Pictured above: Martyn Doble
A Disabled man from Shropshire has been helped back into full
time work thanks to a Department for Work and pensions backed
scheme.
Martyn Doble, age 47 from Newport had been on incapacity benefit
since August 2007, after a brain injury left him easily fatigued
with severe memory loss and concentration difficulties.
Determined to find employment and overcome the barriers that he
had experienced as a result of his health condition, Martyn joined
the Pathways to Work programme at County Training, Shropshire's
largest training provider and part of Shropshire Council. Pathways
to Work is a Government funded programme which provides help and
support for people on health related benefits to get back to
work.
From County Training's learning centre in Telford, Martyn
received help to formulate a CV, source and complete IT training
and engage with local employers in the hope of finding work.
In May last year, thanks to the successful relationship between
County Training and Asda, Martyn successfully secured part-time
work as a Check-out Colleague at Asda in Donnington Wood,Telford.
His role included duties such as dealing with the public, handling
monies and price checking. This April having grown in confidence
and feeling able to increase his hours, Martyn started working a 35
hour full time week at Asda and came off benefits completely. To
assist his transition from benefits to paid work, Couny Training
also provided him wih a small financial incentive.
Martyns line manager Sara Meggitt commented "Asda works closely
with the likes of Remploy, Job Centre Plus and Local Councils to
get the long term unemployed back into work. Since starting with us
a year ago, Martyn is thrilled to be off benefits and working full
time. His confidence has really increased and he deals with his
health condition well and we support him where we can. The
assistance County Training have provided has been invaluable and
having a job has made a really positive impact on Martyn's
life".
Councillor Steve Charmley, Portfolio Holder for Culture &
Leisure says
"If you find yourself out of a job or if you've had a break from
working, County Training understand that finding employment can be
daunting. They have a range of programmes offering practical help,
training and support to assist individuals in to work".
County Training delivers Pathways to Work in Shropshire on
behalf of Remploy, the UK's leading provider of employment services
to people experiencing complex barriers to work, if you are
interested in finding out more about Pathways to Work contact
County Training: 01743 255191