Stephen, a lone parent from Laindon is
pulling in the punters at JD Wetherspoon’s The Moon on the Square
pub, thanks to help from Seetec.
Stephen, aged 27 who is bringing up a three
year old child on his own was determined to get back into work and
support his daughter. He approached Basildon Jobcentre Plus to find
out what help there was available - little did he know that in less
than two months he would be working as a Bar Superviser at the The
Moon on the Square pub and restaurant in Basildon.
He met with his Jobcentre Plus Adviser, who
worked with him on his search for a job. His adviser performed an
“In Work Better Off” calculation to show Stephen how much better
off he would be financially in work through extra in-work
benefits.
His Jobcentre Plus adviser then referred
Stephen to Seetec's Basildon centre, where he was able to make the
most of his CV, boost his confidence and receive up to date job
vacancies. Within four weeks Stephen was successful in finding his
job.
Stephen said: “Getting this job has given me
my pride back and given me a new sense of ambition. I am now
training to become the manager which is even greater. There is no
better feeling than not having to rely on benefits. My quality of
life has improved and I can now take my daughter out to places such
as the museum.”
To help Stephen with the smooth transition
from benefits into work, it was arranged for him to receive a fast
track of Working Tax Credit and payment of the “In Work Credit”
which is a tax free payment of £40 per week for a period of 52
weeks.
Stephen took part in Programme Centre for Lone
Parents at Seetec, if you would like to find out more information
about this programme, please click here.