DWP Expands Employment Program to Support Disabled Workers in Stoke-on-Trent

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled plans to boost employment opportunities for disability claimants in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. This initiative includes a substantial investment of £338 million aimed at expanding the Connect to Work programme, which provides tailored employment support to individuals with disabilities.

As part of this initiative, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will receive a combined £19 million to assist approximately 5,250 people in finding meaningful employment. This funding is part of a broader £3.8 billion jobs package designed to enhance living standards and promote job opportunities for those who are sick or disabled. The DWP aims to offer personalized assistance to more than 85,000 individuals facing complex barriers to employment.

Focused Support Across the Midlands

The expansion of the Connect to Work programme will extend its reach to a total of 15 areas across England. Other regions in the Midlands that will benefit from this funding include Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin, which together will receive £10.7 million to support 2,650 people. Warwickshire will obtain £8.2 million for 2,050 individuals, while Worcestershire is set to receive £7.7 million for 2,000 people.

According to the DWP, the programme provides “intensive, personalised help” that includes individual coaching from employment specialists, job matching services, and ongoing support for both participants and employers. This approach aims to ensure sustainable employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

Addressing Economic Inactivity

With around 2.8 million people currently out of work due to ill health—one of the highest rates among G7 nations—the DWP’s initiative is part of the UK Government’s broader strategy to reduce economic inactivity. The goal is to achieve an 80 percent employment rate by reforming job centres and implementing local plans to support job seekers. Furthermore, the Government plans to introduce a Youth Guarantee, ensuring that every young person is either earning or learning.

Recent statistics reveal that more than one in four individuals out of work cite sickness as the primary reason, a significant increase from one in ten in 2012. This underscores the urgent need to dismantle the obstacles faced by disabled individuals and those with health conditions.

The announcement coincides with the recent passage of the Universal Credit Bill, which received Royal Assent and is set to come into effect in April 2024. The new legislation aims to “rebalance” Universal Credit by reducing incentives for individuals to be classified as unfit for work. It will increase the standard allowance for approximately four million households, while halving the amount paid to those who declare they are unable to work.

As this initiative rolls out, individuals can access support through self-referral or by connecting with healthcare professionals, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners. The DWP anticipates that around 300,000 people across England and Wales will benefit from this expanded support over the next five years.