A NEW measure to help those on incapacity benefit get back into employment has been introduced in Omagh. 'Pathways to Work' is available to people currently claiming incapacity benefit and provides claimants with individual support to help them manage their condition and seek employment.

Jenny Balmer, manager of the Jobs and Benefits Office in Omagh, explained the new service.

"Pathways to Work is designed to help those on incapacity benefit, who are able to return to work and are interested in doing so," she said. "In our experience, many people who find themselves on incapacity benefit have a genuine desire to get back into some form of work. The Pathways programme enables them to look for work that would suit their abilities and aspirations and provide them with the support they need to get a job."

The Pathways service has specially trained personal advisers to take participants through a series of work-focused interviews, aimed at helping them to understand the issues preventing a return to work.

A package of support measures called "CHOICES" is available to help address these barriers and includes a number of financial incentives.

It also includes innovative condition management programmes, delivered by Health Service personnel, to help clients understand and manage their health condition in a work context.

Taking up any of the support packages on offer is entirely voluntary; however, initial findings from other pilot areas have shown that they provide participants with the help needed to get them into full-time employment, often in occupational areas they have not worked in before. Some participants have also been able to make good their dream of starting their own business.

Jenny concluded, "We would encourage people on incapacity benefits to come forward and volunteer for this service. It is not about forcing people back into work, it is about giving those who would like help, to get back into employment, with the guidance they need and at a pace that suits them."

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the Pathways to Work Programme should contact Omagh Jobs and Benefits Office on 028 8225 4222 or, alternatively, call in and speak with a Pathways Personal Adviser.