DWP announces expansion plan to help 250,000 people | Personal Finance | Finance
Thousands with health conditions are set to get help to stay in or return to work under the expansion of a pioneering DWP programme.
Up to 250,000 people will receive support to stay in or return to work under the scheme that is being rolled out across England.
The WorkWell service, a health-and-employment support initiative, will now be available across England, following a successful pilot that assisted more than 25,000 people.
The scheme provides personalised help for those struggling with physical or mental health issues, connecting them with services such as physiotherapy, counselling, workplace adjustments, and return-to-work plans.
Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Too often, people with health conditions are signed off sick without the support they need to stay in or return to work – and that doesn’t help anyone.
“WorkWell changes that by giving people the help they need. Our pilot provided support to 25,000 people to remain in their jobs and helped others get back to work. Now we’re rolling this out nationwide – because supporting people to stay healthy and employed benefits individuals, businesses, and our economy.”
The programme forms part of the government’s Plan for Change, designed to break down barriers to opportunity, boost living standards, and support economic growth. Up to £259 million has been allocated over the next three years to fund the expansion.
WorkWell is designed as an early-intervention, health-led service that integrates with local NHS, council, and community services to prevent people from leaving work due to health issues or to help them return quickly if they fall out of employment.
Around 48% of pilot participants reported mental illness as their main barrier to employment, while 59% were out of work at their first appointment.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: “No one should have to choose between a job they love and their health. WorkWell’s national expansion shows this government is modernising a system that has written people off for too long.
“By combining health support with employment support in local communities, WorkWell can give people back their confidence, their purpose and their wellbeing. Crucially, it also eases pressure on GPs and cuts waiting lists so we can build an NHS fit for the future.”
Participants do not need to be claiming benefits and will receive personalised guidance from a Work and Health Coach to assess their health and social barriers to employment. Access routes include employer or GP referrals, Jobcentre Plus, local services, or self-referral, creating a “no wrong door” approach.
Services vary locally and can include physiotherapy for mobility issues, mental health support such as counselling, workplace adjustment advice, and ongoing condition management.
Sadie, a WorkWell participant, said: “I was under a lot of stress from work and wasn’t feeling supported in managing my work-life balance. I went to my doctors, as I wanted to be proactive rather than going off sick and they recommended the WorkWell programme.
“It really helped me to have the consistency of someone to speak to and have someone push me in the right direction. I’m still with my employer, I’m focusing on my health, I’ve got so much more work-life balance, and it started with WorkWell’s support being in my corner.”
Chris Luck, Chief Executive of Shaw Trust, which helped deliver the pilot, said: “Key to its success is meeting people where they are – they can access support in person, over the phone, via video call or even in their local café. It joins up work and health support, with employment coaches working closely with mental and physical health professionals, to make sure people get the help they need.”
Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “The national rollout of the government’s new health and employment support programme, WorkWell, across every ICB is welcome news. Supporting people to stay in or return to work is an important step in helping to reverse the rates of health-related economic inactivity in England, and in turn reducing pressure on the NHS as well as the economy.”
The rollout comes amid ongoing challenges in the UK labour market, with 2.8 million people out of work due to long-term sickness – the highest figure in the G7 – and 11 million fit notes issued every year.
WorkWell aims to intervene early, giving people the support they need before health issues force them out of employment, while also easing demand on overstretched GP services.
