I am pleased that the government has today announced that the North of Tyne Combined Authority area is getting £49.7million help sick and disabled people back into work – part of Labour’s Connect to Work programme.

This voluntary scheme offers people a hand up not a handout – helping them to realise their potential and providing them with the skills or support they need to succeed.

Whether that is a workshop to improve confidence or communication skills, interview practice or affordable childcare – this government is giving people additional help to give them opportunities they might otherwise have missed out on.

The North East Combined Authority area opened their Connect to Work service for participants at the start of this month. It’s open to anyone who is disabled, has a health condition, or faces complex barriers to work. It can help in various ways including:

• Providing specialist employment advisers who work with participants to understand their health and employment needs and provide tailored support to address specific barriers.

• Embedding advisors directly within healthcare teams – from GP surgeries to mental health services.

• Supporting people to have conversations with prospective employers, removing the need to go through complex application processes.

• Advisors providing ongoing support to employers and participants after starting a job to ensure long-term success.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about Connect to Work can do so at www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/projects/connect-to-work

or via email connecttowork@northeast-ca.gov.uk