The new Get Britain Working white paper, released by the UK government today, has unveiled the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation. Part of the plans are aimed at tackling ill health as the biggest driver of economic inactivity in the country by fixing the NHS.
Figures show that there is a record 2.8 million people out of work in the UK due to long-term illness. According to the government, the country is also the only major economy that has seen its employment rate fall over the last five years, which has been driven by a significant rise in the number of people out of work due to illness.
To tackle the issue the White Paper sets out a different approach to the employment support system which is backed by £240 million of investment.
To tackle long-term illness that is keeping people out of work, extra staff will be deployed in the NHS to tackle waiting lists in areas of high inactivity, access to mental health care will be expanded and prevention of ill health will be a driving focus.
This will include the deployment of 8,500 new mental health staff and an extra 40,000 elective appointments each week.
Policy and public affairs lead at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joe Brunwin, commented: “There are so many reasons why someone might not be working, and each person’s journey to employment is unique. The best support that someone looking for work can receive is tailored to their individual circumstances.
“That’s where occupational therapists can be really valuable. They can help people build key skills, boost confidence, or address barriers that may hinder their return to work, allowing individuals to find more sustainable and meaningful employment.
“By focusing not only on physical and mental health, but also on broader personal and environmental factors, occupational therapists bring a comprehensive perspective essential to a successful return to work. They work closely with employers to develop inclusive, accessible work environments that support individual needs, to benefit both employees and businesses.
“It’s essential that there are more occupational therapists where they’re needed – in workplaces, GP surgeries, social care teams and housing teams – so that people have access to the support they need.
‘It’s also really important to recognise that, for some people, accessing or returning to work may not be possible. In those cases, it’s vital people have access to welfare that supports their wellbeing, dignity, and independence.”
The government has confirmed that an independent review will also be launched into how employers can be better supported to employ people with disabilities, and will also overhaul the health and disability benefits system to help people into work.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “From the broken NHS, flatlining economy, and the millions of people left unemployed and trapped in an inactivity spiral – this government inherited a country that simply isn’t working. But today we’ve set out a plan to fix this. A plan that tackles the biggest drivers of unemployment and inactivity and gives young people their future back through real, meaningful change instead of empty rhetoric and sticking plaster politics.
“We’re overhauling jobcentres to make them fit for the modern age. We’re giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to prepare them for the jobs of the future. We’re fixing the NHS so people get the treatment and mental health support they desperately need to be able to get back to work. We’re working with businesses and employers to better support people with disabilities and health conditions to stay and progress in work, and it doesn’t stop there.
“Our reforms put an end to the culture of blaming and shaming people who for too long haven’t been getting the support they need to get back to work. Helping people into decent, well-paid jobs and giving our children and young people the best start in life – that’s our plan to put more money in people’s pockets, unlock growth and make people better off.”
