The link between health and work has never been clearer.
This week, Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, and Wes Streeting, Health Secretary, made a visit to North Central London’s WorkWell service to observe how the program is transforming lives by helping people stay in work or re-enter the workforce.
Launched just last month with £64 million in government backing, WorkWell offers tailored health and employment support to thousands, highlighting the critical role of good health in fostering economic engagement and reducing the strain on the NHS.
A Vision for Health and Employment in the UK
In a nation where nearly 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness, the need for proactive health interventions is urgent. WorkWell, a new partnership between the Departments of Work & Pensions (DWP) and Health and Social Care (DHSC), aims to tackle these challenges head-on.
By combining health and employment support under one roof, this pilot program seeks to provide essential services like physiotherapy, mental health counseling, CV advice, and interview preparation to individuals facing barriers to employment.
The program is currently being piloted across 15 UK sites, with a goal of reaching 56,000 individuals by 2026.
Liz Kendall reinforced the importance of this initiative, stating,
“Good work is good for health and good for our economy too.”
This sentiment underscores the broader government mission: boosting employment and enhancing overall well-being in the UK.
WorkWell in Action: A Day at North Central London’s Junction Medical Centre
The pilot’s North Central London site, based at Junction Medical Centre in Tufnell Park, has already seen 60 referrals, with expectations to support over 3,000 participants within 18 months.
At the medical centre, patients can meet with GPs, health coaches, and other professionals who help address the physical and mental health issues that often keep individuals from rejoining or remaining in the workforce.
The program targets those already employed and those out of work due to health challenges, offering solutions tailored to both groups.
Help for Currently Employed
For those currently employed but struggling, WorkWell provides advice on managing workplace health barriers, developing return-to-work plans, and negotiating reasonable adjustments with employers.
For the unemployed, WorkWell assists with job-readiness skills such as CV development and interview techniques. This holistic approach aims to prevent job loss and reduce economic inactivity caused by health issues.
WorkWell’s Services at a Glance
Service Provided |
Target Group |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Employed & Unemployed | Addresses physical barriers to work |
| Mental Health Support | Employed & Unemployed | Offers counselling to manage mental health in work settings |
| CV & Interview Help | Unemployed | Prepares individuals for job search and interview techniques |
| Workplace Adjustments | Employed | Advises on reasonable adjustments for sustained employment |
| Health Coaching | Employed & Unemployed | Provides overall health management in work and daily life |
Boosting Employment through Health Initiatives
In addition to the WorkWell program, the UK government is unveiling a sweeping £240 million package under the Get Britain Working initiative, introduced in the Autumn Budget.
This funding will empower mayors and local councils to create employment strategies that address local health and skill gaps.
According to Wes Streeting,
“Our sick society has forced record numbers of people out of work, holding back our economy and costing taxpayers eye-watering sums.”
The WorkWell program represents a substantial step towards reversing this trend by directly addressing health concerns that drive economic inactivity.
Government Leaders Championing Change
During their visit, Kendall and Streeting spoke with local GPs and Work and Health Coaches to observe first-hand how WorkWell is making an impact.
Their conversations with program participants highlighted stories of personal growth, recovery, and re-engagement with the workforce, demonstrating how integrated health services can have a transformative effect on people’s lives.
As Kendall put it,
“Our WorkWell programme provides practical help and support to employers and employees, because we know a healthy nation and a healthy economy are two sides of the same coin.”
The initiative is part of the government’s broader mission to reach an 80% employment rate, reduce NHS waiting times, and ultimately improve both the health and economic well-being of the UK.
Future of WorkWell and Get Britain Working
Looking forward, the success of the WorkWell program could set a new standard for how health and employment services collaborate.
The government’s upcoming Get Britain Working White Paper is expected to bring additional reforms, such as a new jobs and careers service focused on skills development and connecting jobseekers with employers.
This paper will outline steps to address rising economic inactivity and promote an inclusive approach to employment that reaches people in all regions and backgrounds.
Additionally, with WorkWell and similar programs paving the way, the UK government is sending a strong message: economic growth and public health go hand in hand.
By investing in early health interventions, the DWP and DHSC are not only helping people lead healthier lives but also opening doors for them to participate fully in the workforce. This multi-faceted approach to tackling economic inactivity could be a game-changer for the UK’s workforce and overall economy.
The Takeaway
WorkWell offers a powerful model for combining health support with employment services, promising to improve lives and boost the UK economy.
Through targeted services such as mental health support and job-readiness training, WorkWell represents a fresh approach to addressing the challenges of long-term sickness and job retention.
As this innovative pilot continues, it may just be the blueprint needed to ensure that “good work is good for health”—and for a thriving economy as well.
Sources: THX News, Department for Work and Pensions & Department of Health and Social Care.
