It follows a successful trial
A new DWP scheme is set to expand nationwide, offering a lifeline to thousands grappling with health issues who want to stay in or get back into work. The rollout could see up to 250,000 individuals across England benefit from tailored support designed to keep them economically active.
The WorkWell service, a health and employment support programme, has been successful during trials that helped over 25,000 people. The programme provides bespoke assistance for those battling physical or mental health difficulties, connecting them with vital resources such as physiotherapy, counselling, workplace adjustments, and strategies to ease their return to employment.
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.”
The initiative forms a key plank of the government’s Plan for Change, which seeks to break down obstacles to opportunity, raise living standards, and fuel economic expansion. A substantial investment of up to £259 million has been allocated over the coming three years to bankroll the nationwide expansion.
Nearly half of the pilot scheme’s participants—around 48 per cent—identified mental health conditions as their main barrier to work, while 59 per cent were without employment when they first sought assistance, reports the Mirror.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, 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.”
He added: “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 claiming benefits and will receive bespoke support from a dedicated Work and Health Coach who will assess their health-related and social barriers to finding work. Access pathways are varied—ranging from employer or GP recommendations to Jobcentre Plus referrals, local authority services or direct self-referral—creating what’s being described as a “no wrong door” philosophy.
The services on offer vary depending on where you live and could encompass physiotherapy for movement problems, mental health assistance such as counselling, advice on workplace adjustments and continued management of health conditions. Sadie, who took part in WorkWell, 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, Shaw Trust’s Chief Executive, whose organisation helped run the pilot scheme, 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, welcomed the initiative: “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.”
