Annette suffers from Osteo-Fibromyalgia, an illness that causes severe joint pain, this resulted in Annette having to leave her last job in 2000. Annette really wanted to gain her independence again and to have a better income, but after being without a job for so long she didn’t know where to start. Annette attended an event where she met Hayley Durouse an Employment Consultant for Seetec.

Annette wanted to return work but was unsure of what kind of suitable work there were available or the effect that returning to work would have on her financially. Annette was concerned that she would lose her benefits by returning to work and if she found she could not sustain the job due to her condition she would be worse off financially.

Annette joined Seetec’s New Deal for Disabled People programme. Her Employment Consultant, Hayley, explained that by joining the Permitted Work Scheme through Seetec and Jobcentre Plus, it would be possible for her to go back to work without losing all of her benefits.

Hayley and Annette worked together to rebuild Annette’s confidence, helping her to create an effective C.V. and find a suitable job that Annette was able to do and enjoy. Annette had previously  worked in a café and fish and chip shop so Seetec supported Annette to find work in a local fish and chip shop on a part time basis.

Working under 16 hours a week allowed Annette to keep her benefits at the same. Annette’s confidence grew so much that she increased her hours to full time  whilst managing her condition and  received Return to Work credits and a £100 return to work bonus.

Annette says  “Seetec helped me so much, I wouldn’t have made it back into work if I had not worked with Hayley at the centre.”

Returning to work has not only helped Annette be financially better off but has also built her self esteem and confidence and given her a more positive outlook on life.

Seetec offer a wide range of services to help you return to work.

Make today the day for a fresh start, call Seetec on: 0800 65 25 414.