The UK Government has announced a £338 million investment into the Connect to Work programme, aimed at helping over 85,000 people who are sick, disabled or face complex barriers to employment across 15 areas in England.
Over the next five years, the scheme will benefit around 300,000 people across England and Wales, offering tailored support to help them find and stay in work.
The programme provides intensive, personalised coaching, job matching services, and ongoing support for both participants and employers to ensure long-term employment success.
With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health, the UK has one of the highest inactivity rates in the G7. Connect to Work is part of a wider plan to get Britain working again, aiming to achieve an 80% employment rate through:
- Overhauling jobcentres
- Delivering a Youth Guarantee
- Supporting local employment plans
Among those out of work, over one in four cite sickness as a barrier—more than double the rate in 2012.
Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, said:
“For too long, millions of people have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work.
“It’s bad for their living standards, it’s bad for their families, and it’s bad for the economy.
“That’s why we’re taking decisive action by investing millions of pounds so sick or disabled people can overcome the barriers they face and move out of poverty and into good, secure jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”
Major funding allocations include:
- £71.9 million for Central London Forward – supporting 16,800 people
- £47.1 million for Local London Sub-Region – helping 12,350 people
- £35.3 million for South Yorkshire – aiding 9,950 participants
- £30.7 million for Greater Essex – supporting 7,800 people
Early delivery areas like West London have already seen success, with specialist coaches helping participants overcome complex barriers and secure employment.
The announcement follows the Universal Credit Bill receiving Royal Assent, which will rebalance incentives and increase the standard allowance—putting an extra £725 in the pockets of four million households by 2030.
Connect to Work also builds on the WorkWell programme, launched in October 2024, which integrates health services and employment support to help 56,000 people across pilot sites by Spring 2026.
This joined-up approach is designed to prevent people from falling out of work, transform employment services, and provide specialist support to help the most disadvantaged into good jobs.
Image credit: iStock
