When you get the job
You've been successful and been offered the job. You need to know what to do next.
Before you start
There are quite a few things to think about when you start a new job. For instance you’ll need to find out
- what day and time you start, and the hours you’ll work
- where to go and who to ask for on the fi rst day
- what you need to take (like tax and bank account numbers)
- how the wages are paid – and when.
Call and tell us your news
It’s very important that you let us know straight away that you have found work. Call us on 0800 559 009 or talk to your case manager – we’ll be delighted to hear your news. And we’ll let you know if we can give you any extra help with things like housing and childcare costs once you start work.
Transitioning into Work
Flexible financial assistance when entering employment
We may be able to help you if there are additional costs you need to meet in order to move into a job.
The Transition to Work grant is available where a person is moving into employment (generally 30 hours or more per week) and can be used to pay for:
- essential costs to seek paid employment (eg clothing for an interview)
- specific costs associated with starting work, including relocation, work clothing and safety equipment
- bridging finance to help meet your living costs until your first pay.
For more information about Transition to Work grant and to find out if you qualify, call us on 0800 559 009
When you are settling in
Those first few weeks are an important time when others will form a lasting impression of you. Here are some tips
for making a good impression.
- Be honest and dependable – be on time, get all your work finished, be prepared to do more than you are asked to do and help others if you can.
- Be polite and friendly – introduce yourself, shake hands and remember names.
- Learn quickly – ask if you don’t know and take notes if you need to.
- Learn the rules – find out the health and safety rules, and the unwritten rules about how things are done in your workplace, and make sure you follow them.
- Solve your own problems – don’t ask for help every time something goes wrong – try to figure it out first, then check to see if you are right.
- Keep home and work separate until you know what the boundaries are at work.
In-Work support
Getting a job is a great step towards independence
We understand that starting a new job isn’t always easy – so we want to help support you while you settle into work.
At work
In-Work Support is a personal service and can help and support you in your job.
Here are the sorts of help you could get:
- advice on the best ways to manage your time
- resolving problems you may have with your employer or co-workers
- advice on your rights as an employee
- help with learning new skills for your job.
At home
While you get used to the routine of working, you may also need help with personal things like:
- childcare
- healthcare
- relationship problems
- budgeting advice.
The person providing In-Work Support will help in any way they can. They know lots of people in the community so if they can’t help for some reason, they know of people who can.
Help dealing with other people
If you’re uncomfortable talking with other people, the person providing In-Work Support can support you to talk with them, or talk with them on your behalf.
The sorts of people you may need help in dealing with include:
- banks
- government departments, such as Inland Revenue or the Immigration Service
- childcare centres
- phone or electricity companies.
Contact us if you want to find out more about In-Work Support.
Work costs
A Transition to Work grant can help with essential things like buying work clothes or paying for travel in your first week of work. It can also help pay for living costs while you wait for your first pay.
Health costs
The Community Services Card can help with the costs of visiting your doctor and getting prescriptions. It’s a family card so you can use it for dependent children under 18.
If you have any questions about financial help or In-Work Support contact us