Cheshire and Warrington sub-region to secure £4.5 million for employment support scheme

The Cheshire and Warrington region has secured £4.5 million a year from government to fund plans to support residents over come complex barriers to employment.

Called Connect to Work, and set to launch in August 2025, the scheme will provide support for 1,300 residents annually with disabilities, long-term health conditions or other significant barriers to finding work. It will help them identify what they want to achieve and support them to find jobs, as well as providing ongoing support once they are in-work.

At its next meeting on Friday 29 November, Cheshire and Warrington’s Joint Committee, comprising the leaders and deputies of the region’s three local authorities and the Chair of the region’s Business Advisory Board, will be asked to agree to oversee its delivery.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will act as lead and accountable body for the new Connect to Work.  Cllr Karen Shore, Deputy Leader for Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Joint Committee lead for skills, employment and inclusion said:

“This is a really exciting time for Cheshire and Warrington as we continue to explore the opportunities that devolution can bring to the sub-region.  This new Connect to Work programme is a chance to demonstrate how Cheshire East, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester Councils, alongside Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, can work effectively together to improve the lives of their residents, helping them to overcome their barriers to seeking and sustaining employment. 

“Not only is this of immense value to the individuals themselves, it will also help to ensure that local businesses are able to fill their vacancies and thrive. 

“This project supports the Cheshire and Warrington ambition of supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across the sub-region.”

The Joint Committee provides leadership on strategic economic issues for the Cheshire and Warrington region.  The meeting on 29th November will also see council leaders consider amending the committees terms of reference in a move that could open the door to potential devolution for the region following recent discussions with the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, in September.