Programme centres

Programme Centres provide a range of help, support and advice on searching for a job and getting training. They also offer practical help to get you a job. This could include helping you to:

• develop a CV
• prepare for an interview
• apply for jobs, and
• get access to free stamps, newspapers and stationery.

Self-employment

Becoming self-employed may allow you to make a living doing something you’ve always wanted to do. If you are successful, you will be able to develop the skills you want and need. And you will get a real sense of achievement, and maybe become an employer yourself.

Work based learning for adults

Work Based Learning for Adults (WBLA) can help you improve your chances of finding and keeping a job in all sorts of different ways. They can help you to:

• update your skills or gain new ones
• gain valuable qualifications
• increase the range of jobs you can apply for, and
• show potential employers how committed you are.

Basic skills training

Basic skills training can help you if you need to improve your reading, writing or maths skills, or if English is not your first language.

New Deal

New Deal aims to give you the best possible chance of finding the job you want. With the help of local businesses, New Deal gives you the support, training, education and work experience you need to find lasting, worthwhile employment.  You will have a New Deal Personal Adviser to give you advice and guidance.

New Deal is for you if you:

• are between 18 and 24 and have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for over six months
• are 25 or over and have been claiming JSA for 18 out of the last 21 months
• are 50 or over and have been out of work for six months or more
• are a lone parent
• have a disability or
• are the partner of someone who has been claiming a working age Jobcentre Plus benefit on your behalf for six months or more.

Tax credits

Tax credits are designed to make work pay.  There are two types of tax credit – Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.  You may be entitled to one or both of the tax credits, which are paid by the Inland Revenue.  For more details, ring the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900. If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech difficulties, call the textphone on 0845 300 3909.

Lines are open between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week.