‘Connect to Work’ Programme to Help Thousands of Residents Secure Long-Term Employment

‘Connect to Work’ Programme to Help Thousands of Residents Secure Long-Term Employment

Thousands of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough residents will get tailored support into stable, long-term jobs after Government funding was secured by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

‘Connect to Work’ is designed to help people facing the biggest barriers to employment, including those with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or personal challenges, find work and stay in work.

The funding will ensure dedicated help for those facing the biggest hurdles to employment. This includes tailored support for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, individuals managing personal barriers, veterans, ex-offenders, refugees, and anyone experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse.

The scheme will target support in areas where long term unemployment is at its highest, starting with Peterborough and Fenland.

“We’ve secured the funding, now it’s about putting this money to work to move people out of unemployment and into stable jobs.” said Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow. “Alongside our broader employment schemes, we are delivering a robust support network to help strengthen our local economy.”  

Andrea Wood, Assistant Skills Director at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority said “This is so much more than just a funding announcement, it’s about opening doors for thousands of people in our communities who deserve to find a job they love.

“We are ready to show that with the right tailored support, everyone in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has the chance to shine.”

Cambridgeshire Country Council has been appointed to run the Connect to Work programme.

Cllr Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “All of our residents have the right to work to support themselves and their families, but life has many challenges that can often get in the way.

“This is why I’m so pleased the county council will be running the new Connect to Work programme, with its partners, including CPSL Mind. It will allow us to help thousands of people to find work and support them while they are getting used to their new job.

“This will ultimately have a positive impact on whole communities, especially in areas where unemployment is at its highest, and support our vision to create a fairer Cambridgeshire.”

Connect to Work is voluntary, free to use, and open to any resident over the age of 18 who is entitled to work in the UK and motivated to find employment.

The funding will provide:

• For those currently out of work: Up to 12 months of intensive, personalised support to secure employment.
• For those currently employed: Up to four months of specialised assistance for individuals struggling to maintain their current roles.

ENDS

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Notes to Editors:

About Connect to Work: Connect to Work is funded by the UK Government. It is specifically designed to assist those who face the most significant challenges in the job market, including people with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or personal barriers such as caring responsibilities.

The fully funded scheme operates with a zero-exclusion policy, offering dedicated help to veterans, ex-offenders, refugees, and those experiencing homelessness or domestic abuse. This support also extends to local businesses, providing employers with dedicated Specialists who assist with recruitment, workplace adjustments, and staff retention to help build more inclusive and productive workforces.

Key participant features include:

• Out-of-Work Support: Unemployed individuals can receive up to 12 months of tailored support. This specifically targets those unemployed for over 12 months or at risk of long-term unemployment.
• In-Work Support: Individuals who have a job but are struggling to manage in work can access up to 4 months of retention support.
• Voluntary Participation: Taking part is a personal choice. Participants do not have to be on benefits to access the programme, and for those who are, participation remains completely voluntary.
• Eligibility: Participants must be over 18 in England (over 16 in Wales) and entitled to live and work in the UK. Most importantly, participants must be motivated to work.  

Media Contact: Beth Chapman