£5.7 million to help 1,400 young people back into work

The Connect to Work scheme, approved by the West Midlands Combined Authority investment board on Monday, is being created to remove barriers for people aged 18-24 trying to find work.

Richard Parker, elected mayor for the West Midlands, said it would build on the successful Thrive into Work programme through which nearly 9,800 people have been supported since it was launched in 2018.

He said the combined authority would work with local councils to provide tailored support, as well as with businesses to better understand their workforce needs so young people can be matched to the right jobs.

Mr Parker said youth unemployment is more than double the national average in some areas of the West Midlands with more than 26,000 18-24-year-olds claiming some form of unemployment-related benefits. 

“Every person in our region should have the same to access to work opportunities, including people with disabilities or long-term health conditions," he said.

“By having the same access to opportunities, everyone has the freedom to make the right choices for them, to help them earn, live independently and improve their health and wellbeing.

“The funding I have secured for the Connect to Work initiative, will support young people to do just that, helping to drive down youth unemployment and get our economy back on track.” 

Across the West Midlands there are 27,265 young people in receipt of Universal Credit, of which 12,660 have health conditions. 

Mr Parker said research had demonstrated how suitable, good quality employment could help individuals better manage their health and secure workplace support.

The region is one of eight selected by government for a scheme focused on supporting young people not in education, employment or training, as part of the wider £250 million campaign announced in the Budget.