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 ofย workย dueย toย 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 barriersย toย work.
Nearly ยฃ10 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?
Individualsย 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.
- Employers can get in touch via our Contact Us form.
- Individuals looking for support can complete the Get Support Now form on STEP Surrey.
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:
โFor too long, too many people in Surrey have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work.
โItโs bad for their living standards, itโs bad for their families, and itโs bad for the local economy.”ย
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said:ย ย
โThis investment will make a real differenceย toย around 2,500 residents across Surrey who face significant barriersย toย employment.ย ย
โConnect 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.
โHelping Surrey residentsย toย access goodย workย and thrive in employment is a key part of our commitmentย toย ensuring no one is left behind. Plus it will helpย toย further support the continued growth of our regional economy.โย ย
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.
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