People with disabilities, health conditions and other barriers to employment in Oxfordshire will receive tailored support to help them find and sustain employment as part of the government-funded Connect to Work programme.
The programme is free, voluntary, and designed to help people, whether they’re ready to work now or simply exploring their options.
Oxfordshire is one of the first of 47 areas across England and Wales to launch the scheme. The council anticipates that it will be able to provide tailored support for 370 people over the first 12 months, and 2,000 over five years.
Will Gardner, Employment Print Finishers Team Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Connect to Work is rooted in the experiences of Oxfordshire residents who know first-hand the challenges of finding and staying in work with a disability or health condition.
“Their insights have helped shape a programme that’s practical, compassionate and genuinely empowering.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, added: “This programme reflects our commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient county, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“It builds on the strong foundation of our existing employment services, enhancing and expanding the support available to those who need it most.”
The latest figures show that around 14 per cent of people aged between 16 and 64 living in Oxfordshire are economically inactive, this will include students and people who have retired early. This equates to around 64,000 people in Oxfordshire.
This initiative represents a significant investment in Oxfordshire’s communities, with over £8.3 million allocated to support delivery over the next five years.
The programme will be delivered in partnership with Oxfordshire Employment, Enterprise Oxfordshire and other local organisations, forming part of the council’s wider commitment to increasing independence and social connections for residents as part of The Oxfordshire Way.
Importantly, Connect to Work has been shaped in collaboration with Oxfordshire residents who have lived experience of the barriers the programme seeks to address. Their insights have played a vital role in ensuring the support offered is relevant, respectful and responsive to real-life challenges.
Residents will be able to self-refer to Connect to Work, or they may be referred by a service or organisation they are already working with.
Once accepted, participants will work with an employment specialist to understand their goals and ambitions, receive support in finding suitable jobs, access help with interviews, applications and CVs, and gain guidance on the financial implications of transitioning into work.
They will also benefit from in-work support to learn what the job entails, assistance for both individuals and employers in responding to specific needs, rapid responses to any concerns or difficulties as they settle into their role, and impartial advice and guidance about employment options.
Connect to Work also supports people who are already in employment but face challenges remaining in or returning to work due to disability or health issues. Both employers and employees can refer themselves for this type of support.
In all cases, Connect to Work offers tailored support for up to 12 months (if unemployed) and 4 months (if in employment).
Enterprise Oxfordshire became the new trading name of OxLEP on 1 April this year, marking the completion of a two-year process that saw a new mechanism of delivery agreed between Enterprise Oxfordshire and Oxfordshire County Council.
Since becoming Enterprise Oxfordshire in April, Oxfordshire County Council now act as the organisation’s 100% shareholder – this is known as a Teckal company arrangement.