REGISTERING FOR WORK

• Shortly before your sixteenth birthday you should get your National Insurance number card through the post. If it hasn't come, or if there are mistakes on it, e.g. the wrong name, tell your Benefits Agency Office.
• Although you may not start full time work until your school leaving date, you can look for a job before you leave school. If you want to do this, let your Connexions Personal Adviser know as they will be able to help you. If you don't have a job and need help, you must register for work as soon as you leave school. This is especially important if you or the people caring for you need to claim benefits.
• Go to your local Connexions centre and say you want to register for the Connexions vacancy service. Ask about vacancies, training courses and about claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Bridging Allowance or Income Support (IS).
• Even if you are waiting to start a job, you should still register with Connexions in the meantime - they can help you with looking for work, applying for jobs, producing a CV (curriculum vitae) etc. - as you might get temporary work or income support until you start.

If you have a temporary job, you can still register for work and be considered for permanent jobs. If you are under 18 and unemployed, you may not be entitled to the same benefits as other people; however, there are exceptions to this rule - for more information, contact your local Connexions centre or have a look at the Benefits chapter.

Equal Rights

• Most jobs and employment training must be open to both sexes, disabled people and people of any race. If a job appeals to you, go for it.
• It is illegal for an employer to pay you less because of your race or sex. It is not, however, illegal for them to pay you less because of your age.
• On some job adverts you'll come across the -??Two Ticks' symbol. This gives employers a simple way of showing disabled people that they are welcome to apply for vacancies.

If you think you have not been given a fair chance because of your sex, race or disability, tell Connexions, Job Centre/Job Centre Plus, Citizens' Advice Bureau or other information centre staff.