Currently approximately 2.8 million people in the UK are out of work due to sickness, ill-health and barriers that are faced by disabled people. Indications are that this figure will grow in the coming years.
It is thought that this trend can be attributed to two main factors:
- A deterioration in the health of the working-age population, leading to more people having work-limiting health conditions.
- Insufficient support systems like occupational health services.
Get Britain Working
Since their election in July 2024, the government have been very vocal about their plan to get Britain working again. They have proposed many new initiatives to deliver an 80% employment rate by moving people from benefit dependency into secure employment by increasing the basic allowance for most households and providing tailored support to those with health conditions.
Last week, the UK government launched a £338 million “Connect to Work” programme to assist sick and disabled individuals in returning to sustainable employment. It is hoped that the initiative will help approximately 85,000 back into work during 2026-2027 and 300,000 over the next five years. This will be done by providing personalised assistance including one-to-one coaching, job matching and ongoing support for participants and employers, to help people find and sustain good, secure jobs.
Connect to work was designed to work alongside The Universal Credit Act 2025 (also known as the Universal Credit Bill 2025) which ensures the standard allowance for Universal Credit rises with inflation until 2030 while reducing and freezing the health element for new claimants from April 2026. This was designed to focus support on the most severely disabled individuals and encourage employment through its new “Connect to Work” programme.
How can you access the programme?
Access to the programme is available through self-referral or via healthcare professionals, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners. New funding will be delivered to fifteen areas across England. These are:
- Central London
- Greater Essex
- Hampshire
- Hereford/Shropshire/Telford and Wrekin
- Greater Lincolnshire
- Local London
- Norfolk
- Solent
- South London Partnership
- South Yorkshire
- Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Warwickshire
- Worcestershire
Simply locate your local Connect to Work page by searching “Connect to Work” along with your county or local authority’s name, then check if you are eligible – aged18 or older, having the right to live and work in the UK, and facing barriers to employment. Next find your local contact information to express your interest, apply or refer.
How can I help?
If your organisation is in one of the 15 highlighted areas and you want to get involved in the Connect to Work programme by providing job opportunities for programme participants, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and adapting the physical workplace and job roles to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities or health conditions, please get in touch. Please note that you might also receive support or financial assistance through the Access to Work grant to help cover the costs of workplace adaptations, equipment, and ongoing support for any new employees.