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Help from Jobcentre Plus to find work

Your local Jobcentre Plus can help you find, prepare for, and stay in work. They can offer you advice on:

  • training and work placements
  • work experience
  • job trialling
  • volunteering
  • starting your own business
  • combining work and caring responsibilities

They can also advise you around if you're able to keep claiming some benefits after you go back to work. Visit the GOV.UK website for help with moving from benefits to work.

Work clubs

Work clubs are run by local organisations like employers and community groups. They give you the chance to share knowledge, experience and job hunting tips.

Your local Jobcentre Plus can tell you about work clubs in Barnsley.

Support if you're disabled

If you have a disability, ask to speak to a disability employment adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus. They can help you find a job, gain new skills, and carry out an 'employment assessment'. They can also tell you about disability friendly employers in the area.

Your DEA can tell you about programmes and grants to help you back into work, such as Access to Work. Through Access to Work you may be able to apply for:

  • a grant to help pay for practical support with your work
  • support to manage your mental health at work
  • money to pay for communication support at job interviews

You can find out more about work and disabled people on GOV.UK.

Support if you have drug or alcohol problems

If you have drug or alcohol problems that are stopping you working, your Jobcentre Plus adviser can tell you about the help available from professionals in your area. They can also refer you to their support services if you want them to.

Trying out a job

A work trial gives you the chance to try out a job while still claiming benefits. It can last up to 30 working days, and you might get offered a job at the end.

Jobcentre Plus can arrange a work trial for you, or you can ask them about how to do this yourself.

Work trials are voluntary and your benefits won't be affected if you finish early or turn down a job you're offered.

Volunteering

If you're unemployed and looking for work, your Jobcentre Plus adviser can help you find a volunteering opportunity.

By volunteering you'll gain work experience and skills, as well as showing initiative and a positive work attitude that can improve your chances of securing a job in the future.