‘I was earning £95k before I went on benefits. This is how I got back to work'

Yahoo

23-04-2025

Jamie Walker always prided himself on his work ethic. He had worked his whole adult life, with jobs ranging from a potato factory to a roofing business. It was part of his identity.
He worked hard and became a small business owner, higher-rate taxpayer and family man. He may not fit into your stereotypical image of a benefits claimant.
At one point, Walker was earning close to six figures. But in 2020, Walker's life took a downward spiral, forcing him on to Universal Credit and leaving him extremely 'vulnerable'. Fast forward five years and he says he has finally come 'full circle' – but it hasn't been easy to get back on his feet.
At the age of 17, after completing a scholarship-funded course at drama college, Walker put his confidence and acting skills to good use in ambassadorial roles for drinks giants such as Bacardi and Diageo. He travelled the world, appeared on television and wrote several cocktail books.
Years later, after getting married and having four children, Walker traded in the high-flying lifestyle for a back-of-house role. He worked as a commercial director and head of marketing within the luxury spirits and wine industries, earning £95,000 a year.
Just after he broke away and set up his own business, ready to sell a 'really lovely portfolio of spirits', the Covid pandemic hit, forcing Walker's business – along with the rest of the world – online.
In the space of a couple of years Walker faced a 'tsunami of challenges'; he separated from his wife, his mother passed away and his business profits were eroded by Covid.
'My mental health was taking a good kicking,' he says. 'I developed an alcohol addiction as I tried to drown out the pain.'
In 2021, Walker started experiencing psychosis and hallucinations.
'Even at that time, all I wanted to do was work because I associated being able to provide for my family with who I was. But I was put into hospital on several occasions and it became very clear that I needed not to work,' Walker recalls.
He started getting the support he needed in 2021 and signed on for benefits. This involved agreeing to the terms to receive Universal Credit, which often include attending the job centre and seeking employment.
Universal Credit is a monthly payment for people who are looking for work, unable to work because of illness or disability, or in work on a low income. For single people over the age of 25, the monthly standard allowance is £400.14, but there are variables that mean you might get more or less than this.
In 2023, there were roughly six million people receiving the benefit in the UK, according to data company Statista.
While this state support can provide a lifeline for people suffering with illness – either physical or mental, like Walker – he recalls how 'bleak and austere' life on benefits was.
'I was careful to choose what to eat and when to put the heating or electric on. There was no room for any day-to-day luxuries,' he says.
He remembers receiving £30 supermarket vouchers, which are issued by some councils – but it scarcely covered his needs: 'I was given a care kit with soap, toothbrush and shampoo. I have kept these as mementos. It reminds me of how far I've come.'
At this time, Walker's ex-wife took over all the financial responsibilities for the children – 'this was devastating for my pride,' he admits. He was also fortunate to have an understanding landlord, who delayed the rent due on his one-bed flat in Kent until his benefits were approved
He started going to the job centre but the staff were suggesting roles he wasn't trained for, such as a chartered surveyor.
'I think they were just basing it off the fact that I came in in a suit,' he says.
After being put in touch with the employment charity Shaw Trust and, supported by its Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service, which helps people with mental health needs find work, Walker started to get back on track.
They helped him realise he'd been at his happiest when he was acting and presenting, so encouraged him to get in touch with old contacts.
A spokesman for Shaw Trust said: 'Many people with health conditions want to work but lack support. As an employment charity helping 350,000 people annually, we aim to change this. Our IPS programmes address health and work goals simultaneously, while also saving taxpayer money.
'Reviewing the return on investment of supporting over 19,000 people through our IPS services, we found a return of £2.43 for every £1 spent in the first year, accruing to £9.22 over three years.'
Walker has since featured in a short film produced by Spike Curtis, son of Richard Curtis, as well as a short film with suicide prevention charity Calm.
Now, Walker intermittently receives Universal Credit as he gets more and more work.
Last month, the Government announced that the health element to Universal Credit would be frozen. For new claimants the payment will be halved from £97 a week in 2024 to 2025 to £50 in 2026 to 2027 and then frozen for the following three years.
Charities have criticised the move after it emerged that 250,000 people could fall into poverty by 2029 to 2030.
'I can only imagine what people are going through who are in the position I was three years ago, and to hear that benefits are being cut. The approach needs to be: support them back into work, but support them into the correct work,' says Walker.
In a week's time he'll be three years sober. 'I'm on the upward curve,' he says. 'With the right focus you can turn your situation around by having a sense of purpose and aligning a career with your values and capabilities.'
There are many out there like Walker.
Casey Fuller, 29, has always been desperate to work and has had various roles in care and in warehouses but struggled to stay in one position due to anxiety and depression. 'You want more for yourself and it leaves you feeling deflated,' he says.
At one point, Fuller checked himself into A&E because his suicidal thoughts were so severe.
Two years ago he was at his lowest, but he has come a long way since. After spending time on Universal Credit, Fuller no longer needs to claim the benefit and has been working at Cook, a company which delivers frozen meals, for the past six months.
'I've put a lot of effort into securing and maintaining a job. It's so fulfilling – I haven't taken a day off yet,' says Fuller, who lives in Sittingbourne, Kent.
Fuller works in what is called the 'finishing department', doing heavy lifting, loading the trolleys and monitoring the meals going out to be delivered.
He gets paid weekly, which helps with budgeting for bills and other expenses. He's determined to progress in the company and one day wants to work helping others.
'This is a proud and inspiring moment for me. I'm a hard worker and having this job has given me self-love and self-worth,' he says.
He's also got the financial and mental capacity to enjoy life outside of work with friends and family and is training to become a volunteer to help others.
Fuller's advice to people in similar situations is to just stick at it: 'If you're willing to put the effort in, you will come through it.
'I've got a very strong ethos of working hard, it allows you to enjoy life.'
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.