New £10m Employment Scheme Launches in York and North Yorkshire; Jobseekers Share Experiences

A government funding package totaling £10m has been announced to assist unemployed individuals in York and North Yorkshire in returning to the workforce. This initiative was unveiled concurrently with the government’s Get Britain Working white paper, designating the region as one of eight nationwide locations for a pilot program exploring methods to facilitate re-employment. The York and North Yorkshire project is anticipated to concentrate on enhancing support for those out of work due to health issues, with David Skaith, the area’s elected mayor, stating the funds would be utilized to “test new approaches.” However, what about the individuals most likely to be impacted? People attending the Jobcentre Plus on Monkgate in York have spoken to the BBC regarding the difficulties they encounter and their expectations for the new project’s effectiveness in helping them successfully re-enter employment. Caitlin O’Brien-Lowe, originally from Manchester, was present for her scheduled appointment at the Jobcentre. “I need help getting into work,” the 25-year-old stated. “I have fibromyalgia, which is a chronic pain condition, so I have pain all over my body. “It can make finding work really difficult, so I need help.” Caitlin expressed willingness to “take anything” in terms of employment, though an administrative or office position would be most suitable. “But I’m at the point where I just need a job,” she added. While receiving assistance, Caitlin suggested that the numerous referrals she obtained could have been handled directly at the Jobcentre, potentially simplifying the process. She also mentioned feeling apprehensive about speaking candidly, fearing that a negative decision might be made against her or that staff might doubt her illness. “It can be really intimidating going in – and you do feel judged,” Caitlin further commented. “It can be difficult having to go in and you feel like if you say the wrong thing, you can get your money taken off you.” She expressed hope that the £10m scheme for York and North Yorkshire would contribute to “create a less judgemental environment where people feel more safe to open up.” Michelle, from Acomb in York, arrived at the Jobcentre for a discussion concerning her transition to Universal Credit. She has lived with ME, a chronic fatigue condition, for approximately 27 years, necessitating the use of an electric wheelchair for mobility. “Nobody in that Jobcentre understands what it is or how it affects me,” the 49-year-old remarked. “If they force me to do any level of activity, I could end up bedridden – unable to speak and unable to chew food. “There are a lot of people with my condition who spend decades in bed just staring at a wall. It’s like living like you’re dead.” Michelle indicated that she has been unemployed since 1997, when her condition deteriorated, and has since lived in apprehension of being declared fit and well. “The reason I’m in this power chair is because when I first got the illness, people didn’t believe someone who was 21 could be seriously ill like that and I was forced to over-exert,” she explained. “Since my disability developed, I felt like if I did any level of activity at all, I would be punished: I’d have my wheelchair taken off me, my benefits would be cut, and they would see it as an opportunity to declare me fit for work or say my illness isn’t real.” Michelle concluded by stating that, as a consequence, she has spent her life “just existing.” “It’s like a Department for Work and Pensions prison I’ve been living in because of my beliefs,” she asserted. “I feel like I can’t work with them. I can’t trust them and I can’t be me without something horrible happening.” Geoffrey Horner, a resident of York, attended his Jobcentre appointment seeking assistance with job searching. The 57-year-old mentioned being out of work since his cancer diagnosis but noted he was “getting better all the time.” “They are absolutely nice people,” he said regarding the staff. “I struggle with technology, medications and my memory – and they’ve all helped me very much. I have nothing but respect for them.” Geoffrey expressed his desire to find employment in horticulture, a field he has worked in throughout his life. “But it depends whether my health lets me do that again,” he commented. “It would be full-time, maybe in a garden centre, but not as physical as it used to be.” The government stated that its Get Britain Working white paper aims to expand the British workforce through the “biggest employment reforms in a generation.” York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith described the funding as a “great opportunity.” “We’re incredibly excited and passionate to bring this trailblazer to York and North Yorkshire and help people get healthy and get back to work.” The BBC has reached out to the Department for Work and Pensions for comment.