Overcoming barriers to find sustainable employment.

William was referred to Fair Start Scotland by his Jobcentre Plus work coach in July 2022. During his first weeks on Fair Start, William opened up to his Enable Works Employment Coordinator about his barriers and challenges. William confided that he had worked all his adult life but lost his job at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that this was closely followed by the sudden death of his wife.

William was dealing with his grief, unemployment and trying to be the main support to his children. Because William had worked consistently all his life, he had never had a CV and knew that he would be unable to go back into warehouse/production work due to his health barriers.

William’s Employment Coordinator worked with him arranging an appointment with his GP to get the help he needed, then helped him with creating a CV, building his confidence and discussing transferrable skills to use these to apply for jobs that he felt he would be able to sustain.

In June 2023, William - with the support of his Employment Co-ordinator - was able to find employment as a caretaker at Maxim Park, and William feels this is the perfect role for him as it is part time and not as strenuous as jobs he has done previously.

William and his wife had a large friend group that they would share holidays with, but since his wife’s passing, he had been unable to afford to take part as he wasn't working. Now, he is excited to be going on holiday with his friends next month.

“I would not be in the position I am today, working and looking forward to a holiday, without the support of Enable Works. After the worst couple of years of my life, I am able to move on with my life and things are finally moving in a positive direction.”