The job market is difficult right now. This is why many Deaf people are choosing to upskill before September
- Deaf Umbrella
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
A lot of people across the UK are feeling uncertain about work right now.
Jobs are more competitive.
Employers are receiving hundreds of applications.
Some industries are slowing down.
And many people are worried about job security, even if they are already employed.
For Deaf people, those worries can feel even heavier because access barriers still exist in education, recruitment, interviews, workplaces, and training opportunities.
And when the job market becomes harder, having the same skills you had five years ago is often no longer enough.
That’s why many people are making the decision to upskill.
The people who continue learning are often the people who create more opportunities for themselves later.
For many Deaf people, September is not just “back to school.” It can also be:
a chance to retrain
an opportunity to gain qualifications
a way to improve confidence
a step towards a different career
a chance to build a stronger CV
a route back into employment
There is nothing wrong with going back into education as an adult.
More people are doing online courses, college courses, and professional training than ever before, especially while the employment market feels uncertain.
Upskilling does not always mean completely changing your life overnight.
Sometimes it simply means improving your chances little by little.
“What if I don’t get proper support?”
Unfortunately, some Deaf people avoid courses, jobs, or interviews completely because they assume communication barriers will make things too difficult.
But support exists. And you should not have to struggle through education or employment alone.
For Deaf students starting college this September, Communication Support Workers (CSWs) can help provide access throughout the academic year.
That support can include:
communication support in lessons
note-taking support
helping access information during classes and discussions
support during placements or practical sessions
support during assessments and exams
Having proper support can completely change someone’s experience of education.
It can mean the difference between constantly trying to “keep up” and actually being able to focus on learning.
Interviews can feel stressful enough already
Job interviews are difficult for most people.
For Deaf BSL users, it can feel even more overwhelming.
Sometimes, communication support is not arranged properly.
Sometimes employers do not understand Deaf access needs.
Sometimes people simply avoid applying because they feel anxious about the process.
But again, support exists here too.
Deaf people can request communication support for interviews, and Access to Work can later help provide workplace support once employment begins.
This can include:
BSL interpreters
Communication Support Workers
equipment and technology
workplace adjustments
support during meetings and training
The goal is simple: to remove barriers so Deaf people can work, communicate, and progress properly.
Why many Deaf people are applying for Access to Work now
A lot of Deaf people still do not realise they may be eligible for support through Access to Work. Others know about it, but feel overwhelmed by the process: The paperwork, phone calls, uncertainty, and waiting times can sometimes put people off applying altogether.
But Access to Work can make a huge difference to long-term job security and confidence at work. Especially in a difficult employment market.
When communication is more accessible, it becomes easier to participate in meetings, understand training, communicate with colleagues, build confidence, and stay in employment long term.
How Deaf Umbrella supports Deaf people across London and the South East
At Deaf Umbrella Ltd, we support Deaf BSL users across London and the South East, including Kent, with both education and workplace support.
➝ For people returning to college in September, we can provide Communication Support Workers throughout the academic year to help improve access and support learning.
➝ For Deaf people looking for work, we can also support with:
employment support
interview communication support
Access to Work applications
workplace support after employment begins
We understand that taking the next step into education or employment can feel stressful, especially when confidence is low or the job market feels uncertain.
But upskilling, retraining, or asking for support is not a weakness. In many cases, it is the smartest thing you can do for your future.
If you are thinking about college, training, or employment support before September, now is the right time to start those conversations.
You can contact us now.
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