Connect to Work: an opportunity for Hampshire businesses to find local talent and build an inclusive workforce

Part of a national initiative funded by Government and led locally by Hampshire County Council, Connect to Work is delivered in partnership with specialist employment support providers.  

The programme aims to connect businesses with motivated local people who may face barriers to employment due to a health condition, disability or other challenges, and support them to move into and stay in meaningful work, providing ongoing help to both employers and employees once someone is in post.

Tom Driscoll, Garden Centre Operations Manager at Blue Diamond has recently employed a new colleague through Connect to Work and said: "What made the process so easy was that we were introduced to a candidate who already had relevant experience, which is quite rare nowadays and immediately made things easier for us. They were keen to work and available to start straight away. Since employment began, the support provided to both the candidate and our business has been excellent, helping to make the whole process smooth and straightforward.

“The candidate has settled in really well and is thoroughly enjoying working with us. Overall, our experience has been extremely positive. The whole process has been incredibly easy, and I would highly recommend Connect to Work to any employer looking to recruit staff."

Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s Lead Member for Universal Services said: “We know businesses face skills gaps, and recruiting and retaining staff remains a challenge for many employers. Connect to Work Hampshire helps businesses tap into a wider pool of local talent while providing tailored support for employers and employees, helping people move into sustainable employment and succeed in the workplace. 

“As well as helping employers recruit and retain talented people, demonstrating inclusive recruitment and employment practices can benefit an organisation’s reputation and often better reflects their customer and client base.  On a broader level, supporting local people into long-term employment and developing an inclusive workforce builds a stronger regional economy, helping all our communities to thrive.”

Recent Government statistics show that nationally:

- Around 25,000 people had started receiving support through the programme by June 2026
- About 4,100 participants had moved into employment with the programme's support

Hampshire employers can find out more about the programme, and how it could support their workforce needs, including free recruitment and ongoing guidance on the Connect to Work Employers webpage.