Connect to Work for Employers.
I am an employer and would like more information about Connect to Work.
Helping you build a stronger, more inclusive workforce
Whether you’re looking to fill a vacancy or support someone already on your team, we’re here to help.
Hiring and retaining staff can be tough. You might be facing:
● Difficulty finding reliable candidates
● High staff turnover or absenteeism
● Uncertainty about how to support employees with health conditions, disabilities or other barriers
● Limited time or resources to provide in-work support
How Connect to Work Can Help
Connect to Work is a fully-funded service that works with employers like you to:
Match you with motivated candidates
Match you with motivated candidates who are ready and eager to work
Provide one-to-one support
Provide one-to-one support for you and your new employees to help them settle in and succeed
Advice and guidance
Offer advice and guidance on reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices
Support eligible staff
Support eligible staff, working with employers, to help them stay in work when facing health or personal challenges
Reduce recruitment costs
Reduce recruitment costs by helping you find the right person, the first time
6. Help at work and we work with your employer
We’ll keep helping you learn and do well in your job.
We’ll talk to your employer to make sure you get the support you need
Partnering with Connect to Work
Get real results with support that delivers:
● Access to a new pool of job-ready candidates
● Improved staff retention and wellbeing
● A more inclusive and diverse workplace
● No cost to your business
Connect to Work is a voluntary programme funded by the UK Government to support disabled people or people with health conditions, and individuals with complex barriers to move into and maintain employment.
It will also provide support to people in work but at risk of losing their employment, helping them to retain their jobs.
Connect to Work is a Supported Employment ‘place, train and maintain’ programme. This means it will bring together vocational profiling, employer engagement, job finding, and on and off the job support for participants.
Employers will also be supported to take on participants. It will also provide tailored self-employment support where appropriate. Supported Employment uses the Individual Placement and Support or Supported Employment Quality Framework fidelity models. It is based on evidence and proven to help people gain or retain employment.
Backed by investment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Connect to Work will deliver tailored, localised support across Somerset.
If you have any questions regarding Somerset Connect to Work or would like to be involved in activities to support the development of the Somerset Connect to Work delivery model, please contact connecttoworkemployers@somerset.gov.uk
Get Somerset Working is Somerset’s local strategy to reduce economic inactivity and foster a more inclusive and resilient labour market.
Stay informed - Business Newsletter.
Please sign up to our business newsletter to stay informed of opportunities.
Somerset Business Newsletter (opens in a new tab; external site)
Be an Inclusive Leader – Become a Disability Confident Employer.
The Disability Confident employer scheme, run by the Department for Work and Pensions, helps businesses recruit, retain and develop disabled people.
By signing up, you’ll show your commitment to inclusion and gain practical support to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to your workforce.
Disability Confident employer scheme (opens in a new tab; external site)
We’re looking to connect with organisations supporting inclusive workplaces
We’re looking to connect with organisations that provide training, advice, guidance, or support to businesses around health conditions or disabilities—whether visible or hidden. This includes expertise in creating inclusive workplaces and supporting employers/employees with diverse needs. that provide training, advice, guidance, or support to businesses around health conditions or disabilities—whether visible or hidden.
This includes expertise in creating inclusive workplaces and supporting employers/employees with diverse needs.
If your organisation offers any of the following, we’d love to connect:
- Training for managers or staff on neurodiversity awareness
- Support or guidance on workplace adjustments
- Coaching or mentoring for neurodivergent employees
Resources
Documents.
Presentations.
Connect to Work – SEIS – Market Engagement
Somerset Connect to Work Programme – Stakeholder Presentation – 19 February 2025
Somerset Connect to Work Programme – Stakeholder Presentation – 29 January 2025
Role of Community Employment Hubs – Connect to Work Triage and Referral
Connect to Work – Procurement Info and Guidance
WorkFit MSK Programme – Early support for MSK recovery and return to work in Somerset
Related information.
Connect to Work – gov.uk (opens in a new tab; external site) [External link]
Get Britain Working (opens in a new tab; external site) [External link]
Community Employment Hubs (opens in a new tab; external site) [External link]
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model (opens in a new tab; external site) [External link]
Support Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) (opens in a new tab; external site) [External link]
Useful links / Library
(opens in a new tab; external site)The Government is making big changes to the Disability Confident scheme to give disabled people better support at work and help employers create more inclusive workplaces. The updated scheme includes stronger standards, more help for small businesses, and guidance shaped by disabled people.
Get Somerset Working Contact Form
Supporting Somerset Employers to Recruit and Retain Staff.
Events.
Coffee and Collaboration: Unlock the Power of Inclusive Recruitment
Grow your business. Strengthen your workforce. Support your community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Coffee and Collaboration event on Tuesday 24th February.
You can find details about the Disability Confident Scheme, Inclusive Recruitment resources and more from the event on the Event Padlet.
Register your interest.
Sickness Absence: Its Impact on Your Business
Is sickness absence holding your organisation back?
📅 Date: 22nd April 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30–9:30am
📍 Venue: Princes Theatre, Burnham-on-Sea
Find out more and register here:
Sickness absence and its impact on your business (opens in a new tab; external site)
View the event flyer
Thousands of individuals across Somerset are eager to work and bring value to employers just like you—together, we can unlock that potential.
Whether you’re an HR leader, hiring manager, or business owner, this free event is designed to help you recruit smarter, strengthen your team, and make a lasting impact.
This is a relaxed, interactive session where you’ll:
- Discover how inclusive recruitment can boost productivity, retention, and workplace culture
- Learn about local support available to help you hire confidently
- Hear real examples of businesses who’ve successfully diversified their workforce
- Connect with other employers who are passionate about people and growth
Location: Taunton Rugby Football Club Taunton, England
Date: Tuesday, Feb 24 from 9 am to 12 pm
Cost: Free
Register: Find out more and register for the Coffee and Collaboration for Inclusive Recruitment event:
Coffee and Collaboration for Inclusive Employment (opens in a new tab; external site)
