Employment Services

Day-Mer’s services include assistance with and information about gaining and retaining employment, including assistance in applying for welfare benefits, such as: 

• Employment and Support allowances
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
• Working Tax Credit

These benefits are currently in the process of being replaced by Universal Credit.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 

ESA is available to those with a disability or health condition that affects their ability work. You can be eligible for ESA if you are employed, self-employed or unemployed.

ESA provides:

• Benefits to help with living costs for those unable to work
• Support in returning to work if you are able to

Income Support

Income support is available to those on low income, if they are entitled to Severe Disability Premium, and have been so in the past month 

A permanent address is not required, you are still able to claim if:

• You are homeless or
• Live in a hostel

Working Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit is support available to those who are working but on low income. The amount you are entitled to will depend on the hours you work each week and your total income. You can be eligible whether employed or self-employed.  

Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) 

JSA is available to those looking for work. The amount you are entitled to is dependent on your age and any other benefits to which you may be entitled. 

We at Day-Mer are also passionate advocates for worker’s rights and aim to raise awareness for all working people around their employment rights. We work closely with professional agencies, universities and trade unions to promote equality and diversity in our practice. 

Our work involves advocacy around issues such as:

•    Employment rights and responsibilities
• Pay and the National Minimum Wage
• Work contracts’ terms and conditions
• Working hours, holiday entitlement and sick pay
• Maternity leave and pay
• Equality in the workplace

Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, working people’s safety and wellbeing has been put in jeopardy. Below is a list of schemes available to working people for accessing support during these difficult times.