Ann Cossar

A Coatbridge woman is back in work after nearly two decades of unemployment thanks to help from North Lanarkshire’s Working.

Ann Cossar spent 18 years on Income Support while she raised her four children, now aged between nine and 16. Shortly after having her youngest child, she made the decision to go back into employment, but found it much harder than she expected to get a job.

Ann, 38, said: “I was really keen to get back to work, but I found it really difficult to even make it to the interview stage for most of the jobs I was applying for.

“When I was in my teens and early twenties, I worked in a number of retail jobs and spent two years working with disabled children, but it seemed like my work experience was too far in the past for most employers to take my applications seriously.

“Getting knocked back so often really dented my confidence. I really felt like I might never be able to work again.”

She turned for help to Routes to Work, a North Lanarkshire’s Working partner organisation, who provided her with a wide range of help and support.

Ann said: “Routes to Work were really fantastic. They helped me put together a professional-looking CV, found interviews for me, and gave me support with childcare and benefits issues.

“I don’t think I’d have been able to cope without the help they gave me. Sometimes I just felt like giving up altogether, but they pushed me to keep going and thanks to them I found a job.”

Ann is now employed on a full-time basis and is enjoying the new challenge.

She adds: “It’s great to be back in work again after so long and it’s been a huge boost to my self-confidence. I’ve made some good friends with the other staff and I really like working with the public. I’m keen to keep working hard and hopefully work my way up to a supervisory position.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the help I received, and I’d advise anyone else who is struggling to find work not to give up hope. There’s something suitable out there for you, and North Lanarkshire’s Working and Routes to Work can help you find it.”

Ann Cossar

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