Employment support for sick and disabled people expanded

The government is to expand employment support for thousands of sick and disabled people.

More than £300m is to be put into the Connect to Work programme to deliver localised, tailored support in 15 areas across England.

The Department for Work and Pensions believes this will help more than 300,000 people across England and Wales over the next five years.

What does the scheme offer?

The government says this extra support will help participants access individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services and ongoing support.

Sick and disabled people can either self-refer or be referred by specialists such as healthcare professionals, charity partners and local authorities.

Quarter of people out of work say sickness is a barrier

One in four people who currently don’t have a job cite sickness as an obstacle that stops them finding work.

That’s more than double the figure recorded in 2012.

As a result, the government believes there is an “urgent need” for tailored employment support that takes away barriers for sick and disabled people.

“For too long, millions of people have been denied the support they need to get back to health and back to work,” said Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary.

“It’s bad for their living standards, it’s bad for their families, and it’s bad for the economy.

“That’s why we’re taking decisive action by investing millions of pounds so sick or disabled people can overcome the barriers they face and move out of poverty and into good, secure jobs.”

Connect to Work participant hails support

Awais Ashraf recently took part in the Connect to Work programme after being out of work for almost two years and suffering with anxiety and depression.

His Job Centre Plus workcoach referred him to Connect to Work, where was given support such as advice on managing his mental health conditions and identifying his transferrable skills.

“I am now working as a teaching assistant and knowing I have my employment specialist supporting me while I am in work is also a great reassurance,” Mr Ashraf commented.

Universal credit system overhauled to encourage people into work

The announcement comes after the government’s universal credit bill received royal assent, which means it is now law.

From April next year, the government plans to increase universal credit standard allowance above inflation for the next four years.

This will be worth an estimated £725 by 2029/30 for a single adult aged 25 or above.

But new claimants assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity will see their awards halved from £423.27 to £217.26 a month.

The government hopes the changes will “reduce the incentives that discourage work and fuel inactivity”.