Thousands of disabled people and those with health conditions have moved into work through the Connect to Work programme, the UK Government confirmed in figures published on Thursday 10 September 2026. The flagship local employment scheme pairs tailored, one-to-one support with real jobs, and it is now reaching more people as it expands across the country.
The Government describes Connect to Work as a voluntary programme delivered through local areas, aimed at people who face barriers to finding or keeping a job. According to the official announcement, the latest data shows the scheme is already delivering results for thousands who might otherwise struggle to enter the workforce.
For anyone weighing up whether the Connect to Work programme could help them, here is what the Government has set out so far.
What is the Connect to Work programme?
Connect to Work is a locally led employment support scheme run by the UK Government. It focuses on people with health conditions and disabled people who want to work but need extra help to get there. The support is personalised, meaning advisers work with participants on an individual basis rather than pushing everyone through the same process.
The Government calls it a “flagship” programme because it sits at the centre of wider efforts to raise employment among people who have historically been left out of the labour market. Because the scheme is delivered locally, support is shaped around the jobs and services available in each area.
Who can join Connect to Work?
The programme is aimed at two main groups:
- People with health conditions: those whose physical or mental health makes finding or holding down a job harder.
- Disabled people: individuals who face disability-related barriers to employment.
Participation is voluntary, so people choose to take part rather than being required to. The Government’s announcement does not spell out every eligibility rule in the published excerpt, so anyone unsure whether they qualify should check the details through their local delivery area or the official page.
How does the support work?
Connect to Work provides tailored, individual help rather than a one-size-fits-all course. In practice, that generally means working with an adviser who understands a person’s circumstances and helps them find suitable work and stay in it. Because the scheme is delivered through local partners, the exact shape of the support can vary from area to area.
The core idea is straightforward: match the right person with the right job, and give them the backing they need to succeed once they start. The Government points to the newly published data as evidence that this approach is helping thousands into employment.
How many people has Connect to Work helped?
The Government states that thousands of people with health conditions or disabled people are now in work following support from the programme. The official figures were published on Thursday 10 September, and they form the basis of the Government’s claim that the scheme is delivering as it grows.
The published excerpt does not give a precise headline number beyond “thousands,” so a single exact figure is not stated here. The Government frames the results as proof that the programme works and justifies its continued expansion.
Why is the programme expanding?
The expansion reflects the Government’s push to help more disabled people and those with health conditions into paid work. As the scheme grows, it is expected to reach a wider group of people across more parts of the country. In addition, wider access means local areas can support more residents who want to work but have struggled to find the right route in.
Getting more people into employment carries benefits both for individuals, who gain income and independence, and for the wider economy. The Government points to the latest results as the reason for building on the programme rather than winding it down.
How do I find out more or take part?
Anyone interested in the Connect to Work programme can read the full announcement and access further details on the official UK Government website:
- Official page: gov.uk Connect to Work announcement
Because the scheme is delivered locally, the specific way to sign up may depend on where you live. The Government’s page is the reliable starting point for checking eligibility and finding the right contact in your area. For anyone who has felt shut out of work because of a health condition or disability, it offers a route into support that is already helping thousands.
