Connect to Work Programme

Connect to Work is a voluntary employment support programme launched by the UK Government as part of the Get Britain Working Strategy. It is designed to help people who face barriers to employment - such as health conditions, disabilities, or specific disadvantages - find and stay in meaningful work.

The Programme is being delivered across the region by the South Midlands Authorities Group made up of Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Council, Milton Keynes Council, North Northamptonshire Council and West Northamptonshire Council.

Whether you are looking to return to work, start a new career, or gain the skills and confidence to take your next step, Connect to Work is here to support you.

For employers

Connect to Work:

• offers a wide pool of talented people who are often overlooked and get tailored local support
• saves time and the cost of recruitment and onboarding of suitable candidates
• helps build a more inclusive and diverse workforce
• reach candidates who are highly motivated to work for your business
• improves retention and loyalty of employees.

Eligibility

This programme is for people who face extra challenges getting into or staying in work.

You might be eligible for support if you:

• have a disability as defined in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010 or the Social Model of Disability
• meet the definition of one of the specified disadvantaged groups with additional multiple and complex barriers that would benefit from support:
  • an offender (someone who is serving a community service) or ex-offender (someone who has completed a custodial or community sentence)
  • a carer
  • an ex-carer
  • a homeless person
  • a former member of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces (AF), a member of HM AF reserves, or a partner of current or former Armed Forces personnel
  • a person for whom a drug or alcohol dependency, including a history of dependency, presents a significant barrier to employment
  • a care experienced young person or a care leaver
  • a refugee/a resettled Afghan
  • a person on the Ukrainian scheme
  • a victim/survivor of domestic abuse
  • young people identified as being involved or at risk of being involved in serious violence
  • a victim of modern slavery

What the Programme offers

• Personalised employment support tailored to your needs
• Help with CVs, job applications and interview preparation
• Access to training and skills development
• Connections to local employers and job opportunities
• Guidance from experienced employment advisers

Suitability

You must be:

• aged 18 or over
• living in West Northamptonshire
• motivated to find paid employment

You must not be:

• on another DWP work programme
• in employment or at risk of losing paid work.

Take part

To express your interest in Connect to Work or to refer someone please submit an Expression of Interest Form.

Last updated 15 October 2025