Following a successful pilot that assisted over 25,000 people in staying in or returning to work, WorkWell, a health-and-employment support service, is set for a national rollout across England.

The programme aims to help up to 250,000 additional individuals with health conditions, supporting the government’s wider efforts to reduce long-term sickness absence and tackle economic inactivity.

For employers, WorkWell provides early intervention, helping staff before health issues result in prolonged absence or lead to someone leaving work entirely.

Long-term sickness continues to pose challenges for businesses. Currently, around 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term health conditions, and fit notes are issued more than 11 million times annually.

How employees can access support

Participants can be referred through:

  • Their employer

  • A GP

  • Jobcentre Plus

  • Local services

  • Self-referral

Each participant receives personalised guidance from a Work and Health Coach. Available services vary by location but may include physiotherapy, mental health support, workplace adjustment advice for employers, and ongoing health condition management.

Employers may wish to consider WorkWell as a referral option for staff facing health challenges.

See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/expansion-of-support-scheme-to-help-thousands-of-people-back-into-work