Government promotes early health interventions to keep people in work

  • Equality & Diversity

Peninsula Team, Peninsula Team

(Last updated )

The soon to be published “Get Britain Working” White Paper will bring locally led health, work and skills plans to the fore. It aims to drive down the near record figure of 2.8 million people currently out of work due to long-term sickness.

A new joint programme by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social, WorkWell, went live in October this year. It was backed by £64 million funding and will reach 56,000 people across the 15 pilot sites by spring 2026.

More details were recently revealed by the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, on a visit to the employment support service being offered at a north London medical centre.

They met local GPs, as well as Work and Health Coaches who deliver the WorkWell services across North Central London. These coaches support people to return to, or remain in, work by helping them to manage their physical or mental wellbeing in the workplace.

Do I need to conduct a risk assessment for an employee returning from long-term sickness?

Get instant, expert answers to your HR questions...

WorkWell pilots connect thousands of people to local support services, such as physiotherapy and counselling.

Ms Kendall said: “Good work is good for health and good for our economy too. That’s why our ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper will join up work, health and skills plans to tackle economic inactivity and boost employment across the country.”

The White Paper is expected to include details of a new jobs and careers service to help get more people into and succeeding in work. In addition, a new Youth Guarantee will mean that every young person is given the opportunity to earn or learn. This will be achieved by linking jobseekers with employers, with an increased focus on skills and careers.

Visit BrAInbox today where you can find answers to questions like What is a phased return to work?

Related articles

  • Blog

    Is it inappropriate to celebrate Valentine’s Day at work?

    Valentine’s Day is an occasion for showing appreciation for the people who mean a lot to you. But on a day that’s meant to be all about celebrating love and romance, how can you prevent the risk of employees blurring professional boundaries?

    Kate Palmer FCIPD - Director of HR Advice and Consultancy at global employment law consultancy, Peninsula.
    Kate PalmerEmployment Services Director
    • Employee Conduct
  • Blog

    Struck off Oxford director ordered to pay £109k

    A disqualified company director has been found guilty of continuing to act as one when disqualified has been ordered to pay £100,000 or face imprisonment after transferring company funds to his personal account

    Peninsula Logo
    Peninsula TeamPeninsula Team
    • Disciplinary

Try Brainbox for free today

When AI meets 40 years of Peninsula expertise... you get instant, expert answers to your HR and health & safety questions

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the latest news & tips that matter most to your business in our monthly newsletter.