The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expanding its Connect to Work programme
Job advisers will be embedded in GP surgeries and mental health services under a £167million Government scheme to help 40,000 sick and disabled people back into work. The move is part of the Connect to Work programme, which the DWP says “refuses to write off sick or disabled people” and aims to move thousands out of poverty and into secure, fulfilling jobs.
The £167.2million expansion will roll out the scheme to nine new areas across England – including Cumbria, Oxfordshire, and West Sussex – as part of a wider £1billion investment designed to “unlock people’s potential” and get Britain working again.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “Writing off people with long-term health conditions or disabilities fails them and fails our economy. We are giving people a hand up, not a handout, realising their potential and providing them with the skills to succeed as part of our Plan for Change.
“Thanks to local areas hitting the ground running, it is already delivering results – proving that when we invest in people and communities, everyone wins.”
The initiative will place specialist employment advisers directly inside GP surgeries and NHS mental health teams so that help finding work is treated as part of patients’ overall care. Other support includes virtual reality interview training, confidence workshops, and schemes to help parents find affordable childcare so they can return to work.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Employment support can be a crucial part of good health, but for too long, we’ve treated health and work in isolation. Our 10 Year Health Plan sets out how we are bringing the two together, through innovative schemes like this one.
“For many people, getting help finding the right work could be as an important part of their prescription as the correct physio or medication. This investment is just what the doctor ordered and will help thousands more find the help they need to get back into a job.”
The DWP said more than 2.8 million people are currently out of work because of health conditions, while more than one in three people on Universal Credit have a disability or long-term health issue that limits their ability to work.
One participant, Chris, said the programme had been “life-changing”, adding: “Since the start of my journey on Connect to Work, it has given me my confidence back following my accident.
“I have been signposted to organisations to improve my computer skills and I’ve now completed three courses, which will support me in my new career in site management. Connect to Work also funded my Site Management Safety Training Scheme course, which has opened more options and played a significant role in my personal development, helping me to stay motivated and focused – I’m extremely thankful for the support.”
The scheme is voluntary and open to anyone with a disability, health condition or complex barrier to work. People can be referred by GPs, councils, or local community organisations.
Areas benefiting from the latest round of funding include:
Region / funding / people supported
- North East £49.7m 13,800
- South Midlands £32m 8,050
- Devon, Plymouth & Torbay £22.8m 5,950
- West Sussex & Brighton £15.6m 3,950
- Cumbria £11.7m 2,750
- Berkshire £9.5m 2,350
- Oxfordshire £8.3m 2,000
- York & North Yorkshire £10.4m 2,500
- Buckinghamshire £7.2m 1,650
In the north east, where unemployment caused by poor health is particularly high, mayor Kim McGuinness said: “The North East is an amazing place to work but too many people are facing barriers when they’re trying to find a job. However, that’s all about to change as we help thousands of people back to the workplace with tailored support that tackles the issues they’re facing.
“It’s all part of our New Deal for North East Workers. Because when everyone can succeed, our communities and our economy thrive.”
The DWP said Connect to Work will help up to 300,000 people across England and Wales into jobs by 2030.