In Work Support

What is it?

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 52% 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. If your earnings are less than the levels shown below then you are regarded as in poverty:

The Scottish Government released the Poverty and Income inequality figures for 2014 to 2015 that showed living in poverty means being on a low income compared to the average family in Scotland.

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:

• Jobcentre Plus: Phone 0345 608 8545
• Council Tax and Housing Benefit Office: Visit  www.glasgow.gov.uk/tellus or phone 0141 287 5050

Services Available 

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:

• In-Work Benefits ­- Claiming benefits, including Universal Credit
• In-Work Advice - Getting advice on money matters and debt
• In-Work Travel - Reducing travelling costs
• In-Work Training - Getting better at your job
• In-Work Savings - Start to save
• In-Work Healthy Lifestyle - Getting healthy
• In-Work Volunteering
• Returning to work following the birth of a child
• Knowing your rights

In-Work Benefits (including Universal Credit)

Depending on the number of hours you are working you may still be entitled to in-work benefits, these include:

• Extended Housing/Mortgage payment for up to 4 weeks
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax reduction
• Discretionary Housing Payment
• Phone 0141 287 5050 

• Scottish Welfare Fund
• Free school meals
• Grant for school uniform
• Phone 0141 276 1177 

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:

• Removing the limit of the number of hours someone can work each week
• Simplified Work Allowance
• Reducing Universal Credit payment gradually as earnings increase, so people won't lose all their benefits at once if they're on a low income.

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:

Access to Work if you're disabled

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:

• travel within work
• special aids and equipment
• support worker, including interpreters.
• travel to work
• testing area

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.

Tax Credits

You can only claim Tax Credits if you have more than 2 children, until February 2019, otherwise you will need to claim Universal Credit.

Tax Credits are state benefits that provide extra money to people responsible for children, disabled workers and other workers on low income. There are 2 types of tax credits:

• Child Tax Credits - paid to families
• Working Tax Credits - paid to people of low wages

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:

• travel within work
• special aids and equipment
• support worker, including interpreters.
• travel to work
• testing area

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.

Tax Credits

Tax Credits are state benefits that provide extra money to people responsible for children, disabled workers and other workers on low income. There are 2 types of tax credits:

• Child Tax Credits - paid to families
• Working Tax Credits - paid to people of low wages

For details visit www.gov.uk or phone 0345 300 3900.

In-Work Advice

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:

• Visit www.gain4u.org.uk
• Phone the GAIN Helpline 0808 801 1011
  Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm and Saturday 10am - 2pm

Money Advice Service: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

In-Work Travel

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.

In-Work Training

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.

In-Work Savings

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:

• Savings Accounts/ Dividends
• Free Life Insurance
• Mortgages
• Individual Savings Accounts (ISA)
• General Insurance
• Christmas Saving Plans
• Young Savers Accounts
• Instant Loans
• Low Cost Loans
• Foreign Currency
• Child Trust Funds
• Direct Debit/Standing Orders
• Bill paying Services
• DWP Benefits/Pre-Paid Cards
• Funeral Protection Plans
• On-line Banking

Find what credit union is closest to you and what services they provide at www.cucity.co.uk

Are you in need of extra money quickly?
Avoid the high street high interest pay day lenders and go to www.weeglasgowloan.scot and apply for a Wee Glasgow Loan, a cheaper and fairer alternative, with interest rates of 2% per month.

In-Work Health and Well-being

Being fit and healthy can make a big difference in your life as it:

• Improves your IQ
• Improves your immune system
• Protects you from heart disease
• Improves your circulatory system
• Helps you sleep better
• Slows down the effects of ageing
• Reduces your chances of diabetes
• Improves your lung capacity
• Improves your mood
• Improves your looks

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.

In-Work Volunteering

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.

Why volunteer?

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

Returning to work following the birth of a child

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

Knowing your rights

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:

• school leaving age to get the National Minimum Wage
• aged 25 to get the National Living Wage - the minimum wage will still apply for workers aged 24 and under

Current Rates (from 1^st April 2018)

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