A Shropshire Council supported employment programme is marking its first year in operation having supported numerous individuals into sustainable employment while helping local businesses recruit motivated staff.

Launched last year across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire with delivery partners ENABLE (Shropshire), Job Box(T&W) and Herefordshire’s Youth Employment Hub, Connect to Work is funded by the Government and is part of its Get Britain Working strategy.

The programme helps people facing significant obstacles to employment – such as physical or mental disabilities, chronic health conditions or other complex barriers – to secure paid work and build confidence, independence and lasting careers.

The programme collaborates with referral partners such as Social Prescribers, Autism Hubs, GP practices, and other support organisations to promote opportunities. It also works with local employers to match candidates to roles and provide comprehensive support throughout recruitment and placement.

Since its launch in October 2025, Connect to Work has achieved outstanding results across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin.

Current data also shows that participants have varied educational backgrounds, including one-third who hold university degrees or formal qualifications. This demonstrates that unemployment affects people across the community and not just those with limited skills.

For those who have received support from the programme to return to work, the experience has been valuable and life changing.

One client supported through the programme described how tailored, one‑to‑one employment support helped them rebuild confidence after a prolonged period away from stable work due to caring responsibilities and health challenges.

With practical help to identify transferable skills, prepare for interviews and secure appropriate workplace adjustments, they have since moved into a role that fits both their professional experience and personal circumstances.

Reflecting on their progress, they said,

“Yes, I adore my role – professionally and personally – it’s a great fit. I’ve just had my first one‑to‑one and there was nothing I could do better [in my new role] – it reinforced that maybe I’ve been hard on myself and that actually I am capable… something you helped me to believe!”

Once someone starts work, the programme continues to provide in-work support for both the individual and employer, helping to resolve issues early and build long-term working relationships.

Cllr Rob Wilson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“For many residents, returning to work can feel daunting, particularly if they are managing health conditions or other barriers. Connect to Work is proving that with the right support, people can succeed and thrive in employment. Seeing individuals build confidence, independence and lasting careers while supporting our local economy has been one of the most positive outcomes of the programme’s first year.”

In its second year, the programme will broaden employer engagement, boost participation, improve long-term employment outcomes, and support businesses across Shropshire.

Participants seeking support and employers interested in recruiting through Connect to Work or learning more about the support available can contact the team at connecttowork@shropshire.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

As part of the Government’s Get Britain Working strategy, in 2025 Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire Councils were awarded a combined £10.7 million to deliver the Connect to Work programme locally.

Connect to Work is a supported employment programme delivered across the three LA areas, administered by Shropshire Council.

The programme responds to rising health‑related economic inactivity in the UK:

Around 1.9 million people want to work but are not in the labour market, often due to health or disability

Evidence shows that good work improves physical and mental health, while long‑term unemployment worsens outcomes

Connect to Work is intended to be preventative, person‑centred, and locally integrated, rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all national scheme