Hundreds of thousands of people with back pain and other long-term health conditions are set to receive extra help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
A new support scheme will see specialist Jobcentre staff redeployed across England, Wales and Scotland to provide tailored guidance and training to those too unwell to work.
The initiative comes as fresh figures reveal around 900,000 people are signed off sick due to back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues.
At the same time, thousands of people with back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues are claiming Attendance Allowance worth up to £441.40 a month. This cash support is designed to help older people with care needs linked to long-term conditions.
The Government has unveiled its Pathways to Work initiative, deploying 1,000 Jobcentre personnel across England, Wales and Scotland to assist individuals receiving these sickness benefits.
The programme targets around 900,000 claimants living with back pain, arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders.
These specialised advisers will offer voluntary employment assistance to Universal Credit recipients who currently face no obligation to seek work due to their health conditions.
This marks the first nationwide scheme of its kind for this demographic.
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The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to achieve an 80 per cent employment rate.
Officials report that more than 10,000 individuals have already engaged with the service, with monthly tailored appointments available through Universal Credit journals.
The voluntary support includes various training opportunities, such as information technology courses and HGV driving qualifications.
Participants can access the Government’s Connect to Work scheme, which delivers bespoke job-hunting assistance and employer engagement services. Additional options include WorkWell, a programme combining medical support with careers guidance.
Sector-specific training placements are available in construction, hospitality and manufacturing industries.
The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to achieve an 80 per cent employment rate
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The advisers assist claimants in identifying and addressing employment barriers through personalised support plans. Research indicates that benefit recipients who accepted similar work coach assistance were 33 per cent more likely to secure employment within 12 months.
The programme specifically excludes individuals with the most severe lifelong health conditions and those receiving end-of-life care. All participation remains entirely voluntary, with no penalties for those who choose not to engage.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described the situation as a "shocking inheritance" requiring urgent action. "Two million people stuck on benefits with no opportunities, no help and no prospects is the shocking inheritance we must tackle," Mr McFadden said.
The DWP head called the situation as a "shocking inheritance" requiring urgent action.
| PAHe emphasised his commitment to equipping individuals with essential skills for the modern economy. "I'm determined to give people the skills they need to thrive in the modern economy, and help them move into good, secure jobs," he said.
Mr McFadden described the redeployed personnel as crucial to the Government's employment strategy. "These dedicated staff are key to unlocking work for tens of thousands of people as we get on with our plan to get Britain working, ensure our welfare system is fit for the future and deliver economic growth, as part of our Plan for Change," he said.
Older individuals experiencing back pain may be eligible for financial support through Attendance Allowance.
The benefit provides either £73.90 or £110.40 weekly, equating to £295.60 or £441.40 every four-week payment period.
Nearly half a million pensioners currently claim Attendance Allowance for arthritis-related conditions across Great Britain.
Additionally, 74,804 individuals over 66 receive support specifically for back pain.
The benefit remains unaffected by savings or income levels and does not impact state pension entitlements.
Recipients can use the funds at their discretion, covering mobility aids, home adaptations or additional heating costs.
Scottish residents should note that new applications have transitioned to Pension Age Disability Payment, offering identical support levels.
Both schemes aim to assist those whose conditions create difficulties with daily activities, regardless of whether they receive care from others.
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The programme targets 65,000 individuals during the current financial year as part of the Government’s comprehensive Plan for Change.
This employment drive addresses Britain’s position among the G7 nations with the highest long-term sickness rates, affecting more than 2.8 million people.
Government data shows that around 2.2 million individuals receive the country’s primary sickness benefit without employment support.
Among these, 1.3 million cite mental health conditions while 900,000 report musculoskeletal issues.
One participant from Barking shared her experience: "I've been on benefits without help for so long but after the Jobcentre referred me, I now have an incredible adviser who's finally giving me the support I need."
She added: "I've been trying so hard to move on and build a better life for myself, and it finally feels like I have a purpose again and have hope for the future."