Employment reforms will link “good” work with good health

As it prepares to release a whitepaper on reforming employment assistance, the government has stressed the link between “good” work and good health.

Last week, Wes Streeting and Liz Kendall from the Department of Work and Pensions and Health and Social Care visited North Central London WorkWell to learn how early health interventions can help keep people working or help them get back to work.

The government said that with more than 100,000 people in north London, or almost 20% of the population, currently unemployed due to long-term illness, WorkWell pilots provide thousands of people with local support services, such as physiotherapy, counselling, and other forms of assistance, to help them remain at work or return, according to the government.

The visit also formed part of the preparations for the release of a white paper entitled ‘Get Britain Working,’ which will focus on developing locally-led initiatives in health, employment and skills to reduce the nearly record-breaking 2.8 million people who are out of work due to long-term illness.

Kendall stated: “Good work benefits our health as well as our economy.” Our Get Britain Working White Paper will combine work, skills and health plans to combat economic inactivity and boost jobs across the country.

Streeting said: “Our sick societies has forced a record number of people to leave the workforce, holding our economy back and costing taxpayers eye-watering amounts.

He said that “Prevention is better than cure” and he added, “WorkWell, will be part our mission to help individuals live fulfilling, healthy lives, and have rewarding careers.

The upcoming Getting Britain Working White Paper will introduce a new careers and jobs service that will help more people get into the workforce and succeed in their careers by connecting jobseekers and employers with a greater focus on skills.

The government will also encourage mayors to work together to develop more integrated plans for employment, health, and skills to combat economic inactivity.

A new “Youth Guarantee” will be introduced to give every young person the chance to learn or earn.