New £60 Million Government Fund to Support Disabled People into Work

The UK Government has announced a new £60 million Pathways to Work Innovation Fund, designed to support organisations developing innovative ways to help disabled people and people with health conditions access, stay in and thrive in employment.

The fund, announced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will support projects that test new approaches to employment support and tackle the barriers that prevent people from entering or remaining in work.

The initiative forms part of the Government's wider commitment to improving employment opportunities, alongside a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support services.

Who can apply?

The fund will be open to organisations across the UK, including:

• Charities and voluntary organisations
• Businesses and social enterprises
• Public sector organisations
• Innovators and partnership collaborations

The Government is particularly encouraging cross-sector collaboration to develop and test new ideas that improve employment outcomes for disabled people and those living with health conditions.

What will the fund support?

While full guidance is yet to be published, the fund is expected to support projects that:

• Develop and test innovative employment support models.
• Help disabled people and people with health conditions find and sustain employment.
• Explore new technologies and approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence where appropriate.
• Generate evidence of what works to improve employment outcomes.

An expert panel, including people with lived experience of disability, will help shape the fund and advise on successful applications.

When does it open?

The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund is expected to open for applications in September 2026.

At this stage, the Government has not yet confirmed the maximum grant size, eligibility criteria or application process. Further guidance is expected to be published ahead of the launch.

Find out more
More information about the Government's Pathways to Work reforms and the Innovation Fund is available on the official GOV.UK website: