Adrienne Henderson – Administrator

“Employers should look beyond a person’s disability because quite often they will find someone who could be a real asset.”

In her job as a mortgage adviser, Adrienne Henderson of South Shields was used to reaching her targets. But when she had to give up her job because of ill health, Adrienne had to set herself a new goal, to find a job that she could do in spite of living with a long term health condition.

Adrienne has lived with ME, also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, for about 15 years. At first, the condition affected her energy levels, her mobility and her ability to concentrate. However, Adrienne’s health gradually improved and she enrolled on various college courses because she wanted to keep her mind active and ensure that her skills would be useful to an employer. Her strategy was successful and in 2007, she was recruited by Northern Care Ltd as an administrator.

Employer’s story

Although Adrienne’s work experience within the financial sector did not directly relate to the work of Northern Care Ltd, operations director Ian Dickinson recognised her transferable skills. He says: “I thought that her experience of working in a financial environment where there are lots of complex systems would be useful to us as a company.”

Strong work ethic

Adrienne was one of the several candidates given a work placement at Northern Care Ltd. Ian says that out of all other candidates, she was the best and after her placement finished, she was offered permanent employment with the company.

Ian was aware that Adrienne had been out of work for many years but was also aware of her strengths, which are highly valued at the company. Ian says: “Adrienne is very good at organising our systems. That’s one of her key strengths – her systematic approach to work. But we also value the fact that she has a very strong work ethic.”

Employee's story

“I met an adviser at the Shaw Trust who had health problems himself and was holding down a job. He understood how I felt” says Adrienne. After being out of work for 11 years, Adrienne was desperate to work again. She was referred to the Shaw Trust, an organisation that helps people with health problems or disabilities to find work. She felt encouraged by the support she received from someone who could empathise with her situation.

Adrienne’s self-confidence and self-esteem were affected by being unemployed. “Just going on a placement at Northern Care Ltd was a huge leap for me” says Adrienne. However, being able to work and still retain her benefits under the Department for Work and Pensions ‘permitted work rules’ provided some reassurance. The rules allow people claiming Incapacity Benefit to work up to 16 hours per week and earn up to a fixed amount of money.

Supportive managers

Adrienne still lives with ME although the effects are not as severe as when she was first diagnosed. She admits that she found work a little stressful to begin with but feels very supported by the company. She says: “The managers at the company have been very understanding and encourage me to take time out to rest if I’m not feeling well. They’ve also given me the opportunity to have a flexible working pattern which helps.”

Adrienne has progressed in more ways than one since she started to work for Northern Care Ltd. When she was first employed she worked three days a week for 15 hours. She has now increased her hours and no longer claims incapacity benefits. It may have taken 11 years, but in the end Adrienne reached her target to not only find a job, but to find a job that she enjoys and can do well.

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