West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has launched a new employer support programme designed to increase job opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, as part of a £37m partnership with the NHS.
The initiative forms part of the region’s Healthy Working Life programme and introduces fully funded training and practical guidance to help employers recruit and retain disabled workers. At least 250 training places will be made available to businesses across West Yorkshire through a combination of online and in-person courses.
The training aims to equip employers with practical tools to improve inclusive recruitment practices, implement workplace adjustments, and strengthen staff wellbeing and retention. Regional leaders say the approach is intended to help organisations reduce turnover while expanding access to talent currently excluded from the labour market.
Alongside the training programme, a new employer toolkit has also been launched. The resource consolidates legal guidance, step-by-step recruitment support, interactive tools, and case studies from local businesses into a single platform designed to simplify inclusive hiring practices.
The toolkit covers the full employment cycle, including job advertising, interview processes, workplace adjustments, career progression, and long-term retention strategies.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire cannot reach its economic potential while thousands of talented people remain locked out of work through no fault of their own.
“With lower than average employment, our region is home to thousands of grafters who desperately want to work but haven’t received the right support with their disability or health condition.
“With this new training and toolkit for employers, we’re building a fairer, stronger economy where businesses are enabled to become more productive, and people are empowered to secure new jobs and support their families.
“By joining up health, employment and business support together, we’re demonstrating that devolution is working for West Yorkshire.”
The programme is part of a wider strategy aimed at increasing employment participation across the region. Local leaders estimate that matching the UK’s national employment rate would bring tens of thousands of additional people into stable work across West Yorkshire.
Research cited by the Combined Authority suggests businesses with stronger diversity and inclusion practices can report up to 19% higher revenues and are 35% more likely to outperform competitors. Nationally, halving the disability employment gap could add £17bn to the UK economy.
Additional support for employers includes a £1,800 graduate recruitment grant intended to help organisations attract new talent and strengthen future skills pipelines.
The announcement comes ahead of a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, where leaders are expected to consider an increase in funding for the Employment West Yorkshire programme. Over the past two years, the scheme has supported 16,850 people into work or training through tailored careers advice, skills development, and interview preparation.
The Combined Authority is also developing a longer-term Region of Learning and Creativity Strategy, which will include the West Yorkshire Promise — a commitment to provide employment support and training for every young person aged 14–24 who seeks it.
Officials say the broader aim is to link health services, employment support, and skills programmes into a coordinated regional system designed to reduce economic inactivity while supporting business growth.
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