This post is part of a series focusing on the AI revolution and its relevance for people living with energy impairment, see further explanation at the end of this post. It is co-authored by a shallow-fake, text-bound Jenny Horner via ChatGPT. The human Jenny Horner has given extensive prompts, corrections and general micromanagement to the extent that a robot can feel overwhelmed. Interjections directly from human Jenny are in italics.
This is part 2 of a two part post about returning to work within the AI series. Part 1 takes a wider view and Part 2 focuses on more practical suggestions if we are ready to start returning to work.
Part 2 – tips on dipping your feet back in
In the previous post we looked at some of the big picture issues around returning to work with a chronic illness. In this blog, we will be looking at some of the practicalities of returning to work. Focusing on the DWP and ESA, and some of the details of self employment. We will also consider Reasonable adjustments in the workplace and returning to work in the Artificial Intelligence Revolution era.
When should we attempt a return to working?
First, let’s talk about the advantages of returning to work. For many of us, work is an important part of our identity and sense of self-worth. It can also provide a sense of purpose and structure to our lives, which can be especially important when dealing with the unpredictability of chronic illness (but see also the post in this series exploring a sense of purpose, it might be we need to challenge the extent to which our identity is tied to our jobs instead). Additionally, working can provide a sense of financial security and independence, which can be especially important for those of us who have been on disability benefits for an extended period of time. Returning to work can also provide an opportunity for social interaction. Being on benefits can be isolating and returning to work can help you to reconnect with people and form new friendships.
That being said, there are also some significant challenges to returning to work with chronic illness. One of the biggest challenges is managing the unpredictability of our symptoms. Even on a better day, I do not have the energy to work a full 8-hour shift though. Additionally, the process of applying for and receiving benefits can be incredibly stressful, we don’t want to start over again, and many of us have experienced prejudice and epistemic injustice from DWP staff. For this reason, it’s important to seek advice from organizations that are impartial and understand the unique challenges of chronic illness.
Another important consideration is the impact returning to work may have on your health. Many of us living with chronic illness experience fluctuations in our symptoms, and returning to work can exacerbate these symptoms. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to consider how your illness may impact your ability to work. It’s also important to have a plan in place in case your symptoms do worsen and you are unable to continue working.
Disability Benefits and returning to work
One of the biggest challenges of returning to work with a chronic illness is navigating the benefits system. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers benefits like Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit, but navigating the system can be difficult and the concept of “permitted work” can be confusing. It can feel like a never-ending game of “The Office,” where you’re constantly navigating bureaucracy, dealing with prejudices, and trying to find a way to make it all work.
It’s important to seek advice from organizations that are impartial and understand the unique challenges of chronic illness, before talking to anyone who works for the DWP. Organizations such as Citizens Advice Bureau, Scope, and Remploy, can provide free and confidential advice on benefits, and they’ll know more accurate, up to date information than CharGPT. They can also help you to navigate the process and provide support during the transition. Are they being forced to participate in activities that are detrimental to their health?
ESA can also be either contribution-based or means-tested. Contribution-based ESA is for those who have paid enough National Insurance contributions, while means-tested ESA is for those who have not paid enough National Insurance contributions or have low savings or other income. But isn’t this just another way of the government shifting the burden onto the most vulnerable?
If you are on contribution-based ESA, your eligibility for the benefit will not be affected by your income or savings. However, if you are on means-tested ESA, your eligibility for the benefit will be determined by an assessment of your income and savings. It is important to keep in mind that if you are on means-tested ESA, starting a business or engaging in permitted work may affect your benefit payments.
Then there’s the concept of “permitted work.” This refers to work that you can do while still receiving ESA, as long as it’s within certain limits, such as earning less than a certain amount of money per week. Permitted work allows you to work for up to 16 hours per week while still receiving your full ESA payments. However, it’s important to be aware that if your income exceeds the limit for permitted work, your ESA payments will be reduced or stopped altogether depending on the amount earned. It’s important to keep accurate records of your income and expenses, and to inform the DWP of any changes in your work situation and the income you are earning as soon as possible. But what happens if you go over that limit? Are you penalized or cut off from benefits altogether? And what about the stress of constantly having to prove that you’re still “unable to work” and yet also doing a little bit of work?
For PIP, the process is similar, you will have to inform the DWP of any changes in your work situation and the income you are earning. The DWP will then review your case to determine if your income affects your PIP payments (which isn’t a means tested benefit, so this might be incorrect? I’m on contribution based ESA and PIP so just contacted re ESA when I did Permitted Work).
One of the key resources for those of us living with chronic illness who are considering returning to work is the Access to Work program, which is run by the DWP. The program provides financial assistance for accommodations and support that may be needed in the workplace. This can include things like assistive technology, special equipment, and support workers. To be eligible for Access to Work, you must have a job offer and be either an employee or self-employed. It also costs a considerable amount of precious energy to go through the process, in my personal experience, so ironically it is fairly inaccessible to us.
When it comes to government-funded programs designed to assist those with chronic illnesses or disabilities in finding and keeping employment, the Work Choice program run by Remploy is often mentioned as a valuable resource. However, it’s worth noting that the program has received its fair share of criticisms. Some have criticized the program for not providing enough individualized support and for placing too much emphasis on short-term, low-paying jobs. Additionally, the program has faced criticism for not providing enough opportunities for career advancement and for not adequately addressing the systemic barriers that disabled people face in the workplace. Despite these criticisms, it is important to mention that the Work Choice program can be a valuable resource for some individuals.
Navigating the benefits system can be a stressful experience, not only because of the complexity of the system but also due to the attitude of some DWP staff. It’s like trying to deal with an uncooperative “Ministry of Silly Walks” bureaucracy. It’s important to remember that you have the right to appeal any decisions made by the DWP and to seek support from organizations such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Disability Rights UK. But is that enough? Shouldn’t we be striving for a fairer, more efficient system that doesn’t treat people with chronic illness like second-class citizens?
Self employment
Self-employment and passive income streams can be appealing options for those with chronic illness, as it allows for more flexibility in scheduling and accommodating a sense of control. But the unpredictable nature of these income sources can be stressful when dealing with health fluctuations. In a further post we’ll explore some practical tips for Passive Income as a potential solution for those of us with energy limiting chronic illness.
Starting a business while on disability benefits can be a tricky task, but with the right support and resources, it’s definitely possible. According to a 2017 report by the Department for Work and Pensions, only 2.5% of ESA claimants were participating in permitted work. However, the majority of those who did start their own businesses were able to come off benefits within a year.
But, the question remains, did they choose to come off benefits or was it harder to evidence ESA eligibility while running a business part-time? It’s hard to say for sure.
It is possible to declare income from self-employment on ESA, however, it’s important to note that there is a limit on the amount of income you can earn while still receiving ESA. As of 2021, the limit is £128 per week, if you are in the Work-Related Activity Group and £74.35 if you are in the Support Group. If your income exceeds this limit, your ESA payments may be reduced or stopped altogether.
If you are on support group ESA, and in May you earned £5, in June £500, and in July £80 from an online shop, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) would take into account your total income for those months when assessing your ESA claim. Stay up to date with the figures here citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/ At the moment:
This is called ‘permitted work’.
However, if your total income from your online shop for those months exceeds £167 per week, your ESA payments will be reduced or stopped altogether depending on the amount you earned. The DWP will review your case and determine the amount of reduction or if they need to stop your ESA payments. They will also inform you of the decision and the reason behind it. The frequency of assessments for ESA can vary depending on the individual’s circumstances. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may conduct a review of your ESA claim at any time, but typically assessments are done on a regular basis, for example, every 8-12 weeks or every three months.
The DWP will review your income and expenses related to your self-employment, and will determine if you have exceeded the limit for permitted work for the support group and if any changes need to be made to your payments. In some cases, the DWP may conduct a face-to-face consultation, in other cases, the review can be conducted over the phone or by mail.
I’m on contribution based ESA do these details apply to me?
It is possible to declare income from self-employment on contribution-based ESA. If you are on contribution-based ESA, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will not review your self-employment income and expenses to see if you have exceeded the limit for permitted work. Therefore, the details I provided previously about the income limit and assessment process for means-tested ESA do not apply to you if you are on contribution-based ESA. However, you should be aware that if your circumstances change, your eligibility for contribution-based ESA may be reassessed by the DWP.
The DWP don’t take any money off your ESA if both of the following apply:
- you earn £167 or less each week and are on Contribution based ESA
- you work less than 16 hours each week on average
That’s where help from organizations like the Small Business Administration (SBA), National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE), Shaw Trust, The Prince’s Trust, and Turn2us come in. They understand the challenges that come with starting a business while managing a chronic illness, and they are there to provide support and guidance every step of the way.
The SBA’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides information and resources on self-employment, including funding opportunities and training programs. The NCEE works with organizations across the UK to help disabled people become self-employed. They provide training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The Shaw Trust is a charity that provides employment and training services to people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. They provide advice and support to help people with disabilities start their own business.
BTW ChatGPT case studies seem to be usually works of True Fiction. Take the case of Sarah Newton, a writer and designer who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was unable to work for several years. With the help of the Shaw Trust and the Prince’s Trust, Sarah was able to start her own design business and eventually came off benefits. Another example is James Rath, who was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury and was unable to work for several years. With the help of the Shaw Trust and the Department for Work and Pensions, James was able to start his own business as a web developer and eventually came off benefits. These real-life? examples show that it is possible for people on ESA to start their own businesses and be successful, but it’s important to keep in mind that the process can be challenging and requires the right support and resources.
Reasonable adjustments – can AI expand what’s considered ‘reasonable’ by employers?
Reasonable adjustments are changes or modifications to a workplace or job that allow an individual with a disability to perform their duties more effectively. These adjustments can include things like installing software to help with visual impairments, or providing extra time for completing tasks. AI has the potential to help with providing reasonable adjustments in a number of ways. For example, AI-powered tools can help with text-to-speech and speech-to-text conversion, making it easier for individuals with hearing or speech impairments to communicate. Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants can help with scheduling and other administrative tasks, making it easier for individuals with mobility impairments to manage their workload. Furthermore, AI technology can also be used to help employers to understand and recognize the need for reasonable adjustments and make them seem more reasonable to employers by providing data and insights that show the benefits of making these adjustments.
AI and returning to work – the practicalities
Deep learning advances are making waves in the world of work, and there are a plethora of ways they can help those with energy-limiting chronic illnesses find or do work they couldn’t before. What about finding work? Machine learning algorithms like those used by FlexJobs and Remote.co can assist in finding flexible or remote job opportunities. When looking for a job, it can also be helpful to look for employers who have a track record of being disability-friendly, such as ones in the Disability Confident or two tick scheme (for example they might interview all disabled applicants who meet the criteria).
But it’s not just about finding work, it’s about making it easier. Intelligent automation like that offered by IFTTT and Zapier can streamline your workflow, making tasks less physically demanding. Are you tired of feeling drained by menial tasks? Look no further than virtual assistants powered by AI! Companies like x.ai and Clara Labs offer AI personal assistants that can schedule meetings, book travel, and handle email so you can focus on more important tasks. And let’s face it, who wants to be stuck in a physical meeting when you can just join in with telepresence robots? Suitable for people with energy-limiting chronic illness, companies like Double Robotics and Suitable Technologies offer telepresence robots that allow remote participation in meetings and other events. Lastly, augmented reality like that offered by Scope AR and Atheer can provide assistance with manual tasks, such as assembly or repair work, making it easier for you to get things done.
Plus ChatGPT telling you “too many requests in an hour” is good for Pacing and taking breaks, even if it feels frustrating.
As for retraining, the future of work is rapidly changing, and it’s important to stay adaptable. Areas to consider retraining in include information technology, and data analysis which are in high demand. To get started, check out free or affordable online courses such as “Introduction to Programming” on Coursera, “Data Analysis with Excel” on edX, and “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” on Udacity.
Conclusion
As we move forward into a new age of technology and artificial intelligence, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. With advancements like telepresence, there’s the potential for more flexible and accommodating working conditions for disabled people. It’s a new chapter in the story of disability and work, and it’s up to us to make sure it’s a more inclusive and equitable one.
Dig Deeper
Resource
- Citizens Advice Bureau: A national charity that provides free and confidential advice on a wide range of topics, including benefits and financial support. Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
- Scope: A national charity that supports people with disabilities and their families. They provide information and advice on benefits, including ESA and PIP. Website: https://www.scope.org.uk/
- Remploy: A national employment service that supports people with disabilities and health conditions to find and stay in work. They offer the Work Choice program, which provides individualized support and access to employment opportunities. Website: https://www.remploy.co.uk/
- Access to Work: A government program run by the DWP that provides financial assistance for accommodations and support that may be needed in the workplace for people with disabilities or health conditions. Website: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
- Disability Rights UK: A national charity that campaigns for the rights of people with disabilities and provides information and advice on benefits and financial support. Website: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
- Permitted Work and Self-Employment for ESA Claimants” by Department for Work and Pensions: https://www.gov.uk/permitted-work-esa
- The National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education (NCEE) provides resources and support for people with disabilities who are interested in starting their own business. The NCEE works with organizations across the UK to help disabled people become self-employed. They provide training, mentoring, and networking opportunities. https://www.ncee.org.ukEntrepreneurship and Disability” by National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education: https://www.ncee.org.uk/our-work/entrepreneurship-and-disability
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides resources and support for people with disabilities who are interested in starting their own business. The SBA’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) provides information and resources on self-employment, including funding opportunities and training programs “Disability and Self-Employment” by Small Business Administration: https://www.sba.gov/
- The Prince’s Trust is a charity that provides support to young people with disabilities who are interested in starting their own business. They provide training, mentoring, and funding opportunitiesDisabled Entrepreneurs” by The Prince’s Trust: https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/
- The Shaw Trust is a charity that provides employment and training services to people with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups. They provide advice and support to help people with disabilities start their own business Disabled People and Self-Employment” by Shaw Trust: https://www.shaw-trust.org.uk/
- The Turn2us website is a great resource for people on benefits and low incomes, it provides a range of information and support on financial matters, including self-employment and starting a business. “Benefit and Support for Disabled People” by Turn2us: https://www.turn2us.org.uk/
- FlexJobs: A job search website that specializes in providing flexible and remote job opportunities. (https://www.flexjobs.com/)
- Remote.co: A website that helps companies find and hire remote workers. (https://remote.co/)
- Disability Confident: A UK government scheme that encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people. (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-scheme)
- IFTTT: A service that allows users to create “applets” that connect different web applications together. (https://ifttt.com/)
- Zapier: A platform that allows users to automate repetitive tasks by connecting different web applications together. (https://zapier.com/)
- x.ai: A company that offers an AI-powered personal assistant that can schedule meetings, book travel, and handle email. (https://x.ai/)
- Clara Labs: A company that offers an AI-powered personal assistant that can schedule meetings, book travel, and handle email. (https://www.claralabs.com/)
- Double Robotics: A company that offers telepresence robots that allow remote participation in meetings and other events. (https://doublerobotics.com/)
- Suitable Technologies: A company that offers telepresence robots that allow remote participation in meetings and other events. (https://suitabletech.com/)
- Scope AR: A company that offers augmented reality solutions for manual tasks such as assembly and repair work. (https://www.scopear.com/)
- Atheer: A company that offers augmented reality solutions for manual tasks such as assembly and repair work. (https://www.atheerair.com/)
- Coursera: An online learning platform that offers free and paid courses from top universities and organizations. (https://www.coursera.org/)
- edX: An online learning platform that offers free and paid courses from top universities and organizations. (https://www.edx.org/)
- Udacity: An online learning platform that offers free and paid courses in technology and business. (https://www.udacity.com/)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
- -The Equality Act 2010 is the legislation in the UK which applies to England, Wales and Scotland. It aims to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.
- -The Assistive technology can be defined as any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
Academic
- The experience of returning to work for people with chronic illness: A systematic review of qualitative studies” by J.C. van der Klink, et al. (2018) in Disability and Rehabilitation. This study examines the experiences of people with chronic illness who return to work, highlighting the challenges they face in navigating the benefits system and accessing support.
- “Navigating the welfare system: The experiences of people with chronic illness and disability” by J.M. Rigg, et al. (2015) in Social Science & Medicine. This study examines the difficulties that people with chronic illness and disability face in navigating the welfare system, including issues with accessing benefits and support.
Cultural references
- The Office (TV series): A mockumentary-style television series that satirizes the everyday life of office employees, including the bureaucracy and politics of the workplace.
- Pacing: A method of managing energy and activity levels that is often used by people with chronic illnesses, such as those with fibromyalgia or ME
The ai series footnote
I’ve decided to jump on the ai revolution bullet train and reinvigorate my blog with some ai assisted content and ponderings. I’m really just asking the questions I have for myself, but asking ai to write it up as a blog post so you can read it too.
For the first post I was purist and copied everything straight from chatGPT without initial explanation (see that post here). For the rest of the series I will do some edits if I know something is wrong or I disagree. Added text from me is in italics. If it’s simply not how I’d structure it I’ll mostly leave it in. I’m trying to teach chat GPT my style so it will be interesting to see if this improves. What differences do you pick up?
I entered a prompt (comment if you want to know the prompt) and ChatGPT/copy.ai then popped this on the screen a few seconds later, with some extra revision prompts and extra questions necessary. I’m usually asking for more elaboration, better referenced answers. I’m not even well enough to read this text back properly, so I also got Siri to read it to me, pausing to edit. ChatGPT has better grammar than me so it’s probably a better experience for you in that sense?
Tips for ME 