As reported by the National Health Executive, communities with some of the highest levels of economic inactivity are set to receive enhanced help to stay in employment or return to work after illness, backed by a further £25 million in government funding
The latest allocation strengthens the Health and Growth Accelerator pilot programme and follows £45 million announced last year. Combined, the investment is intended to test how faster treatment and preventive services can contribute to the government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England, which prioritises prevention over reactive care.
Pilots are under way in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, the North East and North Cumbria, bringing NHS services together with tailored employment support. The focus is on conditions most commonly associated with long term worklessness:
• Mental health conditions
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Metabolic illnesses, including diabetes and high blood pressure
Through the new funding, the NHS is trialling earlier and more practical interventions aimed at preventing people from drifting into prolonged sickness absence. Support on offer may include:
• Counselling services
• Physiotherapy treatment
• NHS-backed employment coaching
• Assistance from occupational therapists, employment advisers and other allied health professionals
• Access to gym memberships or structured exercise programmes
Across the UK, 2.8 million people are currently out of work because of health problems. A further 10.2 million remain in employment but are managing medical conditions that could jeopardise their ability to stay in work without timely help.
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