Information for Employees (COVID-19)
There is support and information available to help you understand what benefits you can claim, find a new job, and provide you with useful sources of information.
What benefits can I get and how do I claim?
Universal Credit is a payment for people over 18 but under State Pension age who are on a low income or out of work. It includes support for the cost of housing, children and childcare. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/universal-credit
Universal Credit Helpline
Freephone: 0800 012 1331
Textphone 0800 012 1441
Contribution Based Benefits
If you have worked and paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually within the last 2 years, you may be able to claim a contribution-based benefit.
New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/jobseekers-allowance
Jobseeker’s Allowance Freephone: 0800 022 4250
New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/employment-and-support-allowance
Employment & Support Allowance Freephone: 0800 085 6318
NHS Dentist near me https://www.dentistnearme.uk
Make the Call
To make sure you're getting all the benefits, services and support you're entitled to, contact the Make the Call Benefit Advice Line or visit their website.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/unclaimed-benefits
Make the Call Benefit Advice Helpline Freephone: 0800 232 1271
For more information please visit: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19- and-benefits
Where can I find help to get another job?
Job Centre Online (NI) Use the free job search tools online at www.jobcentreonline.com to create and manage your own account as well as tailoring your job search preferences to suit the jobs you are looking for. You can also create a profile, upload your CV and receive email alerts to new jobs notified to the Department.
Twitter and Facebook
Keep up to date on local jobs news and Department for Communities services via Twitter or Facebook.
Twitter: @communitiesNI
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JobsBenefitsNI
Other places to look for jobs
Company websites and social media feeds – many employers do not advertise their vacancies but have a vacancies section on their website where you may be able to apply online
- newspapers and trade journals – find out what day your local newspaper advertises jobs
- word of mouth – speak to your family and friends to ask if they know of any vacancies
- social media – look on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin and like or follow employers you may like to work for
- recruitment agencies – some agencies specialise in certain types of work. Look online for your local ones
Other Useful Information
Department for Communities
For up-to-date information from Department for Communities please visit: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/covid-19-service-updates
Finance Support Service
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/cont acts-az/finance-support-service-timescrisis-and-need
Redundancy
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/informationand-services/redundancy-and-leavingyour-job/redundancy
https://www.lra.org.uk/coronavirus-adviceemployers-and-employees
Furloughed Workers
Furloughed workers are kept on employer’s payroll, rather than being laid off due to COVID-19 through the Conrovirus Job Retention Scheme.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-ifyou-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirusjob-retention-scheme
Tax Credits
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisati ons/hm-revenue-customs/contact/taxcredits-enquiries
Helpline: 0345 300 3900
HM Revenue & Customs
Careers Service
Careers Service ask that all clients access services via email or webchat
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/cont acts-az/careers-service
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/careers-online-support
Helpful job search websites
Information for Employers (COVID-19)
The information below will signpost you to up-to date information for employers during COVID-19.
NI Business Info
Free service offered by Invest Northern Ireland, is the official online channel for business advice and guidance in Northern Ireland.
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/redundancy-options
Department for Communities
For up-to-date information from Department for Communities visit:
https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/covid-19-service-updates
HM Revenue & Customs
Labour Relations Agency (LRA)
LRA provide an impartial and confidential employment relations service to those engaged in industry, commerce and the public services.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce is committed to customer service and the commercial success of members.
http://www.northernirelandchamber.com/coronavirus-support-hub/
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Offers members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise and support