Having a job used to mean that you were out of poverty, however with low wages and zero hour contracts this isn't always the case.
It's estimated that 53% *of people who are working can be classed as living in poverty. This is based on the amount of money you have coming into your house. The table below shows the income thresholds, before housing costs, which indicate potential poverty for that particular family composition:
Income thresholds for different household types [13kb]
Whether you have been working for a while or just started work you may be entitled to some support that could help you get extra money, training or travelling expenses.
This page provides details of services that can help and support you in work
If you have just started work there are some organisations you must tell of your change in circumstances, this will keep your details accurate and up to date.
The organisations you must tell are:
Although you are now working you may still be entitled to In-Work Support.
There are a range of services available to you, such as:
Depending on the number of hours you are working you may still be entitled to in-work benefits, these include:
For more information on all of these benefits phone 0141 287 5050
You may also be entitled to in-work benefit through:
Universal Credit (Jobcentre)
You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you're on a low income.
Universal Credit helps to ensure people are better off in work than on benefits by:
Universal Credit replaces:
· Working/Child Tax Credits
· Housing Benefit for new claimants. Home owners may eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI). SMI is paid as a loan which you will need to pay back when the property is sold or ownership is transferred
· Income Support
· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
· Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) .
Working families on Universal Credit can claim up to 85% of actual childcare costs up to a monthly cap.
Apply on-line at www.gov.uk/universal-credit/apply or phone the Universal Credit Helpline on 0345 600 0723.
If you need assistance in making a claim for Universal Credit please contact our Universal Support free phone helpline on 0808 1699901 or visit our webpage at www.gain4u.org.uk
We have Universal Support Hubs located across the city that can provide advice, information and training, these are in the following locations:
Anniesland Library 833 Crow Road, Glasgow, G13 1LE | Maryhill Library 1508 Maryhill Road, Glasgow, G20 9AD | Castlemilk Library 100 Castlemilk Drive, Glasgow, G45 9TE |
Castlemilk Library 100 Castlemilk Drive, Glasgow, G45 9TE | Partick Library 305 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6AB | Cranhill Community Centre 200 Bellrock Street, Glasgow, G33 3HE |
Pollok Library Cowglen Road, Glasgow, G53 6EN | Drumchapel Library 65 Hecla Avenue, Glasgow, G15 8LX | Pollokshaws Library 50 - 60 Shawbridge Street, Glasgow, G43 1RW |
Darnley Community Centre 10 Glen Livet Place, Glasgow, G53 7LA | Royston Library 67 Royston Road, Glasgow, G21 2QW | Elderpark Library 228A Langlands Road, Glasgow, G51 3TZ |
Shettleston Library 154 Wellshot Road, Glasgow, G32 7AX | Gorbals Library 180 Crown Street, Glasgow, G5 9XD | Springburn Library 10 Kay Street, Glasgow, G21 1JY |
Govanhill Library 170 Langside Road, Glasgow, G42 7JU | The Bridge, Easterhouse Westerhouse Road, Glasgow, G34 9JW | Ibrox Library 1 Midlock Street, Glasgow, G51 1SL |
The Olympia, Bridgeton 2 Orr Street, Glasgow, G40 2QH | Knightswood Library 27 Dunterlie Avenue, Glasgow, G13 3BB |
Access to Work
Access to Work gives support for people with disabilities or long term health conditions, entering or retaining employment. This programme is flexible and is broken down into elements, each offering a specific type of help, for example:
Depending on individual circumstances, Access to Work may provide support under more than one of these elements.
Apply on-line at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
Flexible Support Fund (Jobcentre)
The Flexible Support Fund is a payment that the Jobcentre Plus advisers can sometimes give help to individuals to move closer to or into work, depending on circumstances. Ask at your local Jobcentre.
We have dedicated teams that can offer you free, confidential and impartial advice on money matters, such as debt management and budgeting, as well as your employment rights.
You can get this advice free at one of our advice centres:
Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Traveling to your job can be expensive and these costs eat into your available money. There are some discounts available from local bus companies and you will save money if you're able to afford to purchase weekly or monthly tickets. Some employers offer a salary sacrifice scheme that allows you to buy travel tickets with the cost deducted straight from your wages.
Some employers also offer "Cycle to Work Schemes", which is a UK Government tax exemption initiative, introduced to promote healthier journeys to work and to reduce environmental pollution. It allows employers to Loan cycles and cyclists safety equipment to employees as a tax free benefit.
Free rail travel for Jobseekers
Jobseekers will be eligible for two free return train journeys a month, for travel to and from an interview.
Free rail travel when you start work
Scotrail will provide free travel tickets for the first month of a new job.
Ask your work coach at the Jobcentre for more information.
When you're out of work the idea of returning to a new job can be hard. Change isn't easy and that's why there is a list of training available to support you.
It's quite normal that being unemployed has affected your confidence. You might feel nervous about meeting new people or worry that you don't have the skills your employer needs. You could have concerns about managing your money or balancing work and childcare.
You can get help to overcome any worries you might have about returning to work so you can feel confident about developing your career. You won't be judged and will be helped to progress to a positive future.
There is a group of providers who can offer you a wide range of training that can support you in work and help get you to a higher level.
Training courses
Your local library has training courses on improving your skills with reading, writing or numbers, learning English, using a computer and learning how to use computer software such as Word or Excel.
Glasgow Life Libraries
www.glasgowlife.org.uk/libraries
Phone 0141 287 4350
Email: info@glasgowlife.org.uk
Colleges
Glasgow's three colleges provide a range of flexible study options and opportunities to improve your skills for employment, gain additional qualifications and help you reach your full potential in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. These can be undertaken on a part-time or evening study basis, and in some cases, online.
To find out more about your college study options, use the contact information on the next page to email a query, visit a college campus or explore your study options through the college websites. All of the colleges provide a range of student support services, including advice and guidance, additional learning support and funding support dependent on student circumstances.
Glasgow Kelvin College
East End Campus, 2 Haghill Road, Glasgow, G31 3SR
Springburn Campus, 123 Flemington Street, Glasgow, G21 4TD
West End Campus, 75 Hotspur Street, Glasgow, G20 8LJ
Easterhouse Campus, 1200 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow, G34 9HZ
Email: Monica McKerlie, Head of Advice and Guidance mmckerlie@glasgowkelvin.ac.uk
Phone: 0141 630 5000
www.glasgowkelvin.ac.uk
City of Glasgow College
City Campus, 190 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RF
Riverside Campus, 21 Thistle Street, Glasgow, G5 9XB
Email: Gillian Plunkett, Student Experience Director Gillian.Plunkett@cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
Phone: 0141 375 5555
www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk
Glasgow Clyde College
Cardonald Campus, 690 Mosspark Drive, Glasgow, G52 3AY
Anniesland Campus, 19 Hatfield Drive, Glasgow, G12 0YE
Langside Campus, 50 Prospecthill Road, Glasgow, G42 9LB
Email: Declan Fallon, Student Advice Centre Manager dfallon@glasgowclyde.ac.uk
Phone: 0141 272 9000
www.glasgowclyde.ac.uk
Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
SDS delivers face-to-face career information, advice and guidance at schools and SDS centres across Scotland. We also offer support through our contact centre and My World of Work.
We can provide information on jobs, the local labour market, training courses, Modern Apprenticeships and much more.
We'll also help you identify your strengths, goals, and the opportunities that are out there.
Our support is designed to help you build the Career Management Skills you need to get where you want to be.
This booklet [2Mb] gives more detail on the training and advice that SDS offers.
Now that you're earning, have you considered how to get the best from what you earn? Glasgow is the credit union capital of the United Kingdom with 34 credit unions. Some of the credit unions offer a range of services similar to high street banks, such as:
Find what credit union is closest to you and what services they provide at www.cucity.co.uk
Being fit and healthy can make a big difference in your life as it:
All these benefits of being fit and healthy will help you at your work.
Getting to a healthier place in your life could take some time however there is support for you in a multitude of places. There are 22 gyms, 13 swimming pools and more than 1,300 fitness classes each week across the city that offer you an opportunity to meet other people as well as achieving your goals. There are discounted prices depending on your income and/or benefits you receive.
Visit Glasgow Life to find out more.
Now that you're working, it may be harder to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, and your community. The right volunteering opportunity can help you find new friends, reduce stress, help your community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. Helping others in your community can also help protect your mental and physical health.
Volunteering lets you help people in need, worthwhile causes, and your community. The benefits can be even greater for you, as it can help you reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it's true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you'll experience, volunteering doesn't have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help others those in need and improve your health and happiness.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer visit www.volunteerglasgow.org
Early learning and Childcare
There are approx. 457 childcare providers across the city (this includes local authority, Private nurseries, playgroups, child minders', Out of School Care and Crèche facilities)
Visit the Glasgow Family Information Service website (GFIS) for more information.
Assistance with Paying for childcare
· Universal Credit (Jobcentre). Working families on Universal Credit can claim up to 85% of actual childcare costs up to a monthly cap
· Tax Credits (HMRC). Tax Credits remain available to existing claimants who have had a change in circumstances and are a state benefit that provide extra money to people responsible for children
· Tax Free childcare. Tax-free childcare gives eligible families up to £2,000 free per child towards childcare costs
· Funded Early learning and childcare. You may be eligible for up to 600 hours of funded early learning and childcare a year (around 16 hours a week in term time) if your child is 3 or 4 years old
· Best Start Grant. Best Start Grants will provide lower-income families with financial support during the key early years of a child's life, providing eligible families with £600 on the birth of their first child and £300 on the birth of any subsequent children
Minimum Wage
The National Minimum wage is the minimum rate employers should pay their staff.
The hourly rate for the minimum wage depends on your age and whether you're an apprentice.
You must be at least:
Current Rates (from 1st April 2018)
Year | 25 and over | 21 to 24 | 18 to 20 | Under 18 | Apprentice |
2018 (1st April) | £7.83 | £7.38 | £5.90 | £4.20 | £3.70 |
2019 (1st April) | £8.21 | £7.70 | £6.15 | £4.35 | £3.90 |
Flexible Working
Flexible working is any arrangement made between the employer and the employee to amend their work pattern in place, e.g. having flexible start and finish times, or working from home.
All employees have the legal right to request flexible working - not just parents and carers.
Employers must deal with this request in a reasonable manner although an Employer may refuse the application if they have a good business reason for doing so.
Further information and guide application forms can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/applying-for-flexible-working