i had a laugh

[Andrew MacLean]

Sorry

I said "gainful employment" because there is obviously already work you are doing that is of value to the community: eg your involvement in the plans for your new internet cafe. This is work, it occupies your time, it is of value, but it isn't paid.

Just a little preoccupation of mine. The English language may be quite flexible in many ways, but it delivers misleading descriptions of people looking for paid work: it calls them 'unemployed' or worse yet 'idle'.

Then there are the ways in which people become 'unemployed'. sometimes they are told that they are redundant (means not needed). In fact while their job may be redundant, the person never is.

So I maintain this one-person campaign for real speak as opposed to un-speak.

Andrew

[jayboi2005]

i understand.

Hmm if we are talking about paid work then the answer is nope i don't have any. If we are talking about voluntary then yes i have more than i can do. But ill get around to it

[Andrew MacLean]

Don't forget to add all your voluntary work to your CV. Potential employers are often very interested in voluntary work done by candidates. It speaks to a willingness to be involved and may even trail the development of transferrable skills.

Andrew

[jayboi2005]

i never even though of that thanks!

[Susan Mason]

Hello

My experiences of 'access to work' have been much better.

Having said that though I have never seen them face to face and also back in early 2003 when I was really struggling I did find myself crying down the phone to the lady as personally my situation did not seem to fit with their obviously needed process (basically, I needed help NOW and found the waiting stressful).

Anyway it all came out fine in the wash and once I was through the initial stages it has been a really positive experience from the ATW team point of view.

I suppose the only other things to consider in my case is the fact that I already had a job and had been in it for approx 13years. However, that should not make any difference. As I mentioned in a previous post a few days ago assistance with funding, if granted can be 100% in the case of new employment.

My advice, if you still want to try to find a job is to keep going with the ATW route.

best wishes

Susan

[Andrew MacLean]

I'm with Susan

Access to work kept me at work when I stopped being able to wear lenses and became legally blind. I really benefited from the service they offer.

Andrew