Dispatches

This information is for anyone looking for a job or for training. There is also information for those with financial worries caused by unemployment.

Job Centre Plus
This website lists hundreds of thousands of available jobs every day. You can refine your search to the type of work you're looking for, the area you want to work in and the working hours you would prefer. Try not to be too restrictive in your selections, and be flexible in what you are prepared to look at. You can also use the Job Centre Plus site to look for training courses and voluntary work. If you prefer to use the phone you can speak to a Job Centre Plus adviser who can tell you about vacancies in your local area and beyond. Call 0845 6060 234. Or, if you are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties, call the textphone on 0845 6055 255 (Monday - Friday 8am- 6pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm) these calls cost 7p set up charge plus no more than 4p per minute.

In an uncertain job market many employers make use of agency staff. Starting work as an agency employee can sometimes be a good way into an organisation when a staff post becomes available. When you sign on with a recruitment agency first check out that they place workers in the area of work you're interested in.

NHS Recruitment
Some big employers such as the NHS use their own recruitment website to advertise posts. The NHS is the biggest employer in Europe with 1.3 million staff and their website currently shows nearly 9,000 vacancies in England and Wales. For more information go to www.jobs.nhs.uk. If you are in Scotland visit NHS Scotland, or for jobs in Northern Ireland Health Service organisations visit www.hpssjobs.com.

Make use of the job search websites compiled by all national and regional newspapers, but don't forget that a percentage of job vacancies are never advertised. Make it known amongst friends, relatives and colleagues that you're looking for work and send short introduction letters to employers that you are targeting. Attach an up-to-date, relevant and concise CV.

There are a number of state benefits that are designed to help people while they search for work. The main one is Job Seekers Allowance. Visit the Job Centre Plus website to find out what you're eligible for and how to claim it.

New Deal
New Deal is a programme that gives people on benefits the help and support they need to look for work, including training and preparing for work. The New Deal programmes available are for - Young People; those 25 plus; those 50 plus; lone parents; disabled people; partners of benefit claimants; musicians. Find out more on the Job Centre Plus site.

Learndirect
Learndirect offer high-quality learning at a time and place that suits you. You choose what and when to learn, and you can work at your own pace. There are more than 1,500 learndirect centres across England and Wales to help you get started. Call 0800 101 901 (free, every day 7am - 11pm). Typetext service available for hard of hearing, or find out more at www.learndirect.co.uk. If you're in Northern Ireland visit the Learndirect website here. For Learndirect Scotland, either visit their website or call 0808 100 9000 ( free, Monday to Friday 7am - 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am - 6pm).

If being out of work is causing you money problems, it's important not to ignore them. The sooner you get advice and help to deal with financial problems, the better.

National Debtline
National Debtline provides a free, confidential and independent helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. They can give expert advice over the phone as well as providing a self help information pack. Call 0808 808 4000 (free, Mondays - Friday 9am - 9pm, Saturdays 9.30 - 1pm). You can also download a lot of information from their website. Debtline Northern Ireland is available on 0800 027 4990 (free, Monday - Friday 8am-8pm) or at www.debtlineni.org.

Citizens Advice Bureau
The CAB website at www.adviceguide.org.uk contains masses of information on dealing with debt for anyone in the UK. If you would prefer to visit a CAB office you can find your local office on the website or in your phone directory under Citizens Advice Bureau.

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