New funding secured to support people into employment in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex

People facing barriers to finding work will soon be able to access personalised support through a new employment programme which is rolling out across England and Wales and aims to help up to 100,000 people nationally.  

West Sussex County Council, in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council, has been awarded a grant of £15.6 million by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver Connect to Work.  

The programme, which plans to support up to 3,950 residents in the area, is part of the government’s Get Britain Working strategy. It will provide support to disabled people or people who are living with a long-term health condition, care leavers, homeless people, veterans, refugees and others into work.  

Connect to Work is designed to help people who face complex barriers to employment by providing one-to-one support to help them build the confidence and skills to successfully apply for jobs and settle in once they start.  

Support is also available to people who are in work but at risk of losing their job. Employment advisors will work with participants for up to 12 months to help them find the kind of work that suits them and 4 months for participants who are in work. 

Councillor Emma Daniel, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “We know that some people across Brighton and Hove face complex barriers to work and so we’re proud to be working with the Government to deliver personalised support that will boost employment in the City. 

“Everyone deserves the chance to thrive in work, and I am really pleased to see that in-work support is provided as part of this programme. It’s a vital step toward a more inclusive and fair local economy.” 

Councillor Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for economy and skills said: “We are pleased to be part of Connect to Work, helping residents overcome obstacles to finding paid work with coaching that’s tailored to them.  

“We also welcome the opportunities to support businesses to fill their skills gaps with people who are motivated and supported to succeed. Ensuring employment is more inclusive and diverse is a priority of our economic strategy and a part of our wider council plan to support a sustainable and prosperous economy in West Sussex.”

Applications to join the programme will open in October 2025. For more information, visit Brighton & Hove City Council's Connect to Work webpage or West Sussex County Council's Connect to Work webpage.