City of London backs £72m “Connect to Work” drive to help disabled and long-term ill Londoners into jobs

The City of London Corporation has teamed up with Central London Forward (CLF) and 11 London boroughs to launch Connect to Work, a major employment programme designed to help residents with disabilities, long-term health conditions or other complex barriers move into sustainable, meaningful jobs.

Backed by the UK Government, the initiative represents a £72 million investment over five years across central London. It will run to 2030, with the ambition to support 17,000 Londoners into work and to help those at risk of losing their job stay in employment.

While most councils will deliver support for their own residents, the City Corporation will reach across all 12 participating borough areas, aiming to help around 300 Londoners. It will receive £1.1 million to deliver its part of the programme.

Naresh Sonpar, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board, said:
“This programme is a vital step in helping Londoners overcome barriers to employment and build meaningful careers.
By connecting jobseekers with employers and offering tailored support, we’re building stronger communities and championing inclusive economic growth.”

Connect to Work will be managed by CLF and delivered locally by the participating boroughs, either directly or through commissioned partners. The support on offer is voluntary, personalised and flexible, from confidence-building and skills to workplace adjustments, with tailored help for employers so placements succeed over the long term.

Cllr Adam Hug, Chair of Central London Forward and Leader of Westminster City Council, said:
“Too many Londoners still struggle to access good jobs. Worklessness has a huge impact on families and communities and holds back the capital’s growth.
We’re proud to be working with the Government and councils across central London to launch Connect to Work, offering flexible, practical support to those who need it most.”

The programme uses a “place and train” approach, helping people into a suitable role quickly, then providing ongoing training and support, which has performed strongly in pilots and is backed by international evidence.

Shadi Brazell, Director of Central London Forward, said:
“The programme will allow us to build on the success of previous CLF programmes which have helped over 20,000 residents into employment since 2018.
Connect to Work represents a large-scale expansion of the ‘place and train’ model which we know has been very successful in test programmes, including in central London, and has a strong evidence base internationally and in existing programmes.
We are looking forward to working closely with our partners in the NHS, local councils and employers to improve access to the labour market across central London.”

Who is eligible?

Residents in the following boroughs can be referred to Connect to Work: Camden, the City of London, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth and Westminster. Programme information for central London is on CLF’s page here.

How it will work

• Managed by: Central London Forward
• Delivered by: local authorities and commissioned partners in each borough
• Support for participants: voluntary, tailored help to find a role and thrive in it long-term
• Support for employers: practical advice and assistance to make placements inclusive and successful
• Timeline: five years, running to 2030

EyeOnLondon City will follow delivery across the Square Mile and central London as the programme rolls out.

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