Coping with Unemployment; Part 3/3 Organisations who can help

Many will have lost their jobs recently or facing uncertainty. I would like to suggest some organisations for support.

Money Worries
The major issue for most who find themselves unemployed. There are excellent organisations and websites that offer free, impartial and reliable advice, for example Citizens Advice Bureau and the Money Advice Service (online). Some of these organisations will advocate on your behalf if necessary. The Scottish and UK government websites are also there to support as well as your local council.

Many local areas have charities, initiatives and social enterprise companies who may be able to offer localised support. Search on social media pages or try websites such as Aliss.

Jobcentres and claiming benefit
Jobcentres are there to help you if; you lose your job, too ill or disabled to work at this time, caring for young children or a loved one who is very ill. Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance are still available to those who qualify but most will apply for Universal Credit.

Benefits do not pay much. However, Universal Credit offers potential entitlement to other support such as help towards Council Tax, your rent, some dental costs etc. Much of the support offered by the UK and Scottish governments is conditional to you being in receipt of benefit, especially Universal Credit.

Jobcentres will help you back to work by introducing you to organisations that may support you. They offer some funding for training, but it is very limited in scope and amount. Jobcentre work coaches will always be looking to move you into work regardless of the income you may be expecting. This is UK Government policy.

Skills Development Scotland
The Scottish Government has responsibility for education, training and employment in Scotland. This is currently delivered by devolving some responsibility to local councils, and by contracting charities and private organisations. For advice on training, employment and long-term career goals, Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is their primary organisation. They have professionally trained careers advisers who can support you, regardless of your age or employment status. They are also responsible for PACE which supports redundancies. You can contact SDS for more information.

Local government
Councils in Scotland are responsible for administering much of the employment support on behalf of the Scottish Government. In Glasgow this is provided by Jobs and Business Glasgow among others. Check with your local council to see how they offer practical support.     

Useful Websites

Money Worries & applying for benefits
Money Advice Service                  www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Citizens Advice Scotland              www.cas.org.uk
Money Matters (Glasgow)             www.moneymattersweb.co.uk
ALISS: Connecting Communities  www.aliss.org
UK Government                            www.gov.uk
Scottish Government                    www.gov.scot
Glasgow City Council                    www.glasgow.gov.uk

Employment, Training and Education & becoming self employed
Skills Development Scotland        www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Jobs and Business Glasgow        www.jbg.org.uk
Business Gateway                        www.bgateway.com