Employment and support services

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Employment support

There is a huge range of Employment Support available in Greater Manchester. Below you can find a video overview of the support available to you, and below that is a brief summary of each programme and how to find out more. If you need additional support, then you can contact National Careers Service on 0800 100 900 or by using the Contact Us function on the website. If you’re claiming benefits, you can also speak to your Job Centre Plus Work Coach.

Working Well: Work and Health Programme

The Working Well: Work and Health Programme is a voluntary service designed to support you on your journey towards paid employment. A team of employment specialists, health professionals and community organisations provide 1-2-1 comprehensive and personalised support if you are unemployed and experiencing health conditions, disabilities, a long period of unemployment or require specialist support. The programme can support you on your journey back into work where expertise, local knowledge and tailored support is provided to help you on your way. Ask your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach about the service and how it could support you.

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Working Well: Individual Placement Support in Primary Care

If you are disabled or have a long-term physical or mental health condition, Working Well: Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care can provide you with tailored support and guidance, in order to help you gain long lasting employment. The programme can support you to move into paid employment if you are out-of-work or enable you to stay in work or return to work after a period of sickness, whilst ensuring your health needs are prioritised. You will have access to an Employment Specialist who will work with you and your employer to provide rapid and holistic support to help you start, stay and succeed in work.

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Working Well: Pioneer

If you are currently out-of-work and not required to search for work as part of Universal Credit or JSA but you want to work, then Working Well: Pioneer could support you. Using a place then train approach, the programme helps you to move into sustainable employment through rapid personalised employment support, upskilling and training with continued wraparound guidance and support for both you and your employer once you are in work. You will have access to an Employment Specialist who will work closely with you and employers to ensure there is a good match between your strengths and the right job for you, not just any job.

 

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Working Well: Support to Succeed

This free programme helps people to overcome barriers which may prevent them from gaining work or pursuing their ambitions. Working Well: Support to Succeed will help to boost confidence and support people in achieving their goals. There is a wide range of support available including:

  • Wellbeing and confidence building
  • Managing finances, budgeting and housing
  • Job searching and career planning
  • Skills and volunteering experience
  • Families and relationships
  • One-to-one coaching and specialist support

In addition, we offer specific support for people over 50 years old. Visit the website or contact our team directly at 0161 236 8118 to see how we can people achieve their potential.

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IPS for Drug & Alcohol Treatment

IPS for Drug & Alcohol Support is available to people in structured community treatment for drug and/or alcohol misuse. Employment Specialists and treatment keyworkers/clinicians work with clients that are either out of work, or at risk of losing their job, to gain secure employment.
IPS includes a rapid job search, confidence building, CV development, employer engagement and interview techniques, and supporting employers to make reasonable adjustments to support their employees.
To find about more, speak to your community treatment team.

Employment Legal Advice Service

During this period of uncertainty, you may find yourself worried about your employment, whether that’s your rights, redundancy, pay cuts, terms or disputes. The Growth Company together with Citizens Advice Manchester, Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton and a network of legal partners, have set up Employment Legal Advice - a new service to help individuals across Greater Manchester to access free employment-related legal support. Our service is designed to help you access the right advice at the right time as quickly and easily as possible. 

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Restart Scheme

If you are claiming Universal Credit, the Restart Scheme could help you find lasting employment. It is tailored to your individual needs, so you get the support that’s right for you. Ask your Jobcentre Plus Work Coach about the Restart Scheme and how it could give you support, to identify and encourage your work goals and help you to transfer your existing skills into your next role.

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United for Ukraine

In response to the crisis in Ukraine, ‘United for Ukraine’ has been set up by businesses and other partners across the North of England to support evacuees coming to our region. This site provides access to employment and support services.

For Ukrainian nationals, this initiative provides a searchable list of vacancies with employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.

Tel: 0161 237 4131

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Refugee Employability Programme

Preparing refugees for work and life in England- get individual support and a learning plan from your own Case Manager, so you can improve your English and career skills.

The Refugee Employability Programme can help you for up to 18 months with: Learning English, Work Experience, Accessing Health Services, Skills & Training, finding and staying in work and settling in to living in a new country.

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Jobs for Hongkongers

To support migrants from Hong Kong in the North West, “Jobs for Hongkongers” has been set up by The Growth Company, across the North-West of England to support Hong Kong BN(O) residents coming to our region. This site provides access to employment and support services and provides a searchable list of vacancies with employers who have committed to providing good job opportunities in a supportive environment.

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Employment Advisers (EAs) in NHS Talking Therapies

Intervention for people with depression and anxiety receiving NHS Talking Therapies (formerly IAPT) treatment, who are either in work and out of work. Client, EA and therapist work together to set employment goals and deliver a bespoke action plan.

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Access to work

Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability. The support you get will depend on your needs. Through Access to Work, you can apply for, a grant to help pay for practical support with your work, support with managing your mental health at work, and money to pay for communication support at job interviews

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EnterprisingYou

EnterprisingYou offers comprehensive support for individuals with a budding business idea or those ready to start a business.

EnterprisingYou Starting Your Business workshops cover mindset, marketing, and financial aspects of self-employment. You’ll learn how to target customers, create strategies, handle legalities, secure funding, manage cashflow, and set profitable prices. Whether in-person or virtual, EnterprisingYou equips you with the knowledge and confidence to successfully launch your business, demystifying business jargon along the way.

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Looking for work support

Whether you’re looking for job vacancies, looking to update your CV, completing an application form or you’re preparing for a job interview, below you will find information to help you along the way.

Looking for work support