms of my cv, I’ve done some unpaid/ voluntary work for a relative based abroad. Well when I say work- if we could even call it that. He was exporting some goods from Uk to sell in his country/ and all I did was contact suppliers on his behalf and arrange for the goods to be delivered to a freight company.

BUT this was just something I did once in a blue moon to help him. Therefore it could hardly be classified as “employment”. Although he’s happy IF I was to use him as a reference ie voluntary work. This was only over a few months period in 2015, however he’s told me he’s happy to help IF I change the dates to 2017 for example (since companies always want recent experience as opposed to something 3 yrs ago) i’m guessing