UK Government Launches £338m Connect to Work Programme for Sick, Disabled

The UK Government has committed £338 million to the Connect to Work programme, designed to support over 85,000 sick and disabled individuals facing complex barriers to employment across 15 areas in England. This initiative offers personalized coaching, job matching, and ongoing support to help participants secure and maintain long-term employment, with approximately 300,000 people expected to benefit across England and Wales over the next five years. The programme is part of a broader plan to increase the employment rate to 80%, addressing the high inactivity rate due to ill-health, which affects 2.8 million people in the UK. The investment coincides with the Universal Credit Act receiving royal assent, which includes increasing the basic universal credit standard allowance in line with inflation until 2030, although the health-related component of benefits will be reduced for new claimants after April 2026 unless they have severe or terminal conditions. Government officials emphasize that these reforms aim to reduce dependency on benefits by providing targeted support to help disabled and sick people return to work, improving their living standards and economic participation. The programme builds on previous initiatives like WorkWell, reflecting a joined-up approach involving healthcare and employment services to prevent people from falling out of work.