Government launches £338m ‘connect to work’ welfare reforms

• The government's welfare reforms, including the Universal Credit Act, formally passed into law on Wednesday.
• A £338 million investment has been announced for the 'connect to work' programme, aiming to support 85,000 sick or disabled people into employment.
• This programme will offer localised, tailored support, including coaching and job matching, in 15 areas across England.
• The Universal Credit Act ensures the basic universal credit allowance will rise with inflation until 2029/30, but the health component for new claimants will be reduced from April 2026 and frozen until 2030, except for severe or terminal conditions.
• The government states these reforms are driven by a desire to help people move from benefit dependency into secure jobs, with an estimated 300,000 people benefiting across England and Wales over the next five years.

IN FULL

Government launch £338m scheme to help sick and disabled people back into work