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Job Introduction Scheme to be replaced by Work Choice

From October 2010, WORKSTEP, Work Preparation and the Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) will be replaced by Work Choice.

If you want to know more about Work Choice, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office.

If you are already on Work Preparation or the Job Introduction Scheme, your Jobcentre Plus Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) will be able to talk to you about Work Choice.

• Work Choice - supporting disabled people in employment

• How to contact Jobcentre Plus (employment section)

Eligibility for the Job Introduction Scheme

To qualify under the Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) rules, the job can be full or part-time, but must be expected to last for at least six months, including the JIS period.

The scheme cannot be used for jobs in government departments or agencies, or for jobs that attract the £1,000 Recruitment Subsidy.

Neither can it be used for Permitted Work Lower Limit jobs, Workstep or a New Deal job for which a New Deal subsidy is being paid, although people on the New Deal for Disabled People programme can use JIS.

It cannot be used by people taking part in Work Based Learning for Young People in England, Training for Work and Skillseekers in Scotland, or Skill Build in Wales. It cannot be accessed within provider-led Pathways to Work Districts by Pathways customers.

The grant and how it is paid

JIS pays a weekly grant to your employer for the first six weeks that you are employed. In exceptional circumstances, and after agreement with your DEA, this may be extended to 13 weeks.

Your employer will pay you the normal rate for the job.

If you are about to start a job and you or your employer have genuine concerns about your ability to manage it because of your disability, contact your Disability Employment Adviser. You can discuss whether JIS would be available in your circumstances.

Your local Jobcentre can give you details of the nearest Disability Employment Adviser.

• Disability Employment Advisers

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