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A government scheme designed to help employees gradually return to work after long-term sickness cost almost £270,000 in its first year and supported 70 people back into employment, new figures have shown.
The WorkWell scheme, launched in September 2023, allows those receiving short-term incapacity allowance to receive a 'Return to Work Plan' which sets out the tasks they can do and with what adjustments.
These could include, for example, shorter hours, working from home, performing desk rather than manual tasks, or focusing on training.
The response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Law has revealed that 259 people accessed the scheme during its first 12 months – with 70 of them successfully returning to work.
From 26 September 2023 to 9 September 2024, a total of £268,627 was spent on the WorkWell scheme.
The initiative aims to offer flexibility for employees with chronic or long-term health conditions, such as stress and depression, who previously were unable to carry out any work-related duties while receiving incapacity allowance.
Before the scheme, it was illegal for people on the allowance to engage in any form of work, including volunteering or training.
However, it was thought that this restriction could have a negative impact on the return to the workplace of those with health conditions.
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