Overview

• The primary care scheme went live on July 10 in 15 English regions, each receiving £100,000 to fund dedicated multidisciplinary teams in GP practices.
• Under the pilot, GPs will refer patients to employment coaches, social prescribers and allied health professionals for support such as CV writing, gym memberships and physiotherapy.
• NHS data shows fit-note issuance doubled from 5.3 million in 2015 to over 11 million in 2024, with 93% lacking any plan to help patients return to work.
• Ministers forecast the WorkWell pilot will help up to 56,000 disabled and health-affected individuals back into employment by spring 2026.
• The initiative forms part of the £64 million WorkWell programme and aligns with the government’s Universal Credit reforms and broader Plan for Change to promote health, work and prosperity.