Get careers information and advice (formerly National Careers Service)
Free careers information and tools from the government.
Online · Phone · England
Work and careers after divorce
After a separation, many people need to earn more, go back to work after time at home or change their hours around children. Free government careers services offer skills assessments, CV tools and advice, and can point you towards training.
9 organisations listed. Listings are for information, not endorsements. Details can change, so check with each organisation.
Work and careers organisations
Working Wales (Careers Wales)
Free careers advice and help getting into work for anyone in Wales aged 16 or over: 0800 028 4844.
Online · Phone · In person · Wales
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
Scotland's careers service website, with help for adults looking for a change.
Online · Scotland
Careers Service Northern Ireland
Free careers guidance in Northern Ireland: 0300 200 7820 or webchat.
Online · Phone · Northern Ireland
GOV.UK: Find a job
Government service to search and apply for full or part-time jobs.
Online · England, Scotland and Wales
Career Returners
Support for people returning to professional work after a career break.
Online · UK
Smart Works
Free interview clothes and coaching for women who are out of work.
In person · Online · England and Scotland
Acas
Free, impartial advice on employment rights, including flexible working: 0300 123 1100.
Online · Phone · England, Scotland and Wales
Labour Relations Agency
Information on employment rights in Northern Ireland.
Online · Northern Ireland
Filter work and careers by where you live, cost and how to get help
When can careers advice help?
Use it when your budget shows a gap between what you need and what you earn, or when you are ready for a change. If you claim Universal Credit, ask your work coach what training and support is available to you.
How much does careers support cost?
The government careers service is free. Some adult courses are free or funded, depending on your age, income and the course, so check before you enrol.
Where to start
Start with a skills assessment to see what you already offer, then look at courses or roles that fit around your arrangements for children. The service listed here covers England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland run their own careers services.
Guides that may help
Other kinds of help
This page is general information, not legal or financial advice. Facts checked 20 October 2026.
Need urgent help? If you're in immediate danger, call 999. Free domestic abuse helplines, open 24 hours: in England 0808 2000 247 (Refuge, for women), in Wales 0808 80 10 800, in Scotland 0800 027 1234 and in Northern Ireland 0808 802 1414. Men can call the Men's Advice Line on 0808 801 0327, weekdays. Samaritans: 116 123.