Up to 250,000 more people with health conditions will receive personalised support to stay in or return to employment, as the government confirms the national rollout of WorkWell, a pioneering health‑led programme designed to boost living standards and tackle long‑term sickness.
Following the success of pilot schemes in 15 areas, WorkWell will now be expanded across England, backed by up to £259 million over the next three years. The programme provides early, tailored support for people struggling with health issues, connecting them to the services they need to remain in work or return quickly if they fall out of employment.
WorkWell forms part of the wider Pathways to Work offer, which brings together health, employment and local government services to support disabled people and those with health conditions to move from welfare into work, or to prevent them from leaving work due to illness. Unlike traditional employment schemes, WorkWell intervenes early and is locally designed, integrating with NHS services, councils and community organisations.
During the pilot phase, more than 25,000 people were supported to stay in or re‑enter work. Nearly half (48%) reported mental illness as their main barrier to employment, while 59% were out of work at their first appointment. The results show that with the right support, people can make sustainable progress back into work.
Participants receive one‑to‑one help from a Work and Health Coach, who works with them to understand their health and social barriers to employment and create a personalised plan. Support brought together through the programme includes physiotherapy, counselling, mental health interventions, workplace adjustment advice and ongoing health condition management, depending on local provision.
Crucially, people do not need to be claiming benefits to access WorkWell. Referrals can come through multiple routes – including employers, GPs, Jobcentre Plus, local services or self‑referral – ensuring a ‘no wrong door’ approach so people can get help in the way that suits them best.
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 rollout forms part of the government’s wider efforts to reduce NHS waiting lists and address the inherited challenge of 2.8 million people being out of work due to long‑term sickness, the highest level in the G7. Fit notes are currently issued more than 11 million times a year, and ministers say earlier health‑and‑work support through WorkWell will help ease pressure on GPs while helping people recover and remain economically active.
WorkWell will be delivered via NHS Integrated Care Boards, working in partnership with Local Authorities, Jobcentre Plus and community organisations, allowing services to reflect local needs. The expansion also builds on recommendations from Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, which highlighted the urgent need for early intervention in workplace health. Alongside WorkWell, 1,000 Work Coaches have been redeployed to provide more personalised employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions.
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