DWP/DH Work and Health Green Paper Consultation

On 31 October 2016 the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Health launched a Green Paper and consultation to help more disabled people and those with long term conditions, into work: Work, health and disability: improving lives

The Green Paper includes:

  • Statutory Sick Pay  review so it better encourages supportive conversations and phased returns to work
  • consideration to extending fit notes from doctors to other healthcare professionals to help ensure people receive more tailored support.
  •  the creation of a Disability Confident Business Leaders Group to increase employer engagement around disabled employment.
  • developing trials on how health-led services and support can help get disabled people and those with long-term conditions back into work – with a specific focus on mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.
  •  a consultation on the Work Capability Assessment (the process for assessing Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit claimants’ capability for work), 

Disabled people, employers, health professionals and a wide range of other stakeholders are being asked for their views on how to make sure the health and welfare systems support those who can work with better opportunities to stay in employment, while protecting those who can’t work

The consultation period runs until the 17 February 2017.

Please also see here the link to press release - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/work-and-health-plan-to-help-disabled-people-into-employment