Research bid for WorkWell expansion successful

Professor Adam Whitworth (pictured) and Dr Kirsty Strokosch, Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, have been successful in a £3million research evaluation bid, led by the Institute for Employment Studies, of the Department for Work and Pensions' national expansion of the DWP-funded WorkWell programme.

They will lead the research consortium’s understanding of how policy stakeholders should think about, measure, and strengthen effective work-health systems across local areas.

WorkWell is a health-and-work support programme in England that provides early, personalised interventions to help people manage physical and mental health conditions that may otherwise lead to long-term sickness absence.

WorkWell is part of the Government’s response to the national priority of health-related barriers to employment participation, retention, productivity and wellbeing.

The pilots have supported over 25,000 people - many with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions - to stay in or re-enter work, connecting them to local services such as physiotherapy, counselling and workplace adjustments.

The national expansion rolls WorkWell out to all areas of England from April 2026 and is backed by a £259 million investment. Designed to help people with physical or mental health conditions stay in or return to work, the scheme aims to support up to 250,000 individuals

It is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to break down barriers to opportunity, boost living standards and support economic growth.

Published: 29 July 2026