A Government minister said a new programme in South Cumbria will ‘intervene at a very early stage’ for people falling out of work.
The Government has launched WorkWell, which is being trialled in south Cumbria alongside other areas of the UK.
The scheme aims to connect people with local support services including physiotherapy and counselling so they can get the tailored help they need to stay in or return to work.
MP for Barrow and Furness Simon Fell told Parliament he was delighted to find out South Cumbria had been selected as a pilot area for the scheme.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board area is one of 15 areas selected in England to take part in the pilot.
Last year, 455,436 fit notes were issued across its footprint.
Mr Fell said: “May I put on record my thanks to Barrow Jobcentre and to the central Department for Work and Pensions team for the work they have been doing to support the community through the Team Barrow project.
“I was also delighted to find out that we are going to be a WorkWell pilot area in South Cumbria.”
The Government said the WorkWell service provides a single, joined-up assessment and gateway into both employment support and health services locally to help people manage their conditions and to identify workplace adjustments or support that would enable them to stay in work or return sooner.
Mr Fell also asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride to outline the difference the initiative will make to local businesses and people looking to get into the jobs market.
Mr Stride said: “It will intervene at a very early stage of the health journey for those falling out of work and going into long-term sickness and disability benefits.
“We want to stop that journey by helping people and, through WorkWell, bringing together healthcare assistants and work coach assistants to make sure that we retain people in work or, if they are not far from the labour market, bring them into employment.”
WorkWell is for anyone with a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions, who wants to work. It is a voluntary service, so people will be able to self-refer, or may be referred to WorkWell through their GP, employer or the community sector.
Professionals will also provide advice on workplace adjustments, such as flexible working or adaptive technology, facilitate conversations with employers on health needs, and provide access to local services such as physiotherapy, employment advice and counselling.
