New support service launched to help Greater Manchester residents progress at work

A new service is now available across Greater Manchester, offering free one-to-one support to help people progress at work.

Aimed at those in low-paid or insecure jobs, the In Work Progression Service offers tailored support to help them maximise their potential and access better-quality employment. 

The service is free, voluntary, and open to anyone aged 18 or over who currently lives or works in Greater Manchester. Participants receive tailored, individual support including information and advice around opportunities in their current job or a new job, coaching to help overcome barriers to progressing in their careers, and practical support such as applying for new roles and accessing skills or training courses. Support is available until January 2027. 

The service supports Greater Manchester’s Live Well approach, helping to deliver on the city region’s ambition to offer everyday support around work, health, housing and wellbeing in every neighbourhood.

The In Work Progression service builds on the success of Working Well, which has already helped thousands of Greater Manchester residents stay in or move into work. The service is delivered locally across all ten Greater Manchester boroughs, through councils working in partnership with local employment and skills providers.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

“In Greater Manchester we believe everyone should get the support they need to thrive. But too many people are stuck in jobs that don’t pay the bills and don’t reflect their potential. In Work Progression is about changing that. It’s about backing our residents with the support they need to move forward – whether that’s growing skills and experience, gaining greater job security, or work that’s better paid. It also shows what our Live Well approach is all about: practical, joined-up support, embedded in neighbourhoods, that gets to the root causes of the challenges communities face.” 

An early pilot of the In Work Progression service has already supported people across the city region to gain new skills, move into better jobs, and increase their income, and is now being rolled out in all Greater Manchester boroughs.

Individuals can sign up themselves by contacting Stockport Council’s Work and Skills team, or be referred by an employer, GP, or community organisation for an appointment with an advisor.