Website of the UK government

Lone parents

If you are a lone parent and worried about your finances, need help with childcare, or you're thinking about work but don't know where to start, there is help and advice available.  The Lone Parents Guide includes information on how to get help with childcare costs and how to choose work to suit your needs.

• A guide for Lone Parents (opens new window)

Disabled people, people with health conditions and carers

If you have a disability, have a health condition, have been seriously injured, or are caring for someone, there is support available to you. There is help and advice if you're unable to work, looking for work or may be looking for work in the future.

Mencap has produced a number of useful guides including 'Making it Work' which offers help to people with a learning disability who may be considering getting a job, and 'Making it Work for Parents and Carers' which can help you if the person you care for has learning disabilities and is looking for a job.

• Disabled people and employment (disabled people section)
• A guide for disabled people, people with health conditions and carers (opens new window)
• Caring for someone and working (caring for someone section)

Leaving school or college

Moving from school, college or university into work can be a big step. Even if you have a firm idea of where you want to be, the best way to get there is not always clear. But there are lots of opportunities and help available, including getting the experience you need and financial help for training.

• A guide for people leaving school and college (opens new window)

Over 50s

If you're out of work, it can take time to find another job, regardless of your age. However, there are specialist programmes, resources and information available to the over 50's to help you find work or learn new skills.

• Looking for work (over 50s section)

Out of work

Whatever your circumstances, if you are looking for a job or wondering how you can increase the chances of getting the work you want, there's advice and support. The Out of Work Guide includes practical help on ways into work and financial support when looking for work.

• A guide for people who are out of work (opens new window)

More useful links

• Benefits and help when looking for work (money, tax and benefits section)
• Jobseekers Allowance (money, tax and benefits section)