Category: Skills and workforce

Unlock hidden talent for hard-to-fill job roles with Connect to Work

Published 4 December 2025

Skills and workforce

Finding the right people for hard-to-fill roles is one of the biggest challenges facing employers today. With around 728,000 vacancies across the UK, many businesses are struggling to fill skills gaps. But what if there was a ready pool of motivated, loyal candidates – backed by expert support to ensure they succeed in your business?

Connect to Work is a new supported employment programme funded by UK government, and delivered by Surrey County Council. It connects employers with those who want to work but face barriers to employment. The scheme includes people living with disabilities, health conditions, and those experiencing other significant challenges in accessing the job market.

Compelling business case

Research by Mencap found that workers with learning disabilities often have no whole-day absences, far fewer late arrivals and significantly higher job loyalty than the UK average.

And according to a broad review by CBM UK, inclusive employment – correctly supported – can lead to equal or greater productivity, lower absenteeism, better attendance and stronger safety records. The review also found workplace accommodations for disabled staff often benefit the wider workforce (e.g. flexible work, better wellbeing support), improving overall staff retention and company resilience.

All this leads to lower staff turnover, which reduces costs associated with recruitment, onboarding and training. And sectors that struggle to recruit, such as retail, hospitality, social care and logistics, often match well to the skills and flexibility offered by disabled or learning-disabled candidates.

Tap into talent

By partnering with Connect to Work, you’ll also tap into a substantial, under-utilised talent pool. Research shows that 86% of people with learning disabilities who aren’t working want a job. These candidates are particularly well-suited to roles involving routine tasks, warehousing, retail, and basic admin – exactly the positions many employers struggle to fill.

Tangible business benefits

And the benefits extend beyond just filling job roles. Businesses that embrace inclusive hiring report improved workplace morale, better team cohesion and a more empathetic, supportive culture. Your reputation strengthens too, building community trust that’s invaluable for customer-facing businesses. Inclusive hiring also enhances your employer brand by boosting your evidence of social value, and can help your business secure contracts where diversity and social impact matter.

How to get involved

Connect to Work is completely free to employers of any size, matching Connect to Work’s supported candidates to your vacancies at minimum wage or above.

Your dedicated Employment Specialist will help with job matching, supporting the application process, and providing ongoing workplace support for as long as needed – ensuring success for everyone involved.

If you’re ready to build a stronger workforce, get in touch at STEPSurrey@surreycc.gov.uk to discuss how Connect to Work can benefit your business.

State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research: residents report worries about employment

Published 3 December 2025

Advice and support, Business news, Skills and workforce

The State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research reveals resident worries about work and employment. Extra support is now available from Surrey County Council after new data showed one-in-three (32%) know someone who has lost their job in the last year. 

The findings, generated by Surrey County Council’s ongoing in-house resident panel research, highlights the growing day-to-day concerns facing the 1.2 million residents in the region.

Responses show more than half report their own personal financial circumstances had worsened in the last year. And, of those currently employed, more than one in five expressed worries about losing their job within the next 12 months. 

It comes as the recent government figures show more than 26,900 people in Surrey are out of work but actively seeking employment. 

The council – working with government, employers and training providers – is responding directly to these challenges. This includes stepping up its county-wide offer for those who are out of work or looking to gain new skills to boost their career. 

Employment support available for Surrey residents

The launch of STEP Surrey, a new single gateway for skills and employment, is now live. This brings together help for jobseekers to learn new skills, find work and access employment support in one place. 

Skills Bootcamps, providing free fast-track training in growing sectors such as construction, cyber security, gaming and green industries, are also available. 

For those with barriers to work, there is dedicated employment support available.  

This includes Connect to Work, a pioneering government-funded programme which aims to support 2,000 residents with disabilities and other complex challenges into suitable sustainable employment over the next five years. 

And WorkWell provides free one-to-one coaching service for Surrey residents with health issues to start, stay or return to work. 

For business owners, budding entrepreneurs and freelancers, the Business Surrey website offers business support and start-up advice.  

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “While Surrey’s economy is performing well overall, our residents are not exempt from issues facing the whole of the UK. These findings show that many of our residents are being directly impacted by challenges such as the cost-of living, unemployment or health issues. While I appreciate this can bring stress and anxiety, the positive news is there is help available.  

“We are using enhanced responsibilities from Whitehall to work with government, employers and training providers to ensure there is expert support available alongside local job opportunities from businesses who are desperate to recruit local talent. 

“I encourage those impacted to get in touch via STEP Surrey so that we can provide them with the bespoke support they need to find work that works for them and their loved ones.” 

What is the State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research?

The State of Surrey economy winter 2025 research is carried out by Surrey County Council’s residents intelligence unit.

More than 550 people took part in October’s resident panel survey. This asks a range of questions on the economy.  

Responders identified inflation, housing and infrastructure as the biggest economic challenges currently facing the county. And nearly 70% felt the economic situation in Surrey had worsened over the past year. 

For more information on the council’s resident panel, contact research@surreycc.gov.uk 

A series of shops bordering a cobbled street in Guildford, Surrey

UK Budget 2025 – what will it mean for your Surrey business?

Published 26 November 2025

Business news, Innovation, Skills and workforce

The UK Budget 2025 was announced today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. But what will it mean for your Surrey business? Here’s a snapshot of some of the key measures.

From changes to business rates to frozen tax thresholds, everyone will be impacted by the announcement in Parliament.

Key measures impacting small and medium businesses include increases to the minimum wage, changes to tax support for entrepreneurs and mandatory e-invoicing. Extra charges for electric vehicles and high value homes could also impact Surrey residents.

The measures means the UK’s tax take moves to an all-time high of 38% of national GDP.

The Office for Budget Responsibility forecasts show UK growth averaging 1.5% a year. Inflation is set to ease from 3.5% in 2025 to 2% by 2027. And unemployment is staying near 5% until 2027 with real household incomes stagnating at around 0.25% annual growth.

Explore the full budget on the UK government website.

Business rates

From 1 April 2026, business rates bills in England will be updated to reflect changes in property values since the last revaluation in 2023.

Changes will include:

  • Small business multiplier decreasing from 49.9p in 2025-26 to 43.2p in 2026-27
  • Standard multiplier decreasing from 55.5p to 48p
  • New high-value business rates multiplier at 50.8p in 2026-27. For properties with rateable values of £500,000 and 2.8p above the national standard multiplier
  • New permanently lower retail, hospitality and leisure multipliers introduced to support high streets. These are 5p lower than the national multipliers.

A package worth £4.3 billion over the next three years will support businesses as they transition to their new bills.

Full details are on the government’s Budget 2025 tax support for businesses factsheet.

Enterprise

  • Pension contributions – From April 2029, the government will charge employee and employer National Insurance on any pension contributions made via salary sacrifice above £2,000 a year 
  • Capital gains tax relief halved for bosses selling their businesses to Employee Ownership Trusts from 100% to 50%
  • Charity Tax Relief – a new VAT relief introduced from 1 April 2026. Covers business donations of goods to charity.
  • UK Listing Relief – From 27 November, transfers of a company’s securities will not pay 0.5% Stamp Duty Reserve Tax charge for three years from when the company lists on a UK regulated market.
  • Call for Evidence into the tax support for entrepreneurs – Government seeks views on the effectiveness of the existing tax system for business founders and scaling firms. The aim is to discover how how the UK can better support these companies to start, scale and stay in the country. Closing on 28 February 2026.

Regulation and licensing

  • Extra support for the availability and adoption of business gigabit broadband
  • New Fair Work Agency to take action against illegal working, breaches of employment rights and tax issues
  • Mandating e-invoicing – from April 2029, all VAT invoices to be issued in a specified electronic format.
  • First National Licensing Policy Framework launched to support a modern licensing system. Includes guidance to relevant authorities to consider promoting economic growth in licensing decisions.
  • Funding for new planners and trading standards officers

Skills and workforce

  • National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage increases from April 2026
    • National Living Wage will increase by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage for 18-20 year olds will increase by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour
    • National Minimum Wage for 16-17 year olds and apprentices will rise by 6.0% to £8 per hour
    • Accommodation offset will increase by 4.1% to £11.10 per day
  • Youth guarantee – Growth and Skills Levy
    • £1.5 billion over the next four years for additional employment and skills support for young people
    • Focus on ensuring young people have access to high-quality training opportunities
    • include measures to simplify the apprenticeship system
  • Youth Guarantee – Jobs Guarantee scheme
    • Government to fund six-month paid work placement for every 18 to 21 year old on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months
    • 100% of employment costs for 25 hours a week at the relevant minimum wage funded, plus wraparound support
  • International student levy
    • Higher education providers to be charged £925 per student per year of study. Introduced from August 2028
    • Income will be reinvested into higher education and skills. This includes funding maintenance grants for disadvantaged students studying priority courses
  • Employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) relief for veterans – extension of employer NICs relief for employers hiring veterans in their first civilian role to April 2028

UK budget 2025 – other measures

  • Tax thresholds will stay frozen until 2031. That is three years longer than previously planned.
  • New mileage charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars from April 2028. Electric car drivers will pay 3p per mile, while plug-in hybrid drivers will pay 1.5p per mile. Rates will go up each year in line with inflation.
  • 5p “temporary” cut in fuel duty on petrol and diesel will be extended from April. There will be staged increases from September 2026.
  • High Value Council Tax Surcharge for owners of homes worth £2 million or more in 2026. It’s due to come in from April 2028. A public consultation will be held in early 2026. 
  • British Business Bank’s new five year strategy to include increasing capital deployment from £1.5 billion to £2.5 billion a year
  • Expansion of InnovateUK’s BRIDGE AI programme
  • ISA reform – From 6 April 2027 the annual ISA cash limit will be set at £12,000. A further £8,000 can be invested in stocks.
Aerial shot of UK parliament buildings with the River Thames in London at the fore.

Surrey Skills Conference 2025

Published 19 November 2025

Business news, Skills and workforce

The Surrey Skills Conference brought together 200 employers, education, academics and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy. Watch the highlights in our video.

The Surrey Skills Conference was organised by Surrey County Council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce.

Taking place at Woking Hilton, the event focused on what more can be done to unlock the talent of Surrey’s workforce.

Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry was one of two keynote speakers to speak at the event. Robert was joined by Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture.

Key topics included making the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government. And addressing challenges, such as driving business growth by equipping people who are out of work with the skills that employers need to thrive.

A range of Surrey employers took part. You can still contribute your ideas to the event, by putting forward ideas to the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

Employment support for Surrey residents

The Surrey Skills Conference 2025 launched STEP Surrey. This is a new gateway for residents to find work, learn new skills and access employment support in a simple and accessible way.

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.

This includes Connect to Work, a five-year programme to support 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into local employment. And WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work.

Both can support Surrey businesses with workforce challenges and skills gaps.

Want to know more? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Keep Britain Working review: why it matters to Surrey businesses

Published 6 November 2025

Skills and workforce, Thought leadership

The Keep Britain Working review is now live. It highlights that over one in five working-age adults in Britain are out of the workforce, primarily due to health problems. But what can businesses do? Our blog looks at the findings and how Surrey employers can help.

Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review admits that “Britain is facing a quiet but urgent crisis”.

Over the past nine months, the former John Lewis chairman has met with hundreds of employers across the UK. The reason? To discuss the issues surrounding ill-health and disability in the workplace.

Published 5 November 2025, the landmark Keep Britain Working review sets out:

  • One in five working-age adults are now out of the labour force – 800,000 more than in 2019 due to health reasons
  • The cost of ill-health that prevents work equals 7% of GDP – nearly 70% of all income-tax receipts
  • UK employment among disabled people stands at 53%, below comparable nations
  • Employers lose £85 billion a year from sickness, turnover, and lost productivity

The report sets out a series of recommendations. It’s aimed at ensuring many more people could stay in work, recover faster, and live healthier, more secure lives.

There’s a focus on:

  • Reducing absence and improve retention
  • Supporting disabled and older workers
  • Aligning with national and local health strategies
  • Accessing new funding and incentives

If done right, employers would retain experienced staff and see higher productivity. And government would save billions and be able to focus resources on those who need them most.

But achieving that requires employers, employees and government to each play their part.

Keep Britain Working and Surrey

Surrey is not immune from the issues in the Keep Britain Working review.

Recent figures show that 131,900 Surrey residents of working age are not in employment. This is about 18% of the working population.

The three biggest reasons for not being in work are:

  • education (30%)
  • long-term sick (20.2%)
  • looking after family (19%)

Surrey has its own specific challenges with ill-health and disability in the workplace. This includes:

  • Competitive workforce: Surrey’s average employment rate (80.1%) is higher than regional and national averages. But long-term sickness is hampering workforce supply. And it costs businesses money too. So tackling the issue short-term can save you money in the long-term
  • High-skill economy: With a significant concentration in professional and managerial roles, absence disruptions arguably cost more than in other sectors.
  • Suitable employment opportunities: three in ten Surrey residents receiving long term support for a learning disability are not in work. This is in part due to a lack of opportunities.

The good news is that work is underway to tackle some of these challenges.

The recent Surrey Skills Conference explored some of the ways employers can work with training providers and Surrey County Council.

And Surrey already has health and business stakeholders primed to co-deliver the national plan at local scale. This starts at the top with the One Surrey Growth Board and filters down through various plans and programmes.

What your business can do

  1. Audit your health and absence practices
    • Identify gaps and opportunities for early intervention. Dedicated in-house programmes such as Employment Assistance Programmes can provide excellent support to employees.
  2. Register for fully-funded support programmes
    • Surrey County Council has a range of free support available to strengthen your wellbeing offer. Get in touch via our Business Support form to find out what your business may be eligible for.
  3. Shape local programmes
    • Interested in changing or improving how your business supports employees? Get in touch with us to talk about how you can shape the creation and delivery of employment support programmes
  4. Prepare to leverage incentives
    • The Keep Britain Working review recommends government explores changes to the system to reward best practice. So track developments around tax relief, sick pay rebates, and recruitment grants.
  5. Be the first to join dedicated projects
    • Position your business at the forefront of integrated health-employment innovation. The easiest way to be at the front of the queue is by signing up to our newsletter. You can also enrol directly as an employer supporting Connect to Work.

By engaging with the plan, Surrey businesses can help shape a healthier, more inclusive workforce. This will help your business to succeed while supporting the wider regional economy to grow.

Need further help? Or think your business is well placed to provide opportunities for local people? Get in touch with us via our Contact Us form.

Two women sit together at a computer in an office environment.

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey

Published 28 October 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Skills Bootcamps return to Surrey for 2025 offering discounted training opportunities for Surrey businesses in key sectors. Upskill your staff or find future talent via this government-funded scheme.

Skills Bootcamps are government-funded courses from Surrey County Council. They allow learners aged 19 and over to gain industry-ready qualifications in super-quick time.

A range of courses are on offer for this year in exciting and growing sectors. This includes construction, cyber security, sustainability and games development.

Training is designed to be as flexible as possible, lasting between two and 16 weeks. The aim is to equip a new cohort of employees with work-ready skills in sectors crucial to Surrey’s future economy.

The role of employers is crucial. You can use the courses to upskill current members of your team. Or you can find new talent with the latest knowledge to help grow your business.

Interested in finding out more? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Skills Bootcamps for businesses

Skills Bootcamps can be used by local businesses to upskill current employees at a discounted rate.

Large employers will need to contribute 30% of the cost. Small or medium employers (SMEs) will contribute 10%.

There is no cost to a business recruiting someone who has recently completed a Skills Bootcamp.

Courses are being offered in Surrey this year in:

  • Digital marketing
  • Cyber security
  • Games development
  • AI
  • Sustainability and carbon management
  • Bicycle maintenance
  • Landscaping project supervision
  • Domestic energy and retrofit assessor
  • Groundworks plant operations
  • Air source heat pumps
  • Personal training
  • Green electrical
  • Hospitality

Are you a business wanting more information? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Filling the construction skills gap with Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps’ return to Surrey will see new courses on offer.

This includes an introduction to Groundworks Plant Operations. It’s being run by Farnham-based Construction Industry Safety Training Centre (CISTC).

CISTC specialises in providing construction-specific health, safety and plant training that meets the latest industry regulations.

Its expert trainers bring real-world site experience, ensuring every course is engaging, hands-on, and directly relevant to the workplace.

Angela Fowler, CISTC Operations Director, said: 

“This is for people who are looking to move into the sector or those looking to upskill beyond labouring.

“There is a big skills gap and a huge Government drive in terms of construction work. There aren’t enough workers in the industry to provide that, so we’re giving people the skills that are needed.

“We have employment opportunities with our parent company Natta Building Company as well as a number of our clients, so we are hoping it will help our clients tap into potential employees as well.”

Skills Bootcamps: case study

Last year, more than 500 people signed up for Skills Bootcamps in Surrey.

Of those who completed courses, more than half said they’d secured new work or a new position in their company as a result.

MTek Solutions used the Solar PV Skills Bootcamp to upskill their staff as the business branched out into the installation and servicing of solar systems.

Kieran Tuck and Michael Slatcher, MTeK Solutions co-founders, said: 

“Skills Bootcamps are a great way to upskill and boost your earnings – they help add another string to your bow.

“You have to look beyond today. Investing the time to complete the training has opened doors to much greater opportunities than if we had kept putting things off.”

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Skills Bootcamps are a great way for residents to gain new qualifications and boost their future earnings, while ensuring employers have access to the skills they need to thrive.

“As one of the UK’s largest regional economies, Surrey’s prosperity depends on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of our thriving sectors. By providing pathways to rewarding careers, we’re building a Surrey where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Workforce support for Surrey businesses

Are you a Surrey business needing support around workforce and skills? Do you have plans to grow but struggling to find the talent to make it happen?

We’ve have decades of experience supporting employers with challenges. There’s lots of support available, including fully-funded programmes from government.

Get in touch via our Business Support Form and one of our team will respond within five working days.

A man in orange hi-vis sits on a roller in a construction site. Either side are banners for Skills Bootcamps and STEP Surrey.
Two men in orange high vis and hard hats stand in a construction site. Behind them is a yellow plant vehicle.

One-stop shop for training and jobs to help more people in Surrey find work

Published 21 October 2025

Advice and support, Skills and workforce

Surrey jobseekers can find jobs, learn new skills and access employment support in a single, simple and accessible way via Surrey County Council’s new STEP Surrey gateway services portal.

Latest figures show that more than one in six people of working age in Surrey (17.9%) are not currently in work. Of these, 22,400 people want to work but can’t find suitable employment.

Barriers include:

  • education (30%)
  • long-term health conditions (20.2%) and
  • care responsibilities (19%).

STEP Surrey aims to change that, providing a single gateway for those looking for work, regardless of their circumstances, background or experience.

The aim is to make it easier for job seekers to access the help and support they need, while helping local employers fill vacancies and skills gaps. Visitors will be able to access a live jobs board which is updated twice a day bringing thousands of live jobs together into a single platform.

Those who need extra support will be able to contact dedicated experts who can provide bespoke guidance to help people in Surrey find work and learn new skills.

Surrey Skills Conference

STEP Surrey was launched last week at the first ever Surrey Skills Conference, which brought together 200 employers, education, academics and government delegates to discuss how skills can power the county’s future economy.

It was organised by the council, in partnership with Surrey Chambers of Commerce, with keynote contributions from Robert West, Head of Employment and Skills at the Confederation of British Industry and Holly Hobbs, a Gen-Z influencer and co-founder of urfuture.

Key topics included how to make the most of the transfer of skills powers locally from government, and addressing challenges, such as driving business growth by equipping people who are out of work with the skills that employers need to thrive.

Employment support for Surrey residents

Delegates also learned more about upcoming government-funded programmes available in Surrey.
This includes Connect to Work, which will support 2,500 people with complex barriers to work into local employment over the next five years; and WorkWell, which provides coaching to those with health challenges to get into, return to and stay in work.

Councillor Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “Surrey is a diverse, vibrant and well-connected region contributing more than £50 billion a year to the UK economy – we have a great economic story to tell.

“But beyond those headlines, we know there are challenges, not least the tens of thousands of residents who are currently out of work but want to work.

“The Government has brought renewed focus to work, health, economic inactivity and skills, and thanks to devolution, for the first time we can shape our approach to skills and employment across a single Surrey footprint.

“STEP Surrey is central to that mission – making it easier for every resident to access the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive in our local economy.”

To access help for people in Surrey to find work, training and skills support, visit www.stepsurrey.co.uk.

Keep up to date with all the latest news from Business Surrey by signing up to our newsletter or checking out our events page.

Solve recruitment challenges and access untapped talent through Connect to Work programme

Published 20 October 2025

Skills and workforce

In today’s competitive job market, businesses face persistent recruitment challenges. Hard-to-fill vacancies, high turnover costs, and skills gaps are impacting productivity across Surrey. Connect to Work offers a practical solution that helps businesses access untapped talent and solve recruitment challenges, while building stronger, more diverse teams.

Connect to Work is a government-funded supported employment programme delivered by Surrey County Council. It helps adults who face complex barriers to employment find and keep sustainable work. This includes people living with disabilities, health conditions, and those experiencing other significant challenges in accessing the job market.

The programme matches suitable candidates with employers and provides dedicated employment specialists who support both the employee and employer for up to 12 months.

The benefits to business

1. Fill hard-to-fill vacancies

Access a motivated talent pool that’s often overlooked. In sectors like hospitality, retail, warehousing, and care where recruitment is particularly challenging, Connect to Work can help you find committed employees who are ready to work.

2. Build a diverse, high-performing workforce

Diversity drives innovation and better decision-making. By widening your recruitment, you gain fresh perspectives and tap into skills that might otherwise be missed. Many Connect to Work candidates bring exceptional attention to detail, reliability, and unique problem-solving approaches.

3. Improve staff retention and reduce costs

Employees supported through programmes like Connect to Work often demonstrate high loyalty and commitment, staying in roles longer. This reduces your recruitment and training costs while building institutional knowledge and team stability.

4. Boost productivity through better job design

Connect to Work helps identify opportunities for job carving – tailoring tasks to match different skill levels. This allows your experienced staff to focus on complex, high-value work while essential routine tasks are handled efficiently by other team members.

5. Enhance workplace culture and your reputation

Inclusive workplaces foster empathy, collaboration, and mutual support, with studies showing improved morale across the board when businesses embrace diversity. Plus, an inclusive hiring approach enhances your reputation, helps you connect with diverse customer bases, and makes you an employer of choice for top talent who value inclusive workplaces.

Support through the process

Connect to Work removes the uncertainty from inclusive hiring, and you’ll get support from the team’s employment specialists every step of the way.

They can help:

  • Identify suitable roles and adapt job descriptions if needed
  • Match you with pre-screened candidates ready to work
  • Provide ongoing support to both you and your new employee for up to 12 months
  • With guidance on reasonable adjustments and workplace support
  • Support you to access any additional funding or resources available.

If you’re new to inclusive hiring, the team can also help facilitate work experience placements – a low-risk way to discover the talent that’s out there.

By partnering with Surrey County Council’s Connect to Work programme to support people into work, you’ll access reliable talent, reduce recruitment costs, and build a workplace that performs better and stands out for all the right reasons.

Find out more about how Connect to Work can help your business by emailing STEPSurrey@surreycc.gov.uk or visit: www.stepsurrey.co.uk/connect-to-work.

You can also keep up to date with all the latest news from Business Surrey by signing up to our newsletter or checking out our events page.

woman sits at desk using a laptop. She is wearing a hijab and dark glasses.

Connect to Work launching in Surrey

Published 17 September 2025

Business news, Skills and workforce

Connect to Work, a major new government programme to break down barriers to employment for thousands of people, will soon launch in Surrey. And employers of all sizes and sectors are encouraged to get involved.

Government says there are currently 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health across the country. And more than one in four cite sickness as a barrier. This is more than double the 2012 figure of one in ten.

Ministers say it highlights the urgent need for tailored employment support that removes barriers faced by disabled people and those with health conditions.   

Connect to Work delivers localised, tailored support to those who are sick, disabled or face complex barriers to work.

Nearly £10 million has been allocated to Surrey to launch and run the programme across the county.

And ahead of the programme launching we’re looking for employers with suitable opportunities and recruitment gaps to get in touch.

How does Connect to Work work?

Individuals can self-refer to Connect to Work. Or they can be referred by healthcare professionals and voluntary sector partners.

Expert employment specialists will provide intensive, personalised help to find a suitable employment.

A job matching service will find suitable employers for the individual. Expert employment specialists will then work with both to help individuals stay in work and succeed.

Read more on the FAQs section of the Connect to Work page at STEP Surrey.

Connect to Work – reaction

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said:  

“For too long, too many people in Surrey have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work.   

“It’s bad for their living standards, it’s bad for their families, and it’s bad for the local economy.” 

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:  

“This investment will make a real difference to around 2,500 residents across Surrey who face significant barriers to employment.  

“Connect to Work will provide help to disabled people, people with health conditions and those with complex barriers to employment, to get into and stay in work.   

“Helping Surrey residents to access good work and thrive in employment is a key part of our commitment to ensuring no one is left behind. Plus it will help to further support the continued growth of our regional economy.”  

Recruitment support for employers

We know that recruitment is one of the biggest challenges facing Surrey businesses.

Looking for support to fill vacancies? Or simply cannot find those with the skills to help you grow?

Get in touch with the Business Surrey team via our business support form. One of our team will then arrange a call to discuss your challenges and explore ways we can help your business thrive.

You can also sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on skills, workforce and other business news.

Business blog – Shaping our future workforce: how employers can inspire the next generation

Published 11 September 2025

Skills and workforce, Thought leadership

In our latest Business Surrey blog, Georgia Edwards, Surrey Careers Hub’s Enterprise Coordinator for South West Surrey, explains how employers play a vital role in shaping the future workforce, and the various ways in which your business can get involved.

By opening your doors to students and educators, you can help bridge the gap between education and employment, inspire young people, and build a stronger local talent pipeline. Through modern work experience initiatives including Open Doors and curriculum enriching programmes like Teacher Encounters, Surrey Careers Hub is making it easier than ever for businesses to engage with their future workforce.

Why Employer Engagement Matters

Workplace experiences are transformative for young people. They help students understand how their studies connect to real-world careers, build motivation, and make informed decisions about their future. For employers, these engagements offer a chance to:

  • Showcase your sector and career pathways
  • Build relationships with local schools and colleges
  • Contribute to the development of future talent
  • Influence curriculum relevance.

Open Doors: supporting experiences of the workplace

The Open Doors programme invites employers to host in-person visits for students, offering them a first-hand look at your workplace. These visits typically include:

  • Site tours and demonstrations of emerging technologies
  • Q&A sessions with employees to highlight diverse roles and skills
  • Practical activities or challenges
  • Insights into early careers pathways, including apprenticeships and T Levels
  • Opportunities for feedback and reflection.

These experiences align with Gatsby Benchmark 6, which focuses on meaningful workplace encounters. Employers receive support to tailor visits to student needs, including accessibility considerations and safeguarding guidance.

Download the Open Doors Employer Toolkit for more information and to get started.

Teacher Encounters: empowering educators to inspire

The Teacher Encounters programme connects educators with local employers, helping them understand how their subjects apply in the workplace. Teachers gain insight into:

  • Skills and qualifications valued by employers
  • Local businesses and labour market trends
  • Recruitment processes and vocational routes
  • Career pathways linked to their curriculum.

These encounters have proven highly impactful. According to the 2025 Impact Report:

  • 100% of employers provided greater visibility and understanding of their business as a potential employment destination
  • 86% of teachers understand the full range of job roles and careers in the current labour market that are linked to their subject
  • 100% of employers recognise the value of engaging with schools and colleges and would participate in the programme again

Read more about the 2025 programme here, and read the 2025 Impact Report here.

How you can get involved

Whether you’re new to employer engagement or looking to expand your outreach, Surrey Careers Hub offers practical support and resources. Here’s how you can start:

Let’s Shape the Future Workforce Together

By participating in these programmes, you’re not just offering a visit, you’re opening minds, broadening horizons, building futures, and strengthening your community. Join us in making a lasting impact.

If you’d like to explore any of these collaboration opportunities with a local school, college, SEND or alternative provision, get in touch today – contact Surrey Careers Hub: careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk.