Marvin OnumonuWest Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council have secured £15.6m from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver the Connect to Work scheme in the South.
The programme will offer personalised support to up to 3,950 people facing barriers to employment, including disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, care leavers, homeless people, veterans and refugees.
The scheme is part of the Government’s Get Britain Working strategy.
Connect to Work will provide one-to-one support to help participants build confidence and skills for job applications and to settle in once they start work.
Support is also available for people already in work but at risk of losing their job.
Employment advisors will work with participants for up to 12 months, or four months if they are already in work.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “We know that some people across Brighton and Hove face complex barriers to work and so we’re proud to be working with the Government to deliver personalised support that will boost employment in the City.
“Everyone deserves the chance to thrive in work, and I am really pleased to see that in-work support is provided as part of this programme.
“It’s a vital step toward a more inclusive and fair local economy.”
Councillor Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for economy and skills said: “We are pleased to be part of Connect to Work, helping residents overcome obstacles to finding paid work with coaching that’s tailored to them.
“We also welcome the opportunities to support businesses to fill their skills gaps with people who are motivated and supported to succeed.
“Ensuring employment is more inclusive and diverse is a priority of our economic strategy and a part of our wider council plan to support a sustainable and prosperous economy in West Sussex.”
