Mainstream Employment Programme - Questions and answers

What is the Mainstream Employment Programme?

Mainstream places people with disabilities in State sector organisations for two-year job placements. It is a Ministry of Social Development programme, administered by Work and Income.

How do Mainstream placements work?

A job is created by a State sector employer for a two-year period and the Mainstream participant is trained on the job.

• Mainstream placements must be created - existing vacancies cannot be used as Mainstream positions.
• Placements of less than two years' duration are not acceptable. Research shows that a two-year period is needed to enable the participant to become fully competent to compete on the open job market.

How much does Mainstream cover?

A 100% salary subsidy for year one and 80% for year two. Training funding is also available in each year of the placement.

Who pays Mainstream participants?

The employer pays the participant's salary. Work and Income then reimburses State sector employers 100% in the first year and 80% in the second year. Payment of the subsidy is made on receipt of claim forms.

Who sets up placements?

Placements can be set up by a placement specialist from a disability employment agency, or by a Work and Income frontline staff member.

Candidates for the Mainstream Employment Programme should not approach State sector organisations themselves. It works best if someone skilled in setting up placements does this.

Does a job have to be guaranteed after the two years of the programme?

No, but the Mainstream participant should be encouraged and assisted to apply for advertised positions within the organisation.

What if the job doesn't last the two years?

If the employer decides that the position is no longer required and for that reason terminates the employment before the two-year placement has concluded, a lump sum is payable to the employee.

What if the worker proves unsuitable?

People placed into employment through the Mainstream Employment Programme are not employed on merit. They are not ‘job ready' in the conventional sense. It is expected that they will require some training and support to perform their duties.

However, if any disciplinary issues arise they should be dealt with in line with the organisation's usual HR practices.

Does Mainstream provide ongoing support throughout the placement?

Yes, each participant and supervisor pair is assigned a Work and Income contact person. The contact person monitors and supports each placement. The placement specialist originally involved in setting up the position also provides support and regular monitoring.

What is the rate of pay for the participant?

The same rate as anyone performing similar duties.

What hours do people work on the programme?

Anything from a minimum of five hours per week up to full-time. Many people begin their Mainstream placement on a small number of hours and build this up over several months.

What type of work do Mainstream participants do?

Anything from basic clerical duties to information technology, tutoring at tertiary level to customer service, and everything in between. This depends on the employer's needs and the participant's skills and interests.

What help will existing staff get to understand the needs of the Mainstream participant?

Work and Income holds induction workshops for those directly involved with the supervision of Mainstream participants.

Does Mainstream meet the cost of adaptive equipment?

Yes, Work and Income, through the Mainstream Employment Programme, will meet some of these costs.  Click here to find out about Cost of Disability (CODE) funding.

Who should State sector employers talk to about getting a Mainstream worker?

Contact a placement specialist from a local supported employment agency for people with disabilities. Click on this link to the ASENZ website for a list of agencies. Alternatively, contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 and we will put you in touch with someone in your area.

How can I get more information?

Contact Work and Income on 0800 559 009 and ask to speak someone in your area who knows about the Mainstream Employment Programme.

What is a State sector organisation?

Public service departments; such as the Department of Conservation and IRD; and most Crown entities, like hospitals, universities and polytechnics.

Are all people with disabilities eligible for Mainstream placements?

No, eligibility is assessed by Work and Income and a placement specialist needs to seek confirmation of their client's eligibility from their Work and Income contact person. 

Basic criteria are:

• The candidate must experience a significant disability that limits their employment options.
• If in paid employment, they must have been working less than 15 hours per week during the last 6 months.

Who should people with disabilities talk to about applying for Mainstream eligibility?

A supported employment agency in their local area.

Will a participant's disability be disclosed to people other than Mainstream Employment Programme staff?

Yes, the Mainstream Disclosure Consent form gives permission for supervisors and managers to have access to disability-related information.

Can participants have more than one placement?

This depends on the particular circumstances. Generally at least five years must elapse before re-applying for Mainstream.

Who should be advised if any changes are made to the work or working conditions?

The Work and Income contact person should be notified promptly of any changes in pay, supervisor or working conditions - preferably before they take effect.

Does the Programme help with training costs?

Yes, Work and Income, through the Mainstream Employment Programme, may provide up to $4,000 (including GST) during the placement to help with the participant's external, employment-related training. The direct supervisor may be given up to $3,000 (including GST) for performance-management or disability-equity training.

Who is the best person to approach within State sector organisations?

Human Resource Managers are responsible for hiring staff within these organisations and placement specialists should approach them if possible in the first instance. Team leaders may be approached but be sure the Human Resource Manager for the organisation is advised of any negotiations for Mainstream placements.