Natalia
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a significant £338 million expansion of its Connect to Work programme.
Designed to support individuals who are sick, disabled, or face complex barriers to employment, this initiative aims to help over 85,000 people secure good, sustainable jobs across 15 areas of England, benefiting around 300,000 people over the next five years.
Overview of the Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | £338 million for Connect to Work expansion |
| Estimated Beneficiaries | 85,000 people in next phase; 300,000 total over five years |
| Programme Areas | 15 areas across England, including London, South Yorkshire, Essex, Hampshire, and more |
| Core Services | 1-to-1 coaching, job matching, ongoing support for participants and employers |
| Referral Routes | Self-referral, healthcare professionals, local authorities, voluntary sector |
| Context within Broader Plan | Part of a £3.8 billion “Plan for Change” to boost employment and living standards |
| Employment Goal | Contribute to achieving an 80% UK employment rate |
| Current Health-Related Inactivity | 2.8 million out of work due to ill-health; over 1 in 4 cite sickness as a barrier |
| Additional Support Linked | Builds on WorkWell programme (launched Oct 2024) and Universal Credit reforms |
How the Programme Works
The Connect to Work expansion offers personalised employment support, including:
- One-to-one coaching from employment specialists
- Job-matching services tailored to individual abilities and aspirations
- Continued support for both jobseekers and employers to maintain long-term employment.
Access Routes:
Participants can join the programme through:
- Self-referral
- Referrals from healthcare professionals
- Recommendation by local authorities or voluntary sector organisations
Geographic Reach:
Funding is targeted across 15 regions, with some of the largest allocations including:
- Central London Forward – Up to £71.9m for 16,800 participants
- Local London Sub-Region – £47.1m for 12,350 people
- South Yorkshire – £35.3m for 9,950 people
- Greater Essex – £30.7m for 7,800 people
Why It Matters
Tackling Economic Inactivity
With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health, the UK faces one of the highest inactivity rates in the G7. Over one in four cite sickness-related barriers, more than double the rate in 2012.This underscores the urgency for tailored employment programmes.
Governmental Vision: “Plan for Change”
The £338m boost forms part of a comprehensive £3.8 billion employment support package dubbed the Plan for Change. This includes reforms to job centres, a Youth Guarantee, and aims for an 80% national employment rate.
Real-Life Impact
Areas like West London, which received earlier funding of £42.8m to support 10,800 participants, have already begun reaping the benefits.
One participant shared how tailored support helped overcome mental health and job displacement challenges and secure a fulfilling role—highlighting the programme’s real-world effectiveness.
Integrated with Other Reforms
Connect to Work builds on the WorkWell programme (October 2024), which integrates health services with employment support and aims to assist 56,000 people by spring 2026. This holistic approach strengthens the broader goal of keeping people in—or returning to—work.
The DWP’s £338 million investment in the Connect to Work programme marks a major step forward in supporting sick and disabled individuals back into the workforce.
By delivering personalised, sustained support, this initiative has the potential to transform lives—helping people overcome barriers, secure meaningful jobs, and elevate their living standards.
In combination with broader employment reforms, it represents a strong commitment to inclusion and economic recovery.
FAQs
People in England who are sick, disabled, or face complex employment barriers—over 85,000 funded directly, with 300,000 expected to benefit over five years.