A new supported employment scheme is being launched in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay to help support almost 6,000 people into work over the next five years. 

The Connect to Work programme, backed by £22.7 million from the UK Government’s Get Britain Working Programme, is being led and delivered by the three local authorities to ensure support reflects local priorities and reaches the people who need it most. It will improve access to employment, health and skills support and help reduce economic inactivity across the region. 

The programme is designed to support disabled people, those with health conditions, and those facing other complex barriers move into paid, sustainable employment. 

Participants who take part in the voluntary initiative will be supported by a dedicated specialist employment adviser who will: 

• Work with them to understand their career goals; 

• Provide tailored support to participants based on their health and employment needs, and address specific barriers; 

• Support people to talk with prospective employers, removing the need to go through complex application processes; 

• Provide ongoing support to employers and participants after starting a job to ensure long-term success. 

Connect to Work is due to go live in Plymouth this month (November) and will then be rolled out in Devon and Torbay in December. The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority retains a strategic role in the project, working to align activity with the wider ambitions of the Get Devon, Plymouth and Torbay Working Plan and strengthen coordination across the area. 

Devon County Council is the lead authority on the programme working in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council. 

Councillor Simon Clist, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources, said: 

“The Connect to Work programme is aiming to help people who could work but are currently being left behind through no fault of their own. Their talent is being left untapped and they’re not being given the opportunity to realise their potential. This scheme is looking to change that through the support on offer to not just help find work for people but to help them sustain their employment. 

“By investing in people, we can help them achieve their ambitions. As well as the one-to-one support for participants, employers will also be supported to promote inclusive employment practices and job development.” 

Councillor Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said: 

“The Connect to Work programme will provide valuable support to residents in Torbay who are facing complex barriers to accessing or staying in employment, helping to empower them with the skills and personalised support they need to fulfil their potential and thrive. 

“By working together with local partners and organisations to deliver the programme we can help to enable more inclusive employment pathways, creating stronger futures for our communities and supporting local economic growth.” 

The programme is aiming to help over 800 people in Torbay to access employment and stay in work. There will also be support available for employers and businesses through the programme, which will help them to adopt more inclusive recruitment practices, access advice and toolkits, and create more flexible and sustainable opportunities for local residents. 

More information about the programme in Torbay will be available when a provider has been appointed. They will work closely with our Economy Team, charities, employers and other local organisations to deliver the programme locally. 

For further information on Connect to Work in Torbay visit our website.

Logos of Connect to Work (funded by UK Government), Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.