A voluntary programme aimed at helping thousands of people in Hull and the East Riding into employment will begin this autumn, with information sessions for businesses and providers to start next week.
Connect to Work, a new Support Employment programme funded by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), will support disabled people and individuals with health conditions or complex barriers to employment to get into or stay in work.
The programme will provide specialist employment support, including vocational profiling, advice and guidance, interview skills, key skills development and work readiness.
Crucially, it will also provide on-the-job support to both participants and employers, to ensure sustainable employment.
Out of work participants will be provided with up to 12 months of specialist support, while those in work will be offered four months of support.
Hull City Council will be the lead authority for the region, working in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Connect to Work will work closely with the Mayoral Combined Authority and local partners, including the Integrated Care Board, health care providers and local sector groups supporting disabled people and those with complex barriers to work.
Strong local partnerships will be vital to the success of Connect to Work and to support this, online sessions aimed at businesses, providers and other organisations interested in the programme will take place at 10am on Wednesday 9 July and 2pm on Friday 11 July.
Interest can be registered at Connect to Work Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.
Delivery of support to residents is due to begin in autumn 2025.
Cllr Linda Chambers, portfolio holder for adult services at the council, said: “For this region to be one of the handful to be chosen for Connect to Work is a real boost to the local economy.
“We want this to help those wishing to get into work or looking for support to further their careers the opportunity to do so.
“In turn, this will aid the region to become more self-sufficient, whilst also aligning with the council’s ethos of supporting local economic growth.
“I look forward to the programme getting underway and witnessing it improving people’s lives first hand.”
More information on the programme is available at: Connect to Work – GOV.UK.
