Release date: 4 November 2025
People living in West Sussex who find it difficult to successfully apply for jobs can now get personalised job-seeking support from the county council and partners through the government funded Connect to Work programme.
The free programme is designed for people who face barriers to employment, such as those living with disabilities, long-term health conditions and other complex needs, to find and settle into paid work.
Participants will get one-to-one coaching and mentoring from specialist employment advisers to help them build the confidence and skills needed to successfully apply for jobs that suit them. To give them the best chance of long-term success, support will continue after they start work to help them adjust into their new role. People who are already in work but at risk of losing their job can also access tailored help through the programme.
Councillor Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for economy and skills said:
“We’re proud and excited to have been awarded a grant from the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver the Connect to Work programme in West Sussex which will benefit up to 2,700 residents. It’s a great initiative to help achieve the new Get Sussex Working Plan; and supports delivery of our Council Plan priority to create a sustainable and prosperous economy in West Sussex.
“We’re looking forward to helping residents who face barriers to employment get the personalised employment support they do need to find a job. Our aim is to help each person find sustainable work that suits their goals and aspirations by offering one to one support that suits their individual circumstances. Employment advisors will work closely with a diverse range of people providing support shaped around their individual needs.”
Minister for Employment Diana Johnson said:
"Ill-health and disability have locked too many people in West Sussex and Brighton out of work for too long.
"That's why we're investing up to £15.6 million in the area – delivering tailored employment support for people facing complex barriers to work.
"We're backing disabled people's ambitions, not writing them off, and shifting our focus to skills and opportunities under our Plan for Change."
Details of the programme’s eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at www.westsussex.gov.uk/connecttowork
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the voluntary Connect to Work programme is part of the government’s Get Britain Working strategy to support people living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, care leavers, homeless people, veterans and refugees find paid work. The programme is rolling out across England and Wales and aims to help up to 100,000 people.
As accountable body for the West Sussex, Brighton & Hove Delivery Area, West Sussex County Council will deliver the Connect to Work programme over 5 years, aiming to help up to 900 West Sussex residents per year at peak of programme.
