Finding work during the pandemic

Binnur struggled with a loss of confidence after being out of work. With support from Clarion Futures, she secured a role at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Tailored employment support

As the world adapted to the new ‘normal’, we adapted our services to ensure we were able to continue supporting our residents, with employment advice and guidance provided over the phone or online rather than face-to face.

One of the people we supported into work is Binnur, 61, who had experienced a loss of confidence after being out of work for several years due to ill health. Having been a Clarion resident for several years, she contacted us for help having struggled to find work alone. Binnur received tailored support, with a dedicated employment adviser providing advice and guidance to improve her digital skills, update her CV and prepare for interviews, as well as putting her forward for jobs that matched her skillset.

This led to her securing a temporary role at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) processing benefit applications at the height of the pandemic when there was a high volume of new Universal Credit claims.

Thanks to ongoing support from her employment adviser, she has since been promoted into a permanent role helping other people find work.

“The support has been life-changing”

Binnur said: “The support I’ve received from Clarion Futures has been life-changing. They helped me not only improve my skills and update my CV, but rebuild my confidence and thanks to them, I’ve secured a permanent job with the DWP as a work coach.

“It’s amazing to know that I’ll now be able to pass on the advice and guidance I’ve received to help other people like me find work.”