Stephen has introduced a programme to help disabled Londoners move closer to employment by offering tailored, one‑to‑one support.
Under the scheme, specially trained advisers—known as work coaches—meet individuals who have health conditions or disabilities and are not currently required to look for work. The advisers help participants explore opportunities such as skills training, courses, and potential pathways into jobs that match their circumstances.
Around 135 advisers are now based in job centres across London, forming part of a wider effort that has supported more than 65,000 people nationally in its first year. Evidence published about the programme suggests that personalised guidance increases the likelihood that participants will find and sustain employment over time.
A recent review carried out by Sir Charlie Mayfield looked at ways to improve workplace health and test new approaches over the next few years. There is also a focus on helping people stay in work when they develop health problems, where small changes in the workplace could prevent them from feeling they have to leave their job.
Speaking about the programme, Stephen said: “A year ago, the DWP set the target that we wanted to give this extra work coach support to 65,000 people over the course of the following 12 months and we managed that. These are people who the system has previously told they are incapable of work, and it's kind of written them off.
“We know that lots of people actually can be in work, and we want to give them the support to make work feasible. The evidence is now very clear. We're publishing new evidence on this, that those who've had this additional help are significantly more likely to be in work, be in a job, and stay in work for an extended period. And we want to give people the chance of fulfilling their ambitions.”