Soon, people who are having trouble finding work will be able to enroll in a program designed to help them do so. Oxfordshire will receive £8.3 million from the £1 billion, five-year Connect to Work national program.
The program, which will launch in the county at the end of November, intends to assist 2,000 individuals, including those with impairments or chronic physical or mental health issues, in finding employment.
According to the government, it aimed to provide people “the skills to succeed” and help them reach their full potential.
According to the most recent data for Oxfordshire, over 64,000 persons, or 14% of the population between the ages of 16 and 64, are not employed.
The Oxfordshire initiative, which will begin with eight participants in its first month, will invest almost £4,000 in each job seeker to assist them in obtaining and maintaining employment.
The Oxfordshire County Council will administer the programme, and there are now 40 individuals on the waiting list.
Jenny Taylor was hired by the council’s internal print company under a similar inclusive scheme.
It’s looking for a job that is accommodating, empathetic, and ready to support you when you’re struggling,” she said.
“After 36 years of living with my parents, I recently moved into my first house. The achievement of that freedom was crucial.
Participation in the program is voluntary and free of charge.
The county council’s Connect to Work lead officer, Will Gardner, stated: “It’s the largest initiative of its kind that Oxfordshire has seen in a while.
“People must want to participate for it to succeed. That is essential.
at order to help persons with health difficulties learn more about the program, employment specialists will be stationed at general practitioners’ offices, providing guidance and contact information.
“Doctors adore it,” stated Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of Disabilities.
“Because for many people, especially those who suffer from anxiety or mental health issues, working is the best thing they can do to improve their health.
“The general practitioner can direct them to an on-site employment counselor. That simply indicates that it is lot simpler for them to obtain the assistance they require.