Returning to work – Shabana’s story

Shabana previously worked in a restaurant but stopped working after the birth of her youngest child in 2019.

Shabana joined the Restart Scheme for support with finding a job that fit around her family’s routine. Her Employment Adviser, Shelagh, helped her to explore government-funded childcare options as well as completing a Better Off Calculation, which showed Shabana how much better off she would be financially if she started working.

Shelagh told us:

“Shabana attended every appointment and was very keen to attend courses or information sessions that would help her back into work. Initially, Shabana’s concerns were around finding a suitable job to fit around childcare.”

After exploring several job sectors, Shelagh and Shabana were able to narrow down roles that would be a great fit for Shabana’s skills, experience, and requirements around childcare & flexibility. The team’s Recruitment Manager then sourced a local Warehouse Operative role that sounded ideal, and they supported Shabana to apply.

A few days later Shabana was invited to an online interview with the employer. Shelagh held a mock interview to allow Shabana to practice answering interview questions and get her feeling confident and positive. As Shabana didn’t have a device to access to the interview at home, Shelagh booked a private room at the office and supplied a laptop so that she could complete the interview.

A few days later Shabana was delighted to be offered a full-time position with the warehouse. The Restart Scheme supported with travel expenses for her first few weeks, until she received her first month’s wage. Shabana has continued her in-work support calls and is thoroughly enjoying her new job.

“We all wish Shabana the best of luck for the future!”