David, driver, Nottinghamshire
"Everyone at Ingeus is very friendly and helpful; they always have a smile for you, and have been a great help in getting me on the road back to work."
David, 55, was referred to Ingeus’ Pathways to Work programme in August 2008 by his advisor at Worksop Jobcentre Plus.
When David met his Ingeus advisor, Catherine, he explained that he had been on Incapacity Benefits and unable to work since he was diagnosed with kidney, heart and liver problems in October 2007.
David told Catherine that the medication he was taking had helped control his condition, and he was keen to return to his career as an HGV driver.
David’s employer had expressed some interest having him return to his previous workplace, but David was concerned that he would not be able to undertake the same role as before.
Catherine arranged for David to meet Ingeus’ physiotherapist, Rob, to discuss how a return to his previous job may affect his condition. Rob liaised with David’s employer to discuss the possibility of having a ‘buddy system’ where another staff member worked with him for the first two weeks of his employment so they could identify and issues or special needs David may have.
To maximise the chances of David returning to work, he and Catherine also explored other employment opportunities, and Catherine helped David to update his CV, as well as conducting mock interviews with him so he felt comfortable talking to potential employers about his health condition and the gap in his employment history.
In consultation with David’s specialist and Ingeus’ physiotherapist, David’s employer agreed to re-hire him on the basis that he works for four days followed by a four day break.
David was happy with this arrangement, and Catherine worked with him during the transition back into work, helping him to complete his applications for Return to Work Credits and Working Tax Credits.
Catherine regularly contacts David by phone to ensure that he is adjusting to his new role and to provide any ongoing assistance he may require.
David says, “Everyone at Ingeus is very friendly and helpful; they always have a smile for you, and have been a great help in getting me on the road back to work.”
