Thousands of individuals with illnesses or disabilities are set to receive support to enter the workforce as part of a significant initiative involving the placement of employment advisors in GP practices. Pat McFadden, the Secretary for Work and Pensions, has committed to aiding 300,000 people with health conditions or disabilities to secure employment by 2030, emphasizing a proactive approach over passive support.
A substantial injection of £167.2 million will be allocated to expanding the Connect to Work scheme to nine additional regions in England, including Cumbria, Oxfordshire, West Sussex, and Brighton. This expansion is expected to benefit over 40,000 more individuals, providing them with tailored employment assistance instead of traditional sick leave certificates.
The total funding, estimated to exceed £1 billion across England and Wales over the next five years, aims to assist 300,000 sick or disabled individuals with job support by the end of the decade. The voluntary Connect to Work program caters to disabled individuals, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment. Notably, the program includes the deployment of specialist advisors within healthcare settings, ranging from GP surgeries to mental health services.
In specific regions like Portsmouth, the North East, and East Sussex, additional support involves innovative measures like virtual reality immersive classrooms for interview preparation and facilitating access to affordable childcare for parents seeking re-entry into the job market.
The UK currently has approximately 2.8 million people unemployed due to long-term sickness, equivalent to the population of Greater Manchester. While benefit claimants can receive support and guidance from work coaches at job centers, the government stresses the importance of specialist employment advisors who integrate job support seamlessly into comprehensive care services.
According to Mr. McFadden, disregarding individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities is detrimental both to them and the economy. The aim is to empower individuals, unlock their potential, and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce.
The North East is among the regions receiving funding, with around 13,800 individuals expected to benefit from a £49.7 million support package. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness expressed optimism about the program’s impact on overcoming employment barriers in the region and assisting thousands of individuals in returning to work with personalized support.