Aimed at supporting individuals with health conditions, the UK government has unveild a groundbreaking £64 million scheme dubbed ‘WorkWell’. It will help employees decide to either stay in or reintegrate into the workforce.
Set to launch in October, this initiative will span 15 regions across England, including prominent areas such as Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Cornwall. The programme will link an estimated 59,000 individuals with vital local services such as physiotherapy and counseling. The ultimate objective is to curtail the number of individuals exiting the workforce due to health-related reasons, thereby fostering a more inclusive and resilient labour market.
At its core, WorkWell offers a seamless integration of health and employment services, streamlining processes through a single assessment and gateway. By facilitating access to tailored support, the programme endeavours to empower participants in managing their health conditions effectively and identifying necessary workplace adjustments to facilitate sustained employment.
For instance, an individual grappling with chronic back pain and depression may be contemplating leaving their job. Upon referral from their GP, employer, or local service, they can engage with a Work and Health Coach to devise a personalised plan. Subsequent sessions may involve consultations with physiotherapists, counsellors, and access to additional services such as training opportunities or financial advice, equipping them with the tools to maintain gainful employment.
Furthermore, under the voluntary WorkWell service, participants will benefit from personalised guidance provided by dedicated Work and Health Coaches.
Moreover, WorkWell is poised to bolster existing mental- chealth support efforts, building upon a record £16 billion investment in the previous year. As part of the £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan, the government is expanding NHS Talking Therapies, augmenting resources dedicated to mental-health support.
This announcement comes as part of the prime minister’s comprehensive welfare-reform package, prioritising initiatives such as fit notes and personalised work and health plans. The overarching aim is to forestall individuals’ transition into long-term sickness benefits, thus fostering a more resilient workforce.
This also aligns with broader efforts to combat economic inactivity stemming from prolonged illness, which currently afflicts an estimated 2.8 million individuals.
