Hundreds supported in first year of employment programme
MORE than 60 people in East Sussex facing barriers to work were able to find employment in the first year of a multi-million pound work support programme overseen and managed by East Sussex County Council.
Connect to Work is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funded programme which was launched in June 2025 as part of a Government drive to support people with disabilities, long term health conditions or complex barriers with returning to work.
Since the programme started, 284 people in East Sussex have participated in the programme, and a further 52 have been supported to retain their jobs in the first year, according to figures released by the DWP.
Cllr Pete Morley, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy, said: “Behind these numbers are people who have struggled to find or stay in employment due to their health, because they are carers, homeless, former armed services personnel, or ex-offenders. Programmes like Connect to Work exist to ensure there is nothing in the way of these people finding rewarding employment.
“The numbers achieved through the programme in its first year are fantastic, and my thanks go to our delivery partners, who have worked hard to make the first year a success. I look forward to seeing what can be achieved in the future.”
The Government-funded programme offers tailored support for people to find work or maintain employment through employment specialists.
In East Sussex, 11,650 people are currently out of work (claiming UC or JSA) and required to seek work with an even larger number of working age adults, economically inactive - working-age people who are neither employed nor officially classified as unemployed. The ambition is to see 80 per cent of the county’s adults being able to work and support themselves and their families.
Sue* is one resident who was able to secure work as a housekeeping assistant at a local care home with reasonable adjustments to support her needs. Sue has autism and faced barriers to employment including challenges with communication, unfamiliar environments, and travel independence.
Sue said: “Getting a paid job changed everything. It will help me earn money, gain independence, and stay busy, as well as interact with people outside my family.”
Darren* who has anxiety was supported to continue his search for a position that suited his long-term career goals and found work at a local hotel. Darren said: “I particularly appreciate the objective of Connect to Work to help participants find sustainable, long-term employment rather than just short-term roles. This focus has been invaluable in overcoming my recent challenges.”
More information about the support available, eligibility criteria and the application process can be found at Connect to Work - Supported Employment Programme
Ends.
Karen Bowles
Tuesday, 16 June 2026