Five councils in London have agreed to work together to commission a new work and health programme.

The new programme, which replaces the government run Work Programme, will help get people who have been unemployed for longer than two years due to health problems or disabilities find a job.

Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton councils will work together to develop and deliver a single programme across the five areas.

Cllr Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Council and chairman of the South London Partnership, said: 'The devolved funding provides the South London Partnership with a fantastic opportunity to join forces and get some of the most vulnerable people in our communities back into the world of work.

'With our residents’ needs in mind, we will be able to work together to ensure the new programme provides tailored, local support to south London residents improving their chances of securing sustainable employment.'