4/17/2020 Topic: Checking on eveyone Bryony Dolby

Hi Erin, Writing from the UK where the whole country is on lockdown, with a further three weeks announced yesterday (we expect this could be longer, but will await further government guidance mid May). Programmes Hft (supported employment provider) are involved in are trying to maintain engagement with current interns remotely via a variety of different methods and technologies. Different strategies are being used depending on tech available to partner organisations and to our interns. We are keen to support interns to keep developing as much as they can during this time, so that when the country reopens they are ready to get stuck in! It is definitely a strange time, but it has been great to see continued enthusiasm from interns. We have had a couple of employment successes, which we are delighted about. And those gradates who are employed from previous years are working within essential roles, and taking leave when the organisation is temporarily closed. Hope everyone is well, and staying safe, Bryony

7/17/2020 Topic: Access to Work in the UK Bryony Dolby

Hi, Thanks for starting this thread Lily. Our biggest challenge lately has been around waiting for many months to receive agreement letters. This has been followed up by both Supported Employment provider and Education partner. What has helped is lodging a complaint, this has led to a resolution for some of these situations, but not all as yet. With delayed agreement letters Access to Work have confirmed that we will need to include an accompanying letter to ensure that these are processed in case they miss the deadline. We are also eagerly awaiting the guidance from the DWP around claiming during lockdown and with guidance into the new academic year. Many thanks, Bryony

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