FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. Am I paid and what are my hours of work?
All Workstep clients must work 16 hours or more per week and are paid directly by the employer as normal within any job. Your hourly agreements and pay scale are made between you and your employer. Workstep does not get involved in the Terms & Conditions of your employment unless both parties wish to involve the Workstep Officer.

2. What type of work can I do?
Workstep can support a client within any type of employment; any role you can do we will support you.

3. What support is available?
Workstep can provide all types of support tailored to the individual clients needs. Past examples of support given to keep a client in work are mentoring, counselling, therapies, basic and key skills assessments and anything that the Workstep Officers deem suitable to help the disabled person stay in employment.

4. Does the employer have to pay for the scheme?
No.

5. How do I leave Workstep?
Workstep is a voluntary scheme and the client can leave the programme at anytime they choose.

6. Can Workstep help me find a job?
Workstep can help you find employment, but we are limited to 4 spaces on the Workstep scheme for job searchers at any one time.

7. How long does the scheme last for?
A minimum of 26 weeks, but can be extended if the Workstep Officer deems it necessary.

8. I have been out of work for sometime. Does the Workstep programme assess my fitness for employment?
No, your Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) will assess your ability to work during your initial interview at your local Job Centre Plus (JCP). Workstep can also help to arrange WorkTrials or Work Preparation to help assess your skills and capabilities.
 
9. I have been in the same job for sometime.  I am now experiencing difficulty.  Can the programme help me?
Yes, Workstep would be happy to help arrange an assessment to find out what difficulties you are having and also suggest reasonable adjustments to be made in order to make your working life easier to manage. These adjustments are tailored to the clients needs and a contribution can be taken from the clients development fund.
 
10. Is the aim of the Workstep programme for me to be in unsupported work?
Yes, eventually we would like all of our clients to be able to progress into unsupported employment. Ideally we would love all disabled people to have the opportunity to work and be treated fairly in work.
 
11. I have been on the Workstep programme, but I am unable to continue work.  Can the programme still help me?
The Workstep Team would always try and do everything possible to keep you well, so you can retain employment. Workstep cannot support you unless you are in employment, however we can help to put you in touch with support services for example social services, counselling, therapies and the Job Centre advisors so you can get any support you need.
 
12. Does Workstep offer training or retraining so that I can continue to work?
Workstep will offer training and development suggestions to your employer, these suggestions are to help you progress within your current job so have to be relevant to that job role. If you have been made redundant then you are entitled to REACT Funding accessed through Careers Wales.

13. How does my company get involved?
Contact the Workstep office, tell us about your employees that may need Workstep support, and we will do the rest!