Jobs for people with arthritis

Kata2308

Hi all, does anyone know if there is any help for people who have arthritis getting into employment?
I’m currently working but need something which isn’t demanding and at a slower pace. I heard there was work that catered for people with disabilities. I just don’t know where to go.

ajolly

Hi @Kata2308,

Welcome to the forum.

I am sure our members will soon jump in with their recommendations and advice about finding suitable employment with arthritis. In the meantime, I have found a link from our website which may provide some help.

The page includes information on Work Choice which sounds like the programme you mentioned to help people with disabilities find suitable work. There is also information on ways you and your employer may be able to make your current role more manageable.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/work/

I’ve also provided the direct link the UK Government’s Work Choice website.

https://www.gov.uk/work-health-programme

I hope this helps.

Best Wishes,

Alice

Kata2308

Thank you so much. I didn’t know such sites existed. Thank you.

Brynmor

Question for our members: does anyone know of local initiatives in their area that could be of some help, or information about work locally that may have slipped though the net?

All our Face-to-Face services and activities have been suspended due to the coronavirus and it would be helpful to know if other local support is happening.

Brynmor

MoWW

There are various employability services, helping individuals who are living with a long term condition or disability get back into work. Check out this information https://www.gov.uk/looking-for-work-if-disabled

Your local jobcentre should be able to signpost you to employability services in your area. Search on the web for local employability organisations. Due to Co-vid 19 some services may be limited at present.

Disability Rights UK offer information on employment rights and support; https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/careers-and-work-disabled-people

National Careers Service England gives information on moving into work or education, there are also links to similar services for each nation. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/about-us

Access to work (AtW) is a Government scheme that provides funding for specialist equipment, travel support or a support worker. whichever suits your needs to remain in, or start work https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

Within Scotland, Versus Arthritis has the Working Well service, providing information and guidance on staying in or returning to work. Email; workingwell@versusarthritis.org

Crookesey

Tiger Woods, Wayne Gretzky and Kirsty McPherson weren’t held back by suffering from arthritis, why should you be?

ErnyAtkins

What happens when your employer suggests you could be medically retired?

Ellen

Welcome to the online community @ErnyAtkins

I am assuming you do not want to retire? if this is the case do you have a union you can contact? Some of our members have taken advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice.

This link might be of interest to you

https://www.versusarthritis.org/additional-services/working-well-with-arthritis/

Do have a read of this it might be of use:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/work/

Hopefully some of our members will be along soon to share their own experiences.

Best wishes

Ellen

sjh98

Hi Kata2308, I'm in the same predicament. I worked as a support worker but I've had to hand in my notice as I couldn't keep up with the physical demands of the job. One suggestion I've come across is to ask your employer if you can continue to work for them but in a different capacity, i.e. a different job role. This is what I have done, I've asked to change from a support worker role to an administrative or IT role. I hope you are able to find something that works for you :)

Poppyjane

Hi @sjh98 , welcome to the online community,

It is great that you have joined us with a supportive response to another member. I hope that some of the above references have been useful to you but if there is anything that we can help you with do let us know. I think that since you were finding the physical demands of being a support worker too much, it was a wise decision to ask to change roles within the same employment area. Have you been successful? Do let us know how you are getting on.

You don't mention your present situation and what concerns you have with arthritis if any. I hope that the various discussions and forums offer you some help and advice , our members are very willing to share their experiences and are a great source of support to each other.

I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Take care

Poppyjane