Sicknote culture crackdown as 59k ill Brits will get ‘work & health’ coaches to stop them dropping out of workforce
A SQUAD of work and health coaches will wage war on sicknote culture by helping the ill and disabled stay in work.
They will prepare personalised plans for tens of thousands of people across England so they can carry on with their jobs.
Support might include physiotherapy, counselling, workplace adjustments such as flexible hours, and debt advice.
The £64million WorkWell programme will be tested in 15 areas, including Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Cornwall, from October.
It comes after PM Rishi Sunak vowed to get tough on state handouts and Britain’s sicknote culture by removing power from GPs to sign workers off as ill. The Government wants WorkWell to issue sicknotes.
It would mean those who request one have a work and health conversation and are directed to employment support services so they can get help to remain in work or get a job.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: “WorkWell will link people at risk of unemployment with community services like physiotherapy, counselling, and money advice to ensure the barriers they face don’t hold them back.
“It’s part of a wider plan to deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain, and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.”
WorkWell will be for anyone with a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions, who wants to work.