Ingeus

When Alan, 34, was referred to Ingeus by his Jobcentre Plus advisor, he had been unemployed for four years and was receiving Jobseekers’ Allowance. Alan explained to his Ingeus advisor, Rosemary, that he had previously been on health benefits due to severe epilepsy, but had decided that he wanted to return to work, and was keen to pursue work in retail – an area in which he had past experience.

Rosemary conducted an in-work benefit calculation to make sure that Alan would be financially better off moving from Jobseeker’s Allowance to paid employment, and they developed a strategy to ensure that he was equipped with the tools and knowledge he would need to find sustainable employment in his chosen field.

Rosemary and Alan started by revising his CV and practising job interview scenarios so that he felt comfortable with the process of finding work. Rosemary also encouraged Alan to take on part-time customer service work to further increase his confidence and to give him more recent work experience for his CV.

When Alan accepted a job as a sales associate at a leading bedding store, Ingeus’ continued to support him with the transition into work, purchasing work clothes and helping him to apply for Working Tax Credits.

Alan has settled well into his new role, and is currently undertaking a training programme. He is regularly surpassing his sales targets, resulting in a significant bonus and an extra boost to his confidence.

Alan says, "Ingeus helped me find myself again. My friends and family cannot believe the change in me since I started work – I am feeling confident and committed, and ready to face the future.”