The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that 4,100 benefits claimants have moved into employment through its flagship Connect to Work programme. The scheme, which provides intensive one-to-one support, has so far helped 25,000 disabled people and those with health conditions or complex barriers to employment.
Connect to Work, introduced by the Labour government, is designed to support around 300,000 benefits claimants by the end of the decade. The latest figures show that thousands of people with health conditions or disabilities are now in work following support from the programme.
How Connect to Work provides support
Under the scheme, claimants can access intensive, one-to-one support from specialist advisers who work around them, meeting in GP surgeries, local cafés, parks or community hubs. This flexible approach is intended to make support more accessible for those who face barriers to traditional jobcentre settings.
The DWP has also confirmed that letters are being sent out in October entitling claimants to a bonus, as part of wider efforts to encourage people into work.
Minister and participant reactions
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "For too long, disabled people and those with health conditions have been denied the support they needed to work - written off by a system that left them behind."
He added: "Connect to Work is changing that. It’s proof that when we trust local areas to design support around their own communities, it works. Today’s figures show the programme delivering real results - more people helped, more people finding jobs, and driving growth in every postcode across the country."
Nick, a Connect to Work participant, shared his experience: "I’ve been out of work for nearly 14 years due to mental health. The death of my Father, followed by a relationship break down not long afterwards sent me on a downwards spiral and I had no-one to talk to."
He continued: "I knew something had to change. I wanted to get back to work and with my Employment Specialist’s, Michelle’s help, I have already achieved so much in 6 weeks. I have passed my first exam and have a second coming up and have applied for a job. Onwards and upwards!"
Funding and next steps
The total funding confirmed to local areas for Connect to Work is £1.2bn, with £1.1bn allocated to England and £64.1m to Wales. The programme remains on track to meet its target of supporting around 300,000 benefits claimants by the end of the decade, with the latest figures indicating continued progress.
