information for workers seeking support
An introduction to Worker Support
Randstad Worker Support provides non medical support workers to employees with disabilities in the workplace. We work in association with 'Access to Work' - the government agency charged with providing funding for support workers to enable disabled people to take a full and active role in their workplace and to develop their careers.
In Randstad Worker Support we are passionate about diversity and inclusion ensuring people are able to fulfil their career aspirations and true potential. We achieve this by working with employers, their disabled employees and our team of professional support workers to deliver a tailored support package. This is underpinned by robust standard procedures and industry leading technology.
I think I might qualify for Worker Support: do I?
People with a range of disabilities may qualify for funding for worker support. Examples would include visual, auditory or vocal impairment, physical disabilities, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, asperger’s, autism and mental health impairments. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, give the team a call on 0845 130 4655, and someone will be happy to advise.
How do I apply for Worker Support?
With support from your employer, you can make an application for Access to Work funding. This application is made via the Access to Work disability adviser in your local Jobcentre Plus. You will be assessed by the adviser, who will determine your eligibility by interview (usually over the phone, but in some instances face-to-face). S/he may require formal medical evidence relating to your disability.
The adviser then determines the impact that your disability will have on your capacity to fulfil the role, and will decide what kind of support will be required to enable you to do the job. S/he will agree the number of hours of support you will receive and will stipulate the hourly rate for the support. Support will be provided for an agreed period of time after which you would need to reapply. Confirmation of a successful application comes in the shape of an award letter.
How long can I have Worker Support for?
When your initial worker support arrangement is agreed, it will be for a set period (which is decided by the adviser). It’s your responsibility, together with your employer, to re-apply before that period comes to an end.
Are there limits to the amount of funding I may receive?
There is no upper limit to how much funding someone may receive for worker support under the Access to Work programme. However, your individual award will depend on the type and range of your disability and the impacts this may have on the role you are employed to carry out. Your individual limit will be outlined in your award letter.
Is Worker Support means tested in any way?
No, it isn’t means tested.
What kind of help might I expect to get?
Randstad tailors worker support case-by-case according to the precise nature of an individual’s circumstances, workplace, job and the recommendations made by Access to Work. The list below, therefore, is indicative of the kind of support which Randstad is able to provide.
- Job Aide (helps with some of those tasks that the worker is unable to do due to their disability)
- Job Coach (supports the worker in integrating into his/her role)
- Travel Buddy (helps people with physical disability to make the journey to work)
- Reader
- Administrative Support Worker
- Notetaker
- Job Buddy
- Counsellor/Mental Health Mentor
- Specialist Tutor (covering, for example, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia)
What is the benefit of having Randstad involved in my Worker Support arrangements?
Randstad has extensive experience of providing this kind of support. The company’s consultants know exactly how the disability system works, and it has tried and tested IT and back-office systems, and highly competent teams which manage all the administration very efficiently. This leaves you free to receive what really matters – a high quality, reliable, personal service which ensures you get the very best out of your work and career.
How often will you change my support worker?
Randstad’s experience is that workers are best served if they receive consistent support, from a familiar support worker. It means you’re not having to re-invent the wheel all the time, because your support worker will get to know about you, your needs, your job, and your schedule. Worker support requires rapport and trust, so continuity is crucial. Of course, circumstances will arise in which your support worker is unavailable, but the objective is to ensure as much continuity as possible. Then again, if you find you’re just not getting on, then it’s in everyone’s interests to ensure that a replacement is found as soon as possible.
Worker support is all about people and relationships, and Randstad has a highly developed understanding of who the right people are, and how the relationships work. Take a look at some of the testimonials and you’ll see that significant numbers of workers, support workers, and employers agree.