New programme to support people to find work

A new inclusive employment programme in Oxfordshire aims to support 2,000 people into work over five years

People facing barriers to employment will soon be able to join a programme that aims to supports them to find and keep a job.

Connect to Work is a £1bn national programme, lasting for five years, with £8.3m awarded to Oxfordshire.

The scheme will start in the county at the end of November and aims to support 2,000 people into work, including those with disabilities or long-term mental or physical health concerns.

The government said it wanted to realise people's potential and providing them with "the skills to succeed".

The latest figures for Oxfordshire, show that about 14% of those aged between 16 and 64, or about 64,000 people, are economically inactive.

Starting with eight people in its first month, the programme in Oxfordshire will spend more than £4,000 on each job seeker, helping them to find and stay in work.

There are already 40 people on the waiting list for the scheme, which will be delivered by Oxfordshire County Council.

Through a similar inclusive programme, Jenny Taylor found a job at council's in-house print company.

She said: "It's trying to find employment that's flexible and understanding and willing to help you when you're down on your luck.

"I've just moved into my first home after living with my parents for 36 years. Gaining that independence was extremely important."

The programme is free to take part and non-compulsory.

Will Gardner, lead officer for Connect to Work for the county council, said: "It's the biggest programme of its type that we've seen in Oxfordshire for some time.

"For it to work, people need to want to take part. That is fundamental."

Oxfordshire has been awarded £8.3m to roll out the Connect to Work programme

Employment specialists will be positioned in GP surgeries, offering advice and contact details to help people with health concerns to understand more about the programme.

Disabilities Minister Sir Stephen Timms said: "Doctors love it.

"Because for many people, particularly for people with a mental health problem or anxiety, for many of those people, the best possible thing to help their health would be for them would be to be in work.

"The GP can point them to an employment adviser on the premises. That just means it is that much easier for them to get the support they need."