The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed an update to its WorkWell scheme guidance, with up to 250,000 benefits claimants potentially affected. The revised guidance, published on the Labour Party government website, outlines the typical user journey for the health and employment support service.
What is WorkWell and who can access it?
WorkWell is a health and employment support service providing integrated holistic early help for people with health-related barriers to work. It is aimed at anyone with a disability or health condition who is in work or who could move into work with the right support. Support is voluntary and open to people whether they are in work or not, and regardless of benefit entitlement.
People can be referred or signposted via their GP, local Jobcentre Plus, employer, other local services, or can self-refer. The service is designed to offer flexible and innovative support tailored to local needs.
Pilot success and national expansion
The DWP and the Department of Health and Social Care launched the WorkWell pilot in October 2024 in 15 areas in England. In the first 14 months following launch, the pilot supported approximately 25,000 disabled people and people with health conditions to stay in and re-enter work.
Following the success of the pilot, it will continue to be delivered in existing sites and expand to cover the whole of England. The expansion is backed by up to £259 million investment over 3 years and could support up to 250,000 people.
Updated user journey guidance
In an update on Wednesday, September 2, the DWP updated the WorkWell typical user journey in Appendix A. The guidance confirms: "This user pathway provides an overview of some key potential components of a generic local system intervention through WorkWell Services."
It adds: "WorkWell Partnerships would tailor their approach to reflect local needs and build on existing community assets across work, health and skills. In line with the ethos of WorkWell, this means taking a flexible and innovative approach, drawing on what is already available – such as youth hubs or inactivity trailblazers – while forming new partnerships where needed."
The guidance concludes: "This helps to avoid duplication, capitalise on existing assets within the community, and strengthen local collaboration." The expansion is set to roll out across England, with the updated guidance providing a framework for local partnerships to implement the service effectively.
