Derbyshire to tackle 'hidden' unemployment

Derbyshire is set to benefit from a major investment aimed at reducing ‘hidden’ unemployment.

A total of £3.732 million has been secured to help residents facing complex barriers to work, including disabilities or long-term health conditions.

The funding comes from the Government’s ‘Connect to Work’ fund, part of a wider £14.64 million Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) investment delivered through the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). 

The grant will allow Derbyshire County Council to launch a new Connect to Work programme, designed to support residents with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or other challenges to move into meaningful, long-term employment or remain in their current roles. 

Across the UK, around 2.8 million people aged 16 to 64 are economically inactive due to long-term sickness or disability. In Derbyshire, that figure is 16-18% of working-age residents, which Derbyshire County Council say is a “challenge we are determined to address.” 

Running until March 2030, the programme will have two main strands: 

1) Individual Placement and Support (IPS) - delivered by REED in Partnership, linking closely with health and clinical teams to provide tailored support. 

2) Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) - delivered in-house, focusing on enhancing community-based support. 

Residents joining the programme will receive one-to-one support from a dedicated employment specialist who will: 

• Understand the individual’s strengths and career goals 
• Provide coaching on CVs, applications, and interview skills 
• Match residents with suitable jobs and arrange interviews or work trials 
• Offer ongoing support, including travel plans, reasonable adjustments, and settling-in assistance 

Councillor Dawn Taylor, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: 

“We are proud to have secured this funding to help both residents and local businesses, ensuring employers get the right person for the job. 

“Many people in Derbyshire would be perfect for a variety of roles but face significant barriers to employment. This programme will help break those down while supporting employers to make positive changes. 

“Reducing economic inactivity is key to improving employment outcomes, tackling financial inequality, and supporting mental health and wellbeing across the county. This funding will enhance our existing supported employment programmes.” 

The Connect to Work programme complements Derbyshire’s established employment services, including: 

Disability Employment Service (DES) – providing one-to-one support for adults with disabilities or long-term health conditions to find and sustain meaningful employment. 

Disability Employer Engagement Derbyshire (DEED) - working with local employers to increase job opportunities, arrange work placements and trials, and host employer forums to connect residents with businesses. 

Residents can find out more about Derbyshire County Council’s supported employment services by emailing supported.employment@derbyshire.gov.uk