Connect to Work
Lancashire is entering an important new phase in supporting residents and employers through the rollout of Connect to Work, a fully‑funded programme designed to help people with health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers into sustainable employment. Locally, the programme is delivered by the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, working on behalf of the Lancashire Combined County Authority and with support from partner councils and employment specialists.
While Connect to Work presents clear opportunities, we also understand that employers are navigating a challenging climate, with rising employment costs and increasing complexity. As a council, our aim is to support businesses to reap the benefits of the scheme while acknowledging and listening to the pressures you face.
A Programme Designed Around Employer Needs
Lancashire’s Connect to Work offer has been built with employers at its heart. The service is designed to reduce common workforce challenges such as high turnover, recruitment difficulties, and pressures on colleagues who may be struggling to remain in work.
What the programme provides at no cost to your business:
- Access to motivated, job‑ready candidates – individuals who have already been supported to prepare for work.
- One‑to‑one in‑work support for both the employer and employee to ensure a smooth transition and long‑term success.
- Guidance on reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices to help employers feel confident in supporting staff with additional needs.
- Retention support for existing employees who may be at risk of leaving work due to health or personal challenges.
These features are designed to help businesses build stronger, more inclusive workforces while reducing recruitment costs and improving stability.
Why Connect to Work Matters for Wyre
The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub expects the programme to support over 11,000 people across the county over the next five years, helping individuals move closer to work or stay in their current roles. This support is voluntary, tailored, and delivered through proven supported‑employment models such as Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and the Supported Employment Quality Framework.
Employers who take part will help open the door for local residents facing long‑term challenges – including health‑related barriers that contribute to Lancashire’s economic inactivity. At the same time, businesses can strengthen their workforce resilience by drawing from a more diverse, locally rooted talent pool.
What National Business Organisations Are Saying
Across the UK, major business organisations broadly support the aims of programmes like Connect to Work, especially as firms continue to face labour shortages.
- The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) welcome efforts to bring more people into the workforce, recognising this as a key tool in reducing skills shortages and boosting economic growth.
- The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recognises that helping more people into work is vital for long‑term economic growth and that small businesses already contribute significantly to giving people employment opportunities.
- The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) supports the direction of travel but highlights that employers are under pressure from rising employment costs, and that government and business must work together to make such programmes effective.
These viewpoints reflect a national picture: employers value the intention behind Connect to Work, but they also want reassurance that additional responsibilities will not fall disproportionately on their shoulders.
We Hear the Challenges Businesses Are Facing
We know that this period of change comes alongside wider pressures, including:
- Rising staffing and employment costs
- Increasing administrative demands linked to new employment legislation
- Recruitment difficulty in certain sectors
- Managing staff wellbeing and retention
- Increasing challenging economic conditions
We understand these concerns. Our role as a council is not just to promote new initiatives but to make sure, they genuinely work for local businesses – practically and sustainably.
The Lancashire Skills Hub will be attending our Wyred Up Event on 8th April and will welcome your questions. Meantime you can connect with them here.
Looking for other business support and events and based in Wyre? Use the Talk to us form
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