Is this a feasable 'back to work' plan (UK)

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Hoping people here can help to reason if my plan for getting back to work has any pitfalls I haven't realised.

I was working full time in the accountancy for 10 years (did an unrelated degree then started work and did my accountancy training while working).

I had a very bad experience 4 years ago which caused severe PTSD & I haven't worked since (spent probably 2 years in all in hospital & also relocated to new city. I have done few courses unrelated to my work field in the last year).

I now think I feel ready to go back to work although I am very scared, mainly as I fear I'm de-skilled.

I am living in supported accommodation but am able to work while here.

My idea is to see if any companies will take me on unpaid initially so that I can see how I manage. I feel this would be less pressured but allow me to gain some experience & have recent work on my CV again. Hopefully I would find I can manage despite my fears & could either then ask if they would take me on in a paid role, or I could job hunt elsewhere.

Does this sound like something that employers would consider? I know I in practice could do volunteer work in shops etc but that would cause me more stress, dealing with public etc plus wouldn't help me get my accountancy skills back up to a good level.

Any thoughts?

When I tried to do this, I found out that companies wanted the same recent work experience for an unpaid volunteer as they would want from someone they actually hired. But I live in Canada and not in the UK. I wish you the best luck.

You could try doing voluntary work in the charity sector, possibly one of the autism charities. This would probably be a more sympathetic environment than a commercial concern. Charities have a wide range of roles that can fulfilled by volunteers, and if you explain the aims of your back to work plan I think they would be helpful. Apart from anything else they are usually keen to recruit volunteers.

Please do not take this advice as gospel or anything, but I suspect with accountancy if you can find an unpaid job you can find a paid job. Apply to every job you like the look of. If you are feeling less confident perhaps look at small businesses who need a part time accountment. You do not necessarily have to reveal that you were out of work for health reasons. Perhaps you were travelling? 'Finding yourself'? 10 years experience is still a lot more than a lot of people have.

Oh, and try to keep positive and optimistic, you will find a job