Long-term illness is keeping millions of people out of work in the UK, but a new government initiative is proving that targeted support can make a real difference
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Personnel Today
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has been piloting a program across 20 locations in the UK to tackle ill health-related worklessness. Through this initiative, 37,000 individuals on long-term sick leave have been removed from NHS waiting lists and supported in returning to work. The program tested a range of targeted interventions aimed at reducing waiting times and helping people overcome barriers to employment.
Improvement in Pilot Areas
Between October 2024 and January 2025, data revealed that NHS waiting lists in the pilot areas were reduced at a rate 130% faster than the national average. This significant improvement highlights the effectiveness of the targeted approach in addressing delays in treatment and employment support.
One of the key strategies introduced was the creation of ‘super clinics’ at the Northern Care Alliance and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. These clinics were able to see up to 100 patients per day, offering not only medical care but also referrals to employment advisers to support individuals in returning to work. Additionally, similar ‘super clinics’ focused on gynaecology were launched at Warrington & Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, using a one-stop model to minimise follow-up appointments and improve efficiency.
Plans For Expanded Roll Out
Given the program’s success, the DHSC has announced plans to expand these initiatives to additional NHS providers throughout the year. This expansion aims to further reduce waiting times, support more individuals in returning to work, and ease pressure on healthcare services.
The issue of worklessness due to ill health is a growing concern in the UK. The number of people out of work for health-related reasons is increasing by 300,000 each year, with approximately 4 million working-age individuals currently affected. Over 8 million people of working age report having long-term health conditions that impact their ability to work, a significant rise from 6 million in 2013. The financial burden of sickness absence and worklessness is also substantial, costing the UK economy over £100 billion annually – more than the entire NHS budget.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for initiatives like the DHSC pilot program, which not only reduces NHS waiting times but also provides a structured pathway for individuals to regain employment. By addressing both health and employment barriers, such programs offer a sustainable solution to one of the UK’s most pressing workforce challenges.
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