The support comes as part of the Government’s £3.5bn Get Britain Working package
Dame Diana Johnson, Hull North and Cottingham MP(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Thousands of disabled people and those with health conditions across Hull and East Riding are to be helped into jobs following a multimillion-pound expansion of employment support. Hull and East Riding will receive up to £11.7m to support up to 3,400 disabled people as part of the new programme unveiled by the Department for Work and Pension.
The £11.7m sum represents the region’s slice of a £300m investment being ploughed into the Connect to Work programme, as part of the overall Government’s £3.5bn Get Britain Working package. The DWP says the investment will deliver “localised, tailored support” to more than 75,000 UK people who are disabled, have health conditions, or face complex barriers to work across 16 areas in England and Wales.
The programme aims to tackle economic inactivity and grow the economy, after the Government said there are currently 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health across the country. In Hull and East Riding, the disability employment gap stands at 23.9% – below the UK average of 26.8% – yet the DWP says thousands of local residents with disabilities or health conditions remain locked out of the opportunities that good work provides.
The Connect to Work programme is designed to give areas the tools they need to create support around what works for their communities, understanding local job markets and addressing the specific challenges their residents face. Support is designed to fit around the individual, allowing participants to meet employment advisers wherever they feel most comfortable.
The programme is devised to provide personalised help including individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services, and ongoing support for those taking part and employers.
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Luke Campbell MBE, Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire, said: “This is great news for Hull and East Yorkshire, and for the people who will benefit from Connect to Work. I’m proud of the hard work my team has shown to get our plan approved. It means we now have something that’s focused on what will actually work for residents across our region.
“Being in work gives people structure, confidence and independence – I’m excited to help more people get practical support and take steps towards employment in a way that’s right for them.”
Minister for Employment, and MP for Hull North and Cottingham, The Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson said: “This Government believes in the potential of every person in every part of the UK. That’s why I’m delighted to confirm funding for Hull and East Riding.
“For too long, too many people have been written off and left behind. Connect to Work changes that – giving people real, tailored support to move into good jobs and out of poverty. That’s what spreading opportunity means in practice.”
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