Issue - meetings

Background:

This report set out details of a new large employment programme called Connect to Work (previously known as Universal Support), which had been launched by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP).

The Programme would be significant for Kent and Medway, aiming to reduce economic inactivity by supporting people into work. Kent County Council and Medway Council were required to submit a delivery plan to the DWP in order to receive funding.

The report explained that the Connect to Work programme was one of the initiatives launched in the new ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper. The ambition was for a more inclusive economy which enabled people to get into work and to get on at work, ensuring employment opportunity for all. The Government aimed to take a more collaborative, locally led approach to tackling ‘Hidden Unemployment’, to support local people to realise their potential through local and national growth.

A Diversity Impact Assessment had been undertaken in relation to Connect to Work and was attached at Appendix A to the report.

Reasons:

The Connect to Work programme will have great benefit for the residents of Medway, providing high quality employment support to hundreds of Medway residents.