Thousands of Disabled people across the West of England and North Somerset are set to benefit from life-changing support, from April, following a recent expansion of specialist employment support by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).
The new funding, which is worth up to £15.4million for the West, is part of the Connect to Work programme to help break down barriers which can prevent people from finding good, secure jobs.
This new, tailored support from DWP will help up to 3,900 disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers looking for work by providing tailored employment support.
The region is set to receive £15.4million with plans underway to launch Connect to Work next month.
In our region, the disability employment gap stands at 23.3%, below the UK average of 26.8% yet meaning that thousands of residents with disabilities or health conditions are unable to access the opportunities that good work provides.
Connect to Work will give local areas the tools they need to design support around what works for their communities, understanding local job markets and addressing the specific challenges their residents face.
Helen Godwin, Mayor for the West of England said:
“The West of England is already the country’s fastest growing regional economy, but we know that there are more people looking for work and the right support. This £15 million is going to really help us deliver our Get the West of England Working Plan, which sets out our aim to be somewhere that everyone has the chance to access good opportunities.”
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Families and Lifelong Learning, said:
“This support package is about opening doors and recognising that everyone’s journey into work is different. Through a lifelong learning approach, we’re not just helping people find jobs, we’re building confidence, skills and independence for the long term.”
Announcing the news, Minister for Employment, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson said:
“This government believes in the potential of every person in every part of the UK. That’s why I’m delighted to confirm funding for the West of England (including North Somerset).
“For too long, too many people have been written off and left behind. Connect to Work changes that – giving people real, tailored support to move into good jobs and out of poverty. That’s what spreading opportunity means in practice.”
To access support, disabled people and those with health conditions or complex barriers to work can self-refer or be referred through various routes including healthcare professionals, local councils, and voluntary sector partners.
Connect to Work is part of the UK Government’s wider £3.5 billion Get Britain Working package — the biggest investment in employment support for a generation.
The national package includes overhauling Jobcentres so Work Coaches have more time to support people and help people who have experienced long-term unemployment back into work. It also expands health and work initiatives like WorkWell.
