For many Nigerians and other migrants living in the UK, staying in work while managing health challenges can be one of the hardest balancing acts. Whether dealing with stress, mental health pressures, chronic pain or long NHS waiting times, too many people feel forced to choose between protecting their health and keeping their jobs. A new nationwide programme aims to change that.
The UK government has confirmed that up to 250,000 more people with health conditions will receive tailored support to stay in work or return quickly if they fall out of employment, as the WorkWell programme is rolled out across England. The expansion follows the success of a pilot scheme that has already helped thousands of people remain economically active while addressing their health needs.
WorkWell is designed as an early-intervention, health-led service that steps in before problems escalate. Rather than waiting until someone is signed off sick or pushed onto benefits, the programme connects people early to practical local support such as physiotherapy, counselling, mental health services and workplace adjustments. It is part of the wider Pathways to Work offer, which aims to help disabled people and those with health conditions move from welfare into work, or remain in employment with the right support.
What makes WorkWell different is the way it is embedded within local communities. The service is locally designed and delivered in partnership with NHS services, councils, Jobcentre Plus and community organisations. This joined-up approach is intended to stop people from falling through the cracks of the system and to prevent health issues from forcing people out of work unnecessarily.
Following the success of the pilot programme in 15 areas, WorkWell will now be available across all of England, backed by up to £259 million in funding over the next three years. During the pilot phase, more than 25,000 people were supported to stay in or return to work. Nearly half reported mental health conditions as their main barrier to employment, while almost six in ten were out of work at their first appointment, underlining how quickly health challenges can lead to job loss without early support.
For diaspora communities, where job security is often closely tied to immigration status, housing stability and family responsibilities, this kind of early help can be life-changing. Losing work due to health issues can have a ripple effect, impacting finances, mental wellbeing and long-term prospects. WorkWell aims to break that cycle by offering personalised support plans built around each person’s health and work situation.
The programme sits alongside other initiatives such as Connect to Work and Pathways to Work Advisers, which together form part of the government’s wider effort to reduce economic inactivity and help people transition away from welfare where possible. Ministers say supporting people to stay in work is better for individuals, employers and the wider economy.
The national rollout also forms part of efforts to tackle NHS pressures and reduce the number of people out of work due to long-term sickness, which currently stands at around 2.8 million, the highest level among G7 countries. By providing health and work support outside of GP surgeries, WorkWell is expected to reduce demand for GP appointments and cut down on the more than 11 million fit notes issued each year.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said too many people are currently signed off sick without the support they need to stay in or return to work, a situation that benefits no one. He said the WorkWell pilot showed that with the right help, people can remain in their jobs or get back into work, and that the national rollout reflects a commitment to supporting both workers and the economy.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting echoed this, saying no one should be forced to choose between a job they care about and their health. He criticised a system that too often labels people as “not fit for work” without addressing the underlying issues, and said combining health and employment support within local communities can restore confidence, purpose and wellbeing while easing pressure on the NHS.
Crucially, people do not need to be claiming benefits to access WorkWell. Participants receive personalised support from a Work and Health Coach who helps them understand the health, social and workplace barriers they face and develop a practical plan to overcome them. Referrals can come from employers, GPs, Jobcentre Plus, local services or through self-referral, creating what the government describes as a “no wrong door” approach.
One participant, Sadie, described how stress and a lack of work-life balance were affecting her health. Rather than going off sick, she sought help early and was referred to WorkWell by her GP. Through regular sessions and clear guidance from her adviser, she received consistent support that helped her manage her health while staying in work. She said the programme helped her regain balance, confidence and stability, with her employer recognising her efforts to stay engaged and supported.
Organisations delivering the programme have also highlighted its impact. Shaw Trust, which supported thousands of people during the pilot phase in London, said WorkWell’s strength lies in meeting people where they are, whether in person, by phone, online or in informal community settings. By joining up employment coaching with mental and physical health support, the programme removes barriers that often stop people from accessing help.
The rollout will be delivered through NHS Integrated Care Boards working alongside local authorities, Jobcentre Plus and community partners to ensure services reflect local needs. Health leaders have welcomed the expansion, stressing that good work and good health are closely linked, and that helping people stay economically active is key to reducing pressure on the NHS and strengthening the economy.
At Chijos News, we recognise how important initiatives like WorkWell are for Nigerians and other diaspora communities navigating work, health and life in the UK. With the right support at the right time, people can protect their health without sacrificing their livelihoods. As WorkWell expands nationwide, many workers who previously felt stuck between illness and unemployment may finally see a path forward that supports both their wellbeing and their future.
