I live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland and need help to find or stay in work.
Connect to Work is a free service that can help you find or keep a job that’s right for you
We want to offer the best support to people who want to join Connect to Work. To do this well, we are starting slowly and will grow the service over the next few months. This means that some people or areas might not get the full support straight away. We’re working hard to reach everyone, and we plan to have full support ready soon.
If you’d like support, just click the button below. Someone from our team will get in touch to talk about what help is right for you, and when we can support you.
Is this programme right for you?
To take part, you must:
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Want to find work
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Be aged 18 or over
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Live in Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland
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Have the right to live and work in the UK
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Have a learning disability, be autistic, or be eligible through another category identified by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) (see below).
How it works
2. Talk with an advisor
We’ll explain how Connect to Work can support you. If Connect to Work isn’t the right programme for you, we can suggest other programmes that are more suitable.
3. Talk about you
We’ll help you identify your needs and get the right support.
4. Meet employers
We’ll have conversations with new employers or your current employer to help you engage and find opportunities.
5. Find or improve your job
We’ll help you find a new job or get the support you need in your current job.
6. Help at work
We’ll keep helping you learn and do well in your job.
7. Work with your employer
We’ll talk to your employer to make sure you get the support you need.
Hear from people in Leicestershire who got a job with help from Connect to Work:
Connect to Work - Who can apply?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funds Connect to Work. The DWP has outlined who can apply for Connect to Work support. You can find out more or you can read the full guidance on the Gov.UK website.
From April 2026 the full Connect to Work programme will be starting and we will be able to support more people with different needs and experiences. We will be able to support people from the following groups:
• A person with a disability of health condition
• An offender (someone who is serving a community service) or ex-offender (someone who has completed a custodial or community sentence).
• A carer.
• An ex-carer.
• A homeless person.
• A former member of His Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces (AF), a member of HM AF reserves, or a partner of current or former Armed Forces personnel.
• A person for whom a drug or alcohol dependency, including a history of dependency, presents a significant barrier to employment.
• Care experienced young person or a care leaver
• A refugee, a resettled Afghan.
• A person on the Ukrainian scheme.
• A victim/survivor of domestic abuse.
• Young people identified as being involved or at risk of being involved in serious violence.
• A victim of modern slavery.
Please note: This will be replacing the Supported Employment service which operated in Leicester.
Additional Support
Autism Space
Find advice, information and support around all things relating to autism.
Find out more on the Autism Space web page
Chat Autism
Chat Autism offers support for autistic people and their parents/carers/families or allies living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
visit the chat autism website
ENRYCH for county residents
If you live outside of the city boundary Enrych provides services that empower disabled adults to overcome obstacles and embrace their aspirations.
Enrych website
Joy app
The Joy platform helps thousands of health professionals access preventative care options which will lead to better, long term health outcomes for people across the UK
Joy app website
Leicester City Council
Visit the Leicester City Council website via the link below.
Leicester City Council website
MyChoice Leicester City
MyChoice is a directory for care and support services for people living within the Leicester City area.
Visit the MyChoice web page
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both:
* a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
* difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
Real Purpose
Helping people enter education, voluntary or paid work and most importantly, sustain that work. Support for individuals who may face additional barriers in accessing these opportunities.
more on real purpose
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a payment to help with your living costs. It’s paid monthly. You may be able to get it if you’re on a low income or out of work.
more on universal credit
Voluntary Action Leicestershire
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) is a charity that helps people in local communities to change their lives for the better.
VAL website