People with schizophrenia can have a range of problems with working full time - such as fatigue, poor concentration or distracting symptoms and although it may help people work, antipsychotic medication can be sedating. If people have never worked, or have little education, they will need training before approaching the labour market or further education and when in work, holding a job long term can be difficult with a severe, chronic illness with fluctuating symptoms. Discrimination in the labour market and in organisations against people with psychiatric histories is common. People may be from ethnic minority groups, or have committed offences - both linked to unemployment.
Work is of value to people.
They all provide work, employment, training or education on a variety of terms depending on the region or country. Even a little work helps people recover self-esteem and confidence after a psychotic episode, but it must be productive, dignified and paid. Genuine involvement by people using projects in running and developing services tends to be encouraged, and user satisfaction high. Many people will move on into jobs or further education, or simply by attending regular part time work, so be reintegrated into the social life of the project. Local libraries, the local authority, Disability Employment Advisers at the Job Centre and day or community centres may be sources of information.