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Your working life

Work is a big part of our lives, if you’re facing challenges or changes we can help you

Work life is changing

For many of us, the days of a job for life are now a thing of the past and recruitment is often done through social media channels such as Linkedin and automated shortlisting programmes. Our aim is to provide you with the resources to navigate this new landscape. We want our community to feel happy and supported at work and more in control of their work life.

Facing change at work

Unfortunately, sometimes the work landscape changes and we find ourselves facing redundancy or feeling unhappy at work. Workplace bullying is now a major concern with ACAS reporting that more than 50% of people have experienced bullying in the workplace. This takes a huge toll on mental health and wellbeing.

Maybe you’ve taken a career break because of ill health, parental leave or caring responsibilities - and now ready to return to the workplace.

How we can help

Whatever stage of your working life you're in, if you or your partner have ever been a member of The IET, have savings of less than £16,000 and have been out of work for at least 6 months, we fund programmes designed to give you the skills and the confidence to help you with your next step. Support includes programmes looking at networking and CV writing skills. You can also access time with a dedicated career coach for more in-depth advice. 

If the break in work is making it difficult for you to make ends meet and you have savings of less than £16,000, we have grants available to help bridge the gap.

Follow the links below for more details of what we can offer or get in touch with us.

redundancy

Support information available to you

Work life

  • Unemployed for at least 6 months
  • Returning to work following a longer break
Visit work life support

Financial support

  • Money management
  • Developing coping mechanisms
  • Support with the unexpected
Visit financial support

Debt and benefit advice

  • Not sure if you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to
  • Need help understanding your rights
  • Feeling overwhelmed by debt
Visit debt and benefit support

Your stories

michaels mental health story
I'd let my mental health define me. But now I’m in control of it - it’s not in control of me. If I hadn’t got in touch with Foothold I wouldn’t be in this position. I really do appreciate everything. View story
A graphic featuring a photo of blog author Andy Thornton along with his name and title (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist)

The power of conversation

Andy shares why a simple conversation can be so powerful – and how really listening is so important

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Michael Hargreaves, author of How Foothold’s new Engineering Neurodiverse Futures programme can support you to achieve your career goals

How our neurodiversity support is helping neurodiverse engineers to live well and thrive

Our Communications Officer Michael explores how our neurodiversity support is making a difference to the wellbeing of neurodiverse community members.

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A graphic featuring a photo of blog author Andy Thornton along with his name and title (cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist)

Understanding empathy: how to be kinder to others

In Part 2 his 2-part blog series on empathy, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapist Andy Thornton explores how you can be kinder to others.

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