Ministers and Councils Hail Early Success of Connect to Work Scheme

Why It Matters

Connect to Work addresses chronic economic inactivity among disabled and ill‑health workers, potentially reducing the 2.8 million health‑related unemployed and easing fiscal pressures. Its early success signals scalable impact for UK employment policy.

Key Takeaways

• 1,600 participants secured jobs in first year.
• £1 bn (£1.27 bn) funded scheme aims for 300k by 2030.
• 14,000 received support; 4,200 new starts in March.
• Over 25% of participants aged 16‑24.
• South‑east Wales funding £32.5 m ($41.3 m) targets 9,100 jobs.

Pulse Analysis

The Connect to Work programme was launched in 2024 as part of a £3.5 bn (≈$4.45 bn) employment support package aimed at tackling the United Kingdom’s stubborn economic inactivity. With an estimated 2.8 million people out of work due to ill health, the government allocated £1 bn (≈$1.27 bn) to deliver intensive, one‑to‑one assistance that does not require benefit receipt. By pairing specialist advisers with jobseekers facing complex health or disability barriers, the scheme seeks to bridge the gap between clinical support and the labour market, a long‑standing policy blind spot.

First‑year data released in June 2026 show promising traction: 14,000 individuals received support between April 2025 and March 2026, and more than 1,600 secured employment. The momentum accelerated in March, with 4,200 new starts, and over 25 % of participants were aged 16‑24, suggesting the programme is resonating with younger workers who often face hidden barriers. A targeted £32.5 m (≈$41.3 m) agreement for south‑east Wales is projected to place 9,100 people in jobs by 2030, underscoring regional commitment.

Beyond immediate placements, Connect to Work complements the national rollout of WorkWell, another pillar designed to help up to 250,000 people transition into work. The combined initiatives could reshape employer attitudes toward health‑related recruitment, encouraging more inclusive hiring practices. For businesses, the programme offers a vetted pipeline of candidates equipped with tailored support, reducing onboarding risk. As the government pursues its 300,000‑person target by 2030, sustained funding and cross‑sector collaboration will be critical to scale the model and deliver measurable reductions in long‑term unemployment.