Lancashire Combined County Authority unveil plan to Get Lancashire Working

A plan to support more people across Lancashire into work has been approved by the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA).

The Get Lancashire Working plan was discussed at the latest LCCA meeting and it will target people who face barriers to work such as health conditions or disadvantages.

The LCCA will focus on more collaborative working between local and national partners, and aligning services more effectively to reflect the different needs of Lancashire’s communities.

A key part will be the launch of the Connect to Work programme, which businesses are invited to join and play a key role in helping local people move into employment.

Connect to Work, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to support more than 11,000 people across Lancashire over the next five years.

Employers across the region are invited to play a vital role by offering job opportunities to strengthen local communities.

Connect to Work is a voluntary programme designed to assist economically inactive people, including those with disabilities, health conditions and complex barriers to employment, in finding and sustaining meaningful work.

Locally, this programme is led by The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, on behalf of the Lancashire Combined County Authority, with support from Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, and other procured organisations.

The programme will support people who are currently out of work and people at risk of losing their jobs. Participants and employers will receive tailored support from employment specialists, allowing individuals to keep and maintain employment.

Connect to Work will support Lancashire's businesses to bridge any recruitment gaps in their workforce and support existing employees who are struggling to stay in work due to health or personal challenges.

Dedicated employment specialists will match employers and roles with candidates who are motivated and ready to work. Employers and employees will be provided with one-to-one support to help them settle in and succeed.

Connect to Work is a voluntary programme designed to assist economically inactive people, including those with disabilities, health conditions and complex barriers to employment, in finding and sustaining meaningful work.

Bradley, who gained a job through a local supported employment service, said: “I got made redundant from my old job and kept getting turned down for new ones - it was very stressful and made me feel quite sad. With help from Lancashire's supported employment service, I now work part-time as an administration officer.

"I’ve gained confidence, learned new skills, and even won an award on the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders List 2025.”

Michele Lawty-Jones, director of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub said: “Connect to Work will make a real difference to thousands of Lancashire's residents. Ensuring people have the opportunity for good quality jobs is incredibly important to the CCA.

"We want to make sure that everyone is given the chance to secure good employment, and they do not feel disadvantaged just because they may have a disability, health condition or lack of previous work experience.”

Connect to Work can reduce recruitment costs by helping employers find the right person, the first time.

Local businesses interested in partnering with Connect to Work or finding out more about the support available can email [email protected] or visit www.lancashireskillshub.co.uk/connect-to-work