The UK Government has launched the WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund, a pilot programme designed to assist individuals with health conditions return to work while simultaneously easing the workload on general practitioners (GPs).
With £1.5m ($2.01m) in financial support, the initiative is set to benefit 15 regions.
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This approach tackles an issue where, out of the 11 million electronic fit notes issued in primary care across England last year, 93% indicated that individuals were ‘not fit for work’, without providing any alternative support.
Funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), WorkWell sites will bridge this gap by connecting patients to local services that offer work and health advice.
The investment will enable the hiring of professionals within GP practices.
Additionally, the programme will focus on enhancing the skills of occupational therapists and physiotherapists.
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By GlobalDataUK Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Every person we help back into work isn’t just transforming their own life – they’re contributing to our communities, our economy and breaking the cycle that’s been holding Britain back.”
The initiative is exploring alternative methods to reduce the administrative burden on GPs. With 90% of fit notes being issued by doctors, the new funding will investigate how other healthcare professionals can contribute to a more supportive system for both patients and employers.
The WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund aligns with the government’s ten-year Health Plan. The government has also made strides in increasing the number of GPs, with recruitment initiatives.
As part of a broader effort to reduce waiting lists and improve healthcare accessibility, the government has deployed specialist clinical teams and opened new community diagnostic centres operating seven days a week.
This initiative complements a £100m investment in Connect to Work programmes.
Evidence from the WorkWell pilot will inform a wider strategy on work, health, and skills, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Each of the 15 WorkWell pilot sites will receive a share of the £1.5m fund, amounting to £100,000 per site, to support up to 56,000 individuals by early 2026.
