New National Occupational Health Service Aims to Keep People in Employment
In a bid to help long-term sick individuals return to work, the Government plans to recommend running clubs, gardening, and other community activities as part of a new national occupational health service. Doctors, employers, job centres, social workers, and charities will be encouraged to suggest activities like therapy, life coaching, and social prescribing to help individuals on long-term sickness leave.
The initiative, which includes recommendations for engaging in activities such as singing, cooking, and gardening clubs, aims to support those who are signed off work by offering them alternative therapies and community-based interventions. The plan is part of a broader effort to reduce the number of people who remain off work due to health reasons.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride and Health Secretary Victoria Atkins have stated that while the scheme is not “one size fits all,” they hope it will integrate with existing services to help people stay in employment. In an interview with The Times, they said, “We know the longer someone spends out of work, the harder it becomes for them to find a job.” They also highlighted that one in five individuals claiming the highest level of health benefits want to return to work and feel they could do so with the right support.
Currently, 2.2 million people are receiving Universal Credit with no work requirements. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has previously pledged to address the rising numbers of people too ill to work. The Government’s pilot scheme will launch in 15 areas, testing a service known as WorkWell. This service will combine work coaches, physiotherapy, and mental health treatments. Following the trials, the Government hopes to expand the programme nationally by 2025.
Ms Atkins and Mr Stride explained, “Where someone could fall out of work and onto long-term sickness benefits, WorkWell is designed to swoop in and provide the support that people need to stay in work, or return as soon as possible.”
However, Labour’s shadow employment minister, Alison McGovern, criticised the scheme, calling it “all too little and it’s far too late,” suggesting the programme may not be enough to address the needs of those affected by long-term illness.
