Croydon will take the lead in managing the programme on behalf of the South London Partnership, which includes the boroughs of Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton.
Croydon Council is set to help unemployed residents find work through the South London Partnership’s new Connect to Work programme. This voluntary initiative aims to support those who need it most, including individuals with health conditions, by connecting them to local resources and job opportunities.
Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, Connect to Work is designed to strengthen ties between key sectors such as the NHS, businesses, and social care. By integrating local employment, health, and skills support, the programme seeks to tackle unemployment more effectively across the borough.
Croydon will take the lead in managing the programme on behalf of the South London Partnership, which includes the boroughs of Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton. This initiative builds on the success of previous employment schemes in Croydon, such as the Pioneer Programme, which has helped numerous residents, including 36-year-old Moumita Dutta, who successfully found employment after receiving hands-on support in improving her CV and interview skills.
“We’re pleased that the programme will support up to 1,400 South London Partnership residents per year, and 50% of these will be our residents.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
Set to launch later this year, Connect to Work will run for an initial three years, with the possibility of extending for an additional two. The initiative directly supports Executive Mayor Jason Perry’s commitment to strengthening the local economy by providing residents with opportunities to upskill and access meaningful employment, aligning with the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-26.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry expressed his enthusiasm for the programme, stating: “We are excited to launch this initiative, which will offer practical and positive support to get more people into secure and suitable jobs. Connect to Work is expected to assist up to 1,400 South London residents each year, with half of these beneficiaries coming from Croydon. Through a locally-led, collaborative approach, we aim to create a joined-up system that maximises benefits for individuals and communities alike.”
Sarah Ireland, Chief Executive of the Royal Borough of Kingston and South London Partnership Lead for Employment and Skills, also welcomed the programme’s launch: “South London Connect to Work is designed to build tailored pathways into sustainable employment while fostering inclusive workplaces where all individuals can thrive. This initiative will not only help jobseekers secure quality jobs but also enable businesses to access a diverse talent pool equipped with the skills needed to drive economic growth.”
The South London Partnership continues to work collaboratively across boroughs and sectors to ensure residents have access to valuable employment and training opportunities. By enhancing economic mobility and supporting businesses in building an inclusive workforce, Connect to Work represents a significant step forward in Croydon’s efforts to create a thriving local economy where residents can live, work, and prosper.
