Backed by up to £259m over three years, the roll out followed the successful pilot of the scheme in 15 areas that has provided over 25,000 people with tailored physical and mental health support.
Secretary of state for work and pensions Pat McFadden said: ‘The national roll out is expected to ease pressure on the NHS, reducing demand for GP appointments by ensuring more people get the health and work support they need through WorkWell.'
WorkWell brings together health and employment support such as physiotherapy and counselling, workplace adjustments and return-to-work plans.
The expansion is part of the work the Government is doing to bring down NHS waiting lists and tackle the inherited issue of 2.8m people out of work due to long-term sickness – the highest in the G7.
Secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting said: ‘We're issuing millions of fit notes a year dismissing people as simply "not fit for work". 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.'
Reaction
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: ‘The national roll out of the Government's new health and employment support programme, WorkWell, across every ICB is welcome news. Health leaders know all too well that good work and good health are two sides of the same coin and 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.'
Head of policy and practice at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joseph Brunwin, said: ‘We hear from occupational therapists involved in WorkWell pilots that people are getting real value from their input, particularly where support focuses early on function, routines and practical workplace adjustments. This reflects what we already know from occupational therapy evidence more widely: intervening early to address functional barriers at work and making sure people get the right support at the right time is central to helping people with health conditions stay in or return to work.'
