DWP Announces Support for Sick and Disabled People to Work: £338m Connect to Work Programme
Thousands of sick and disabled individuals in the UK are set to receive transformative employment support following a new government initiative.
On 4 September 2025, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched the Connect to Work programme, backed by £338 million in funding.
This targeted investment is part of a wider £3.8 billion employment package designed to address economic inactivity and improve job access for those with long-term health conditions or disabilities.
The programme reflects a strategic commitment to building an inclusive workforce and a stronger economy.
What Is the Connect to Work Programme?
The Connect to Work programme is a nationwide employment support initiative aimed at helping sick and disabled individuals secure meaningful, long-term employment.
It offers personalised assistance to those facing barriers to work due to physical or mental health conditions, disability, or complex life challenges.
The programme focuses on early intervention, specialist coaching, and ongoing job support to ensure participants are equipped not only to enter the workforce but to stay in it.
Connect to Work is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change and has been designed to fill gaps in the current employment support system.
Who Does It Aim to Help?
Connect to Work specifically targets people who are out of work due to health challenges or disabilities. The programme supports:
- Individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions
- Those facing complex barriers such as limited mobility or social disadvantage
- Jobseekers in areas with low employment rates due to health-related inactivity
It also includes people who are at risk of falling out of work due to their health and offers support to prevent long-term unemployment.
With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health, the programme seeks to provide tailored help to the most affected populations.
How Will the £338 Million Connect to Work Funding Be Used Across England?
The £338 million in funding will be strategically invested in 15 delivery areas across England. Each region will use the funds to provide localised support, designed to meet the needs of their residents.
This includes building specialist employment teams, offering one-on-one coaching, and working closely with local councils and service providers to ensure smooth integration of employment and health support services.
Key areas of investment include:
- Hiring specialist job coaches
- Funding job-matching services for participants
- Supporting employers to make reasonable adjustments
- Building referral networks with GPs and local councils
The investment focuses on providing the right support in the right place to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
Which Areas Are Receiving the Largest Share of Funding?
While all 15 areas will benefit, some regions will receive significantly more funding due to higher need and larger populations.
Central London Forward leads with £71.9 million to support over 16,800 individuals. Other high-impact regions include Local London and South Yorkshire.
| Region | Funding Amount | People Supported |
| Central London Forward | £71.9 million | 16,800 |
| Local London | £47.1 million | 12,350 |
| South Yorkshire | £35.3 million | 9,950 |
| Greater Essex | £30.7 million | 7,800 |
| West London | £42.8 million | 10,800 (already supported) |
These areas serve as major hubs for the programme and are expected to showcase early success and scalability.
What Support Will Sick and Disabled People Receive Under the Scheme?
Participants in the Connect to Work programme will receive a wide range of customised support services that are structured to meet individual needs. This includes holistic help that begins at the job search stage and continues after employment is secured.
Personalised Coaching
Participants are paired with trained employment specialists who provide one-on-one coaching. These experts help build confidence, set realistic goals, and offer practical tools for managing work alongside health conditions.
Job Matching Services
The programme includes intelligent job-matching tools that align individual skills with local job opportunities. This ensures participants find roles that are suitable and sustainable.
Support for Employers
Employers also benefit from support under this scheme. They receive guidance on making reasonable adjustments in the workplace and ensuring that roles are accessible.
Ongoing Post-Employment Support
Even after securing a job, participants continue to receive check-ins and help from their employment specialist to prevent setbacks or relapses into unemployment.
How Is This Programme Different from Previous Employment Support Schemes?
Connect to Work distinguishes itself by delivering deeply personalised and locally tailored support. Unlike generic back-to-work schemes of the past, this programme combines employment advice with health and wellbeing services.
A key feature is the integration of medical, psychological, and social support systems alongside career planning.
Comparison of Connect to Work with Previous Schemes:
| Feature | Connect to Work | Previous Programmes |
| Personalised Health Coaching | Yes | Limited or none |
| Employer Engagement & Training | Yes | Inconsistent |
| Post-Employment Support | Yes (up to 12 months) | Rarely included |
| Localised Delivery | Yes (15 regions) | Centralised |
| Integration with Healthcare | Fully integrated | Minimal integration |
This approach ensures not just employment but retention, career development, and long-term resilience.
What Barriers to Work Are Being Addressed by Connect to Work?
Connect to Work tackles the wide range of obstacles that prevent sick and disabled individuals from finding and staying in work. These barriers include personal, social, and structural challenges that traditional employment services often overlook.
The programme addresses:
- Poor mental health and stress-related conditions
- Lack of physical access to workplaces
- Digital exclusion and low tech confidence
- Gaps in job-ready skills or recent work experience
- Low self-esteem and confidence from long-term unemployment
By addressing both visible and invisible barriers, the programme provides holistic support that leads to more sustainable outcomes.
Additional strategies include:
- Partnering with local health services
- Offering employer education on inclusive hiring
- Tailoring support plans for each individual
- Ensuring accessible transport and remote work options
The result is a model that works with people, not just systems, creating opportunities where there were none.
Why Is Tackling Economic Inactivity So Important Right Now?
The UK faces a growing economic challenge with millions of capable individuals excluded from the workforce. The Connect to Work programme aims to reverse this trend and unlock potential across the country.
A National Crisis in Health-Related Unemployment
With 2.8 million people out of work due to illness, the UK now has one of the highest health-related inactivity rates in the G7. This affects productivity and places added pressure on public services.
The Cost of Inactivity to Individuals and Families
When individuals are excluded from work, their health often worsens, financial insecurity increases, and families struggle. Employment brings dignity, structure, and a pathway out of poverty.
A Vision for an 80% Employment Rate
The government aims to boost employment rates to 80% through targeted programmes like this, reflecting a commitment to rebuild the economy and reduce dependency on long-term benefits.
How Does This Tie into Wider Welfare Reform and Universal Credit Changes?
The Connect to Work programme aligns closely with upcoming changes to Universal Credit and overall welfare reform. These reforms aim to make the system fairer, more responsive, and more supportive of people transitioning back into work.
Key aspects of the welfare reform include:
- Increasing the standard allowance of Universal Credit above inflation by 2029
- Introducing a £725 uplift by 2030 for four million households
- Reducing the health top-up for new claims from April 2026
- Protecting the most severely ill from frequent reassessments
These changes ensure that people who can work are incentivised and supported to do so, while those with lifelong conditions continue to receive appropriate financial support.
How Can People Access the Connect to Work Programme Support?
Access to Connect to Work is designed to be straightforward and inclusive, ensuring that those in need are not left behind due to red tape or lack of information.
Ways to join the programme include:
- Self-referral through the official online platform
- Referral by GP or healthcare professional for those already receiving treatment
- Support via local councils who work in partnership with the DWP
- Voluntary sector organisations like charities and community groups
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be out of work or at risk due to health/disability
- Must reside in one of the 15 programme delivery areas
- No age limit, but focus on working-age adults
Available support includes:
- Access to a dedicated employment coach
- Help with CV writing and interviews
- Emotional support and mental health resources
- Guidance for employers and workplaces
The goal is to make help available wherever people are, physically and emotionally, so they can take steps toward employment confidently.
Conclusion
The Connect to Work programme represents a turning point in how the UK supports people with health challenges and disabilities into meaningful employment.
With a powerful combination of funding, personalised coaching, local delivery, and welfare reform alignment, it is set to unlock potential for thousands across England.
As economic inactivity becomes a national concern, this initiative sends a clear message that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, thrive, and contribute to society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Connect to Work programme support?
Anyone with a health condition, disability, or complex barrier to employment living in one of the 15 delivery areas is eligible. Referrals can come from professionals or by self-referral.
What types of jobs are participants being supported into?
Participants are supported into jobs that match their abilities and interests, including roles in education, retail, care, administration, and more. Employers receive help to ensure jobs are inclusive.
Can someone already in work still benefit from this support?
Yes, individuals at risk of losing their jobs due to health issues can receive in-work support. The programme aims to prevent unemployment, not just respond to it.
Is there any age limit to access this employment scheme?
There is no strict age limit, but the programme primarily targets working-age adults. Support is tailored regardless of age to ensure equal opportunity.
How does this scheme support mental health-related conditions?
Specialist employment coaches are trained to assist those dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The support is compassionate, holistic, and long-term.
What happens after someone gets a job, is support ongoing?
Yes, post-employment support continues for up to 12 months. Coaches help participants navigate challenges and adjust to new roles.
How is this different from other government back-to-work programmes?
Connect to Work offers deeply personalised help, localised delivery, and integrated healthcare support. It’s not one-size-fits-all but tailored to individual needs.
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