The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a £338 million plan to help sick and disabled people back into work. This ambitious initiative, rolled out through the Connect to Work scheme, is designed to provide intensive, tailored support to individuals facing employment barriers while boosting the UK’s overall workforce participation.
The funding, unveiled in September 2025, will benefit 85,000 people across 15 local authority areas in England, with more than 300,000 people in England and Wales expected to gain from the scheme over the next five years.
Why the £338m Plan Matters
Employment rates in the UK are yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. For many disabled and long-term sick individuals, the lack of tailored employment support has limited access to opportunities. The new scheme ensures they receive personalised coaching, job-matching services, and long-term employer support.
According to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, this plan will help participants “overcome the barriers they face and move out of poverty and into good, secure jobs as part of our Plan for Change.”
What Does the Connect to Work Scheme Offer?
The funding focuses on transforming employment services by offering direct, specialist support. Key features include:
- Individual employment coaching from trained specialists.
- Job matching services to connect participants with suitable opportunities.
- Ongoing employer support to ensure jobs are sustainable.
- Preventative measures to reduce the risk of people falling out of employment.
The emphasis is on creating long-term, secure jobs rather than short-term placements.
Areas Receiving Funding and Allocations
A total of 15 areas in England will share the £338m package. Central London is the largest beneficiary, while regions such as South Yorkshire and West London are also set to receive significant support.
| Area | Funding (£m) | People Supported (Next 5 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | 71.9 | 15,000+ |
| Local London | 47.1 | 12,000+ |
| West London | 42.8 | 10,800 |
| South Yorkshire | 35.3 | 9,500+ |
| Greater Essex | 30.7 | 7,800 |
| Greater Lincolnshire | 23.4 | 6,000 |
| Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent | 19.0 | 4,800 |
| Hampshire | 18.7 | 4,600 |
| South London Partnership | 18.4 | 4,500 |
| Norfolk | 16.5 | 4,000 |
| Solent | 11.5 | 3,000 |
| Hereford, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin | 10.7 | 2,800 |
| Surrey | 9.8 | 2,500 |
| Suffolk | 9.5 | 2,400 |
| Warwickshire | 8.2 | 2,000 |
| Worcestershire | 7.7 | 2,000 |
This distribution highlights a balance between London regions and areas outside the capital, ensuring nationwide coverage.
Who Can Access the Support?
The Connect to Work scheme is designed for individuals who are:
- Living with a long-term health condition or disability.
- Struggling to find or stay in sustainable employment.
- In need of specialist, ongoing coaching and job support.
Importantly, participants do not need to be on benefits to qualify.
How to Apply for Help
You can access support through self-referral or with help from a professional.
- Self-Referral: Apply directly via the DWP website through Connect to Work.
- Professional Referral: A GP, health professional, local council, or voluntary sector partner (such as a food bank) can refer you.
Once enrolled, participants will be connected with an employment specialist who tailors support to their personal needs.
The DWP’s £338m plan is a major step towards ensuring that sick and disabled people are not left behind in the workforce. By providing tailored support across multiple regions, the scheme not only benefits individuals but also strengthens the UK economy.
For participants, the program offers more than job opportunities—it provides security, dignity, and independence.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the DWP’s £338m Connect to Work scheme?
Anyone living with a long-term health condition or disability who needs support to find or stay in employment.
How long will the scheme run?
The scheme is funded for five years, with an aim to support 300,000 people across England and Wales.
Do you need to be on benefits to apply?
No. The program is open to both benefit claimants and non-claimants who need extra employment support.