The Department for Work and Pensions has launched an initiative to try to keep people working who become ill. The Government led campaign called 'Building capacity for work: a UK framework for vocational rehabilitation' has been launched by Minister for Work Jane Kennedy.
In simple terms, the initiative has a target to research and implement better structures for people having less time off sick and getting back to work quicker after illness or injury.
Our view
has had experience of one such back to work group recently called 'Access to Work' supposedly there to help employees get back to work.
A potential employee of was seriously hurt over six months ago, the day before commencing employment with . A wall on a Local Authority walkway collapsed on the lady and her daughter.
The lady has been on crutches for six months unable to put weight on legs and is still on crutches with a broken leg although it is starting to heal. In an effort to help the person, we have made our offices more 'disabled friendly' than was required and have even had disabled toilets and disabled meeting rooms/rest rooms built in accessible places for the new employee.
In a simple request literally to have the new employee's taxi fares paid only (we have paid for the building improvements) for just two months or so or before she can drive again which is significantly cheaper than benefits! Literally £3 a day.
The response has been as if are criminals, the 'Access to Work' group TELLING US when THEY WILL ASSESS HER and US on our time. Then telling us what changes we will have to make! Oh and you have to pay for any changes!
Oh and also, as an employer, you are not entitled to see the report! Oh, and you are not allowed to discriminate - which we do not anyway!
No 'thank you' for trying to help potential staff gain employment even those who have had nasty accidents.
If you read this Jane Kennedy then please do contact the directors on 01543 677444 as we have a few things to say about crass, jobsworth, Government staff at places like "Access to Work" who have to deliver NOTHING and pay for NOTHING and issue threats to genuine employers who did not even have to offer the job to the lady as she did not manage to start on the agreed date unfortunately, or did not have to hold the position open for six months, for a nice lady who just wants to get off benefits and return to work!
Access to work - it sucks!