Last week the UK government launched the WorkWell Primary Care Innovation Fund, a £1.5 million pilot across 15 regions, aiming to help people with health conditions return to work while easing pressure on GPs.
Research shows that 93% of the 11 million fit notes issued to patients in England last year signed people off as ‘not fit for work’. The new approach being piloted through WorkWell, will directly address this by connecting patients to local support services, including health and work coaches, occupational therapists, and social prescribers, to provide holistic support and practical pathways back into employment. The pilot is expected to support up to 56,000 people by spring 2026 and forms a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to reduce economic inactivity and grow the economy.
As a professional body representing the sport and physical activity sector, we recognise the immense opportunity, and responsibility, that our workforce has in supporting the aims of the WorkWell pilot. Our sector is very well placed to deliver interventions that improve health, wellbeing, and employability, particularly for those who have been economically inactive due to ill health.
How our workforce can support WorkWell
Exercise Referral Schemes
Recognised and skilled activity professionals can deliver tailored physical activity programmes for individuals referred by healthcare professionals, supporting their recovery and readiness to return to work. The forthcoming introduction of professional status will ensure that colleagues in the healthcare sector have the confidence and awareness to refer their patients to suitably recognised professionals within our sector who can help with health management solution
Health and Wellbeing Coaching
Professionally recognised physical activity professionals are trained to motivate, support behaviour change and build confidence, which, outside of helping to support with the management of specific conditions, also plays a key factors in helping people overcome barriers to employment.
Community Engagement
By operating in local communities, our workforce can reach those furthest from the job market, providing inclusive and accessible opportunities to get active, improve wellbeing, and re-engage with work or volunteering.
Reducing Pressure on Healthcare Services
By improving population health and reducing the prevalence of long-term conditions, our sector helps to free up NHS resources, aligning directly with the goals of the WorkWell pilot.
Physical activity plays a crucial role in supporting individuals’ journeys back to work, particularly for those who have experienced periods of ill health. We know that engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression, while simultaneously improving mood and enhancing overall wellbeing. These improvements in both physical and mental health can make it considerably easier for individuals to not only return to employment but also to sustain their work over the long term, as they are better equipped to manage the demands of their roles.
We also know that people who maintain an active lifestyle tend to experience faster recovery from illness and are less likely to suffer from prolonged periods of absenteeism, which directly supports the government’s efforts to reduce economic inactivity and its associated social and financial costs. The positive impact of physical activity extends beyond health alone because participation in sport and physical activity also provides opportunities to develop a wide range of transferable skills, including teamwork, communication, and resilience. These skills are essential for employability and play a vital part in ensuring successful reintegration into the workforce, as they help individuals adapt to new environments and overcome challenges that may arise in the workplace.
The social dimension of physical activity also should not be underestimated. Group activities and community-based programmes create valuable opportunities for individuals to build social connections, which can help to reduce feelings of isolation and provide much-needed support for mental health during periods of work absence. Through creating a feeling of belonging and community, these programmes contribute to individuals’ overall wellbeing and increase their confidence and motivation to re-engage with employment. When considered in the round, these benefits highlight the profound and multifaceted role that physical activity can play in helping people who have been economically inactive due to ill health to return to work and thrive once more.
Tara Dillon CEO of CIMSPA said,
“I believe that the WorkWell pilot marks a timely and innovative step forward in integrating health, employment, and community support. Our sector’s workforce is ready to play an integral role in this initiative, delivering evidence-based physical activity programmes, supporting individuals on their recovery journeys, and helping them build the confidence and skills they need to return to work.
We know that good work is good for health, and that active wellbeing is the foundation for both personal and economic resilience. By scaling up and further collaborating on the sector’s existing partnerships with the NHS and local commissioners, we have a unique opportunity to transform lives, reduce pressure on our health services, and contribute to a stronger, healthier economy. Together, we can ensure that no one is written off and that everyone has the chance to thrive through the power of physical activity.
The success of the WorkWell pilot will depend on effective collaboration across sectors, and the sport and physical activity workforce is absolutely central to this vision. By offering practical solutions that address both health and employability, we can help more people return to work, improve their health, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. I look forward to working closely with our partners across the sector and in healthcare to help realise this ambition.”
