Thousands of disabled people in Wales set to receive employment support
The initiative is part of the UK Government's Pathways to Work plan, which aims to reform benefits and employment support for disabled people who can work with proper assistance
The Government's Connect to Work initiative is being expanded into Wales, offering specialised employment support to thousands of disabled individuals and those with health conditions.
The initiative is part of the UK Government's Pathways to Work plan, which aims to reform benefits and employment support for disabled people who can work with proper assistance.
The expansion includes coverage for Mid Wales, North Wales, and South West Wales as part of a £300 million investment
This funding initiative will aim to support over 75,000 individuals facing complex barriers to employment, bringing the total program expenditure to over £950 million across both England and Wales.
Mid Wales will receive up to £3.9 million to aid 1,000 people.
North Wales is set to receive up to £13.3 million to assist 3,550 individuals, while South West Wales will benefit from up to £14.4 million tailored towards supporting 3,850 people.
Minister for Employment, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, emphasised the importance of the initiative by saying, "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."
The initiative will aim to offer 'intensive personalized coaching, job matching, and ongoing support for both participants and employers'
Participants can choose to meet their employment advisors at local community settings they feel comfortable with, like cafes and parks.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens explained how this targeted help can lead to financial stability and better quality of life: "The tailored support offered by Connect to Work services in Wales will ensure anyone who can work is supported to get the right job for them, helping them achieve their goals."
Connect to Work is also expanding into other regions across England, including West Yorkshire, East Midlands, and Liverpool City Region.
The initiative aims to deliver long-term solutions by investing in locally-led specialist employment support systems to address economic inactivity.
According to a Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson, the effort allows councils to plan and deliver vital support locally, enhancing connections within community services like public health, education, and skills development.