The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a landmark initiative to speed up treatment for those suffering from back, joint, and muscle issues amid lengthy waits for care. This move is part of the Government's ambitious 'Get Britain Working' white paper, aimed at rapidly returning individuals to employment.
Recent figures show over 1.1 million people across England and Wales receiving up to £737.20 monthly through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to assist with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. To tackle high levels of economic inactivity—defined as individuals out of work and not seeking employment—a £3.5 million fund will be shared by 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England, which will directly boost MSK services. Each area is set to receive up to £300,000 under this initiative, aligning with the Labour Government's commitment to its Plan for Change, aimed at revitalizing the economy and supporting the National Health Service (NHS).
The revolutionary MSK Community Delivery Programme is poised to transform the treatment of musculoskeletal patients via NHS England's Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) initiative. This program equips Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) with cutting-edge strategies to significantly reduce waiting times and hasten returns to work for those affected by MSK ailments.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working. It’s stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress from unleashing their full potential." She added, "This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again."
Currently, nearly 2.8 million people are sidelined from the workforce due to long-term health issues with MSK conditions ranking as the second most common reason for economic inactivity, just behind mental health issues. An astonishing 23% of these individuals, around 646,000, indicate MSK as their primary health concern.
England faces unprecedented delays for community MSK services, with waiting lists swelling to 348,799 patients as of September 2024. These MSK conditions were accountable for approximately 23.4 million lost workdays across the UK during 2022. Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne pointed out the urgency of early intervention, noting, "With prevention, early detection, and treatment, we know the 17 million people with musculoskeletal issues could manage their conditions more effectively, improving their quality of life and allowing them to reenter the workforce." He affirmed the government's commitment to reducing waiting lists and improving treatment options as part of the overall economic recovery effort.
The initiative rolls out across various Integrated Care Board (ICB) regions, aligning with NHS England's Further Faster scheme and the newly launched WorkWell programme by the UK Government. Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, addressed the challenges posed by musculoskeletal conditions, saying, "With over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, we understand the devastating impact these conditions can have on working lives." She elaborated, "Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness, and prevent people from doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel like an impossible challenge." She continued, "MSK Community Services can be invaluable for people with arthritis, and we are delighted to see the launch of this programme across dedicated sites throughout England and eventually nationwide."
The Government first introduced the ambitious Get Britain Working White Paper last November, marking what it deems significant changes to employment support. This proposal seeks to merge health-oriented assistance with skills development to bolster job prospects and career trajectories. Ahead of the Spring Statement scheduled for March 26, 2025, the government will publish consultations concerning proposed welfare reforms.