Ripa’s story
Ripa is a Candidate Administrator for Workplace, an initiative run by London Borough of Newham, which gives local residents employment advice and guidance. Here she tells us her story of getting into work.
"I’d been a full time mum and had never worked in a paid job before. I began to think about going back to work when my three children were at school full time. I was claiming Income Support and some other benefits, but was not sure how much better off I could be in work.
"I joined the Mayor’s Employment Project in Newham. My long term goal is to become a social worker, so I applied to volunteer at a local HIV Advocacy Project. My workcoach gave me support with the application form, and I successfully began volunteering to increase my experience.
"I had not been aware of in-work benefits. My adviser gave me a step-by-step breakdown of how much my new income and outgoing expense might be. Based on this calculation I was able to see that I would definitely be better off in work.
"I then applied for a job with Workplace and got it. Now after rent and everything, I’m about £500 a month better off – a big amount. I have treated the children to outings and bought a new car.
"I got full Housing Benefit for the first 4 weeks and still get an element of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. I also get Child Benefit, and Child Tax Credit which covers 80 per cent of my childcare costs.
"My favourite thing about this job is that I can offer advice to other people. I can relate to their situation as I’ve experienced it myself. I like getting the message to other parents that it is possible to juggle caring for your family and having a rewarding job."
