A major new employment support programme has been launched across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to help disabled people, people with health conditions and those facing other barriers to find and stay in work.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, Connect to Work is offering free personalised support to people who want to work but need extra help to get there.
Currently around 92,500 working-age residents across the area are economically inactive. Of these 36,300 are off work with long-term sickness.
Led by Leicester City Council, Connect to Work is being delivered in partnership with Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council. Twin Employment & Training and Intuitive Thinking Skills – organisations experienced in helping people improve their lives through education, job skills, and specialised support - have been commissioned to help deliver the service.
Connect to Work aims to help people build confidence, develop skills, find suitable employment and succeed in the workplace. Support includes one-to-one advice, job searching and applications, and ongoing support once employment begins. Specialist support is also available for people whose health conditions or disabilities make it harder to find and keep work.
Cllr Mustafa Malik, Leicester City Council’s assistant city mayor for communities, adult learning and jobs & skills, said: "We are delighted to be leading the Connect to Work programme which will help people to build their confidence to overcome barriers, develop skills and access opportunities that are right for them. This will creating lasting benefits for individuals, employers and communities.
Inderjit Lahel, Leicestershire County Council’s assistant director for adults and cultural services said: "Connect to Work is already showing positive results, with several people securing employment through the county's scheme. Our dedicated team provides tailored support to people looking for work, and to businesses seeking suitable candidates. We look forward to helping many more residents and employers through this programme."
Connect to Work is open to people aged 18 and over who want to work and who are disabled, have a health condition, or face significant barriers to employment. In exceptional circumstances, support may also be available to some 16 and 17-year-olds.
More information about eligibility and how to access support is available on the Leicester Employment Hub website
The programme is scheduled to run until 2030.