DWP unveils £3.5bn plan to keep sick and disabled workers employed

Department for Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden revealed a £3.5 billion plan designed to reduce the number of people leaving work because of ill health. The programme, supported by the Keep Britain Working review and its co-chair Sir Charlie Mayfield, seeks to create a Workplace Health System that brings together employers, the NHS, local authorities and unions to identify and treat health issues early. Ten months of pilot work with eleven regional Vanguards - including councils such as Cornwall and mayoral combined authorities - have shaped the rollout.

Funding will back WorkWell (£259 million) to help up to 250,000 individuals, while Connect to Work aims to reach 300,000 with personalised support, and more than 1,000 full-time Pathways to Work advisers are already operating nationwide. An employer data project and a work-health prototype are slated for development this autumn. Ministers stressed that early intervention can boost productivity and prevent unnecessary welfare costs.