Greater Essex’s £30.7 million Connect to Work programme is now fully operational, offering tailored employment support to residents across Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the initiative is aimed at helping people with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or those in other priority groups access meaningful and sustainable work.
Three specialist providers are delivering the programme in Essex: Shaw Trust, Essex Cares Limited (ECL) and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). Their support includes one-to-one coaching, skills training, and job-matching services, designed to give participants the confidence and tools needed to secure employment.
Councillor Tony Ball, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “We’re proud to be delivering the Connect to Work programme in Essex and it’s hugely exciting to have all three of our fantastic, expert providers now on board to support residents.
“Connect to Work will help thousands of people across Greater Essex to re-enter the workplace over the next five years, supporting those with complex barriers to employment to find good jobs. The programme is about employment, but also inclusion and spreading opportunity, helping residents of Greater Essex to fulfil their potential.”
The programme is also open to local employers, offering opportunities to develop more inclusive workforces and access motivated, job-ready candidates. Essex County Council is hosting a webinar for employers to learn more and engage with the programme.
Eligibility criteria for Connect to Work include being aged 18 or over (16 in exceptional circumstances), living in Essex, Southend-on-Sea or Thurrock, having the right to work in the UK, not being excluded from public funds, and not currently participating in another DWP employment programme.
