Enfield has been included in a programme aiming to remove “barriers to employment” for people with long-term health conditions

Enfield borough has been included in a new government initiative aiming to “get Britain working” by providing support for people facing “barriers to employment” such as long-term health conditions.

The ‘Connect to Work’ programme was launched earlier this month by the Department for Work and Pensions and is described as an “ambitious, locally-led scheme” which “will provide specialist support for people with disabilities, those with health conditions, and individuals facing complex barriers to employment”.

Through a partnership led by Redbridge Council on behalf of a sub-regional partnership, Enfield will join forces with several other London boroughs to deliver a service funded with £47million over five years.

This investment is expected to support around 12,350 people across the region, with an average of more than £5m available for each borough included in the partnership.

At the heart of the programme is personalised support, with participants supported to have conversations with prospective employers, removing the need to go through complex application processes.

The employment adviser will work with both the employer and the participant to “ensure that the transition into work is smooth, and that the workplace is inclusive”.

The programme is voluntary and open to anyone who has a disability, a health condition, or is experiencing non-health related barriers to employment.

Details of how to access the scheme will shortly be available on Enfield Council’s website.

Enfield North MP Feryal Clark said: “Connect to Work is a game-changer for our community. Too many people in Enfield North who want to work have been held back by poor health, disability, or systemic barriers.

“This programme will unlock opportunities, help local employers tap into talent, and make sure no one is left behind.”

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