<p>The Work and Health Programme provides contracted employment support in England and Wales, primarily for disabled people and disadvantaged groups who are motivated to work and expect to find work within 12 months. Participants receive up to 15 months pre-employment support and up to six months light touch in-work support, personalised to the needs of each participant. The Work and Health Programme has been extended for new referrals until September 2024, providing additional support for around 100,000 people; we expect most of these will be disabled people.</p><p> </p><p>Universal Support will begin in 2024 and provide up to 12 months of high-quality Supported Employment which adheres to the five stage Supported Employment Model of place, train and maintain. There is strong international evidence that Supported Employment is effective in supporting people achieving jobs in open employment at the going rate of pay, with necessary support provided for the individual and employer in order to sustain the job. The timetable and delivery approach for Universal Support will be confirmed following stakeholder engagement, including with local commissioners and the devolved administrations.</p>