For Tom Farrey finding work that would suit his circumstances didn’t seem possible, but after meeting DET Adviser Martina Blake, Tom landed the perfect job.
Tom from Burnopfield is committed to being a carer for his Mother so he wasn’t looking for a regular 9-5 job and at the age of 55 had considered retiring through Incapacity Benefit which he had been claiming for Angina. After recently failing a medical though Tom’s entitlement changed to Job Seekers Allowance, a benefit that requires someone to actively seek work. Tom said “I was struggling with forms until a friend of mine recommended DET, he gave me their Newsletter and I contacted Martina straight away for advice” He added “ Martina helped me understand my options and unravelled the benefits system so I could consider my options”
Tom had always had a strong work ethic with a 31 year career history which started in farming, and ended in redundancy with a local courier company. He found himself looking for work but needed the help and support of Martina to secure his most recent job as a Driver for Plawsworth Foods, Chester le Street.
“I love the job because I get out of the house yet I still have the time to look after my mother” he added “My employer was really good and worked out hours that were good for me, there’s no undue pressure and there’s a real element of trust”
Mr Burns, Managing Director of Plawsworth Foods said “Tom’s very reliable; he’s really good at his job and extremely conscientious”
Tom, a season ticket holder for Sunderland said that he’ll use the extra money to become a fulltime supporter when he retires!