Official statistics published on 10 September 2026 reported that 25,000 disabled people and people with health conditions or complex barriers to employment had started voluntary, personalised support through the Connect to Work programme between April 2025 and the end of June 2026. Of those, 4,100 had moved into a job. The previous release, covering April 2025 to March 2026, reported 14,000 starts. The figures cover England and Wales and reflect a period when delivery was rolling out across areas.

The Department for Work and Pensions said the programme remained on track to support around 300,000 people by the end of the decade, following full rollout to every area in July 2026. Over a quarter of participants in the reporting period were aged 16 to 24. The data covers the 46 delivery areas open to participants by the end of June 2026; only 28 had six months or more of delivery data, and Greater Manchester was not included.

Connect to Work is backed by more than £1 billion over this parliament, with £1.2 billion confirmed to local areas. Participants do not need to be receiving benefits and can receive one-to-one support from specialist advisers.