Benefits changes explained as Government launches ‘Back to Work Plan’ for 1.1m sick
Ministers have announced a series of major reforms to the benefits system, with Rishi Sunak claiming that the UK has a “sick note culture”.
Last month, the £2.5bn “Back to Work Plan” was announced. It aims to get 1.1 million people with long-term health conditions and disabilities back into work.
Part of this plan is a new pilot scheme dubbed WorkWell which aims to offer tailored support to people who are out of work.
Announcing the pilot schemes, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “We are rolling out the next generation of welfare reforms so that thousands more people can gain all the benefits work brings.
“Too many today are falling out of work in a spiral of sickness that harms their finances, their prospects and ultimately their health, where with the right workplace adjustments and help, this needn’t be the case.
“And so we have designed WorkWell, a groundbreaking new service, that will for the first time integrate health and work advice at the local level, as part of our plan to stem the flow into economic inactivity, grow the economy, and change lives for the better.”
What is WorkWell?
WellWork aims to provide tailored assistance for individuals to either remain in or re-enter the workforce either through managing their condition or seeking adjustments in the workplace.
The Government says the pilot scheme will support individuals with health conditions to return to work across 15 regions in England.
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Areas hosting the new initiative include Birmingham, Bristol, Cornwall, Coventry, Frimley, Great Manchester, South Yorkshire and selected areas of north London.
Known as the WorkWell pilots, these initiatives are set to launch in October and will link approximately 59,000 individuals to local support services such as physiotherapy and counselling as well as employment advice.
People do not need to be on benefits to access WorkWell.
The £64m initiative expands on the Government’s wider shake-up of the benefits system, with Personal Independence Payments (PIP) also set to be reviewed as part of a new consultation.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said: “Too often, people with disabilities or poor health fall out of work with no support.
“We have a plan to change that and improve lives so everyone has the opportunity to find fulfilling work. This service will help tens of thousands of people, who will receive joined-up work and health support, tailored to their individual needs.
“This service, alongside a faster, simpler and fairer health service, will build a healthier workforce, and a stronger economy.”
Will fit notes change under WorkWell?
As part of this new approach, the Government is launching a review of fit notes, which it claims are often “issued without any advice” and lead to “a missed opportunity to help people get the appropriate support they may need to remain in work”.
The Government says that data recently published by the NHS showed almost 11 million fit notes were issued last year, with 94 per cent of those signed “not fit for work”.
The WorkWell pilot is focusing on areas with the highest number of people being classed as “not fit for work”, with over 334,000 fit notes issued in Birmingham and 191,000 in the wider Bristol area.
Mr Sunak recently announced plans to review the fit note system to ensure people are offered support before they are signed off from work. The new approach will be integrated with the WorkWell initiative.
The Government is rolling out “fit note trailblazers” in some of the pilot areas. These staff will work with people who have requested a fit note and signpost them to local employment support services so they can try to remain in work.
Ministers have claimed that employment significantly contributes to improved wellbeing by reducing the risk of depression, enhancing physical health, and fostering self-confidence and financial independence.
Will benefits change under WorkWell?
Official figures show that a record number of people are currently deemed not fit to work, with 2.8 million defined as “economically inactive” due to long-term sickness.
In a speech last month, Mr Sunak said he wanted to end the “sick note culture” to reduce this number, amid concerns over the growing cost of the UK’s welfare bill.
This suggests the Government wants to tighten the rules around signing people off work, to prevent those it believes can work from entering the benefits system.
Other changes announced under the Back to Work Plan include expanding access to talking therapies on the NHS; the launch of a Universal Support service to match people with job vacancies; and the expansion of the Restart scheme which helps people gain new skills.
Ministers are also accelerating the rollout of universal credit, with everyone expected to move off legacy benefits by 2026. They are bringing in new restrictions meaning support will be cut off if someone does not try to seek work for 12 months.