The health and employment support programme will now be available across England following a successful pilot
The initiative offers tailored assistance for those grappling with physical or mental health challenges(Image: sturti via Getty Images)
Thousands of Brits living with health conditions are poised to receive assistance in maintaining or re-entering employment through the expansion of a groundbreaking DWP initiative. As many as 250,000 people will benefit from support aimed at helping them remain in or return to the workforce under the scheme, which is being extended throughout England.
The WorkWell service, a health-and-employment support programme, will now be accessible nationwide, following a successful trial which aided over 25,000 people. The initiative offers tailored assistance for those grappling with physical or mental health challenges, linking them with services including physiotherapy, counselling, workplace modifications, and structured return-to-work strategies.
Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Too often, people with health conditions are signed off sick without the support they need to stay in or return to work-and that doesn’t help anyone. WorkWell changes that by giving people the help they need. Our pilot provided support to 25,000 people to remain in their jobs and helped others get back to work. Now we’re rolling this out nationwide-because supporting people to stay healthy and employed benefits individuals, businesses, and our economy.”
Thousands suffering from health conditions are poised to receive assistance to remain in or return to employment(Image: bymuratdeniz via Getty Images)
The initiative is a key component of the government’s Plan for Change, created to dismantle obstacles to opportunity, enhance living standards, and drive economic expansion. Up to £259 million has been earmarked over the coming three years to finance the rollout.
WorkWell has been conceived as a preventative, health-focused initiative that works alongside local NHS trusts, councils, and community organisations to stop people leaving employment due to ill health, or to support their swift return to the workforce if they’ve already dropped out.
Approximately 48% of those taking part in the pilot scheme cited mental health conditions as their primary obstacle to securing work, whilst 59% were unemployed when they attended their initial consultation.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “No one should have to choose between a job they love and their health. WorkWell’s national expansion shows this government is modernising a system that has written people off for too long.
“By combining health support with employment support in local communities, WorkWell can give people back their confidence, their purpose and their wellbeing. Crucially, it also eases pressure on GPs and cuts waiting lists so we can build an NHS fit for the future.”
Those taking part aren’t required to be receiving benefits and will be offered tailored support from a dedicated Work and Health Coach who will evaluate the health and social factors affecting their ability to work. People can access the scheme through multiple channels including employer or GP referral, Jobcentre Plus, local authority services, or by referring themselves—establishing what officials describe as a “no wrong door” model.
The provision differs between areas and may encompass physiotherapy for movement difficulties, mental health interventions including talking therapies, guidance on workplace adaptations, and continuous management of long-term conditions. Sadie, a participant in the WorkWell programme, said: “I was under a lot of stress from work and wasn’t feeling supported in managing my work-life balance. I went to my doctors, as I wanted to be proactive rather than going off sick and they recommended the WorkWell programme.
“It really helped me to have the consistency of someone to speak to and have someone push me in the right direction. I’m still with my employer, I’m focusing on my health, I’ve got so much more work-life balance, and it started with WorkWell’s support being in my corner.”
Chris Luck, Chief Executive of Shaw Trust, which assisted in delivering the pilot, said: “Key to its success is meeting people where they are – they can access support in person, over the phone, via video call or even in their local café. It joins up work and health support, with employment coaches working closely with mental and physical health professionals, to make sure people get the help they need.”
Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, commented: “The national rollout of the government’s new health and employment support programme, WorkWell, across every ICB is welcome news. Supporting people to stay in or return to work is an important step in helping to reverse the rates of health-related economic inactivity in England, and in turn reducing pressure on the NHS as well as the economy.”
The launch arrives amidst persistent hurdles in the UK job market, with 2.8 million people unemployed due to prolonged illness – the highest number within the G7 – and an annual issuance of 11 million fit notes.
WorkWell’s objective is to step in promptly, providing people with the necessary support before health complications compel them to leave their jobs, whilst simultaneously alleviating pressure on overburdened GP services.