Hire motivated, supported candidates with ‘Connect to Work’
We help employers recruit people who are ready to work but face barriers — long-term unemployment, disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Our employment specialists support both participant and employer at every stage, including help with Access to Work and continuing in-work support.
Why employers choose ‘Connect to Work’
Tailored candidates
We match people to roles that suit their skills and reliability — saving you recruitment time.
Practical support
Employment specialists help with onboarding, training adjustments, and link you to Access to Work funding where eligible.
Ongoing in-work support
We continue to support participants after they start so you get a reliable new team member and great ongoing service.
Financial help & incentives
We can advise on wage incentives, Access to Work, and other support to reduce employer cost and risk.
How it works — simple steps:
- Tell us your vacancy — email connecttowork@shropshire.gov.uk with a job description.
- We match and shortlist — employment specialists identify suitable participants and arrange introductions.
- Supported interview & onboarding — we support interviews and help set up adjustments (and Access to Work applications where needed).
- In-work support — our specialists check in regularly after the job starts to ensure the placement succeeds.
What our employment specialists do for you
- Pre-hire assessment: identify a candidate who can do the job — practical skills and workplace behaviour assessments.
- Workplace adjustments: advice and help to make reasonable adjustments, and signposting to Access to Work funding
- One-to-one support: we work with the participant while in-post to sustain performance, and with you to resolve concerns confidentially and quickly.
- Ongoing contact: regular check-ins for the first few months (or longer where needed).
FAQs
Who are the participants?
People who have been unemployed for six months or more and may face barriers to work such as disabilities, long-term health conditions, or other challenges. They are ready and motivated to work with the right support.
Will it cost us anything?
There’s no fee to work with our employment specialists. We can also help you explore wage incentives and Access to Work funding where eligible.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a government scheme that can help pay for practical support (e.g., equipment, travel, support worker) for employees with disabilities or health conditions. Our specialists can advise and help with the application.
How long will you support the employee?
We provide intensive support while someone starts work and continue regular check-ins for as long as it’s helpful — typically at least through probation and beyond if needed.
I’m a small employer — is this for me?
Yes. We work with businesses of all sizes and tailor support to your needs, keeping the process simple and low-administration.
Contact & Next steps
Email: connecttowork@shropshire.gov.uk
The get MArches Working Plan
Get Marches Working Plan
Shropshire Council has joined forces with Herefordshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council to launch the Get Marches Working Plan, a bold and collaborative initiative designed to help more people across the Marches access good jobs, training, and opportunities.
Each local authority, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Telford & Wrekin, will now deliver its own action plan tailored to the needs of its residents and businesses.