A groundbreaking £37 million plan has been launched to ensure every resident in West Yorkshire has the opportunity to enjoy a healthy working life, with personalised support for those currently out of work due to illness or disability.
The ambitious programme, developed in partnership with the NHS and supported by government funding, aims to transform how health and employment services work together. The goal is clear: to deliver the healthiest workforce in England by 2040 and to grow the region’s economy by helping more people into secure, well-paid jobs.
Currently, around 100,000 people across West Yorkshire are unable to work due to a health condition or disability. Many have said they want to work but feel excluded due to a lack of tailored support. Under the new plan, that will change.
The plan will see NHS treatment pathways integrated with expert employment advice, and public services working together to meet individual needs. For example, a person receiving NHS support for a long-term condition may now be offered job coaching and workplace adaptation advice as part of their care.
‘Watershed Moment’ for the Region
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin hailed the plan as a “watershed moment”.
“We’ve spoken to people across our great region living with health conditions, and the message is clear – too many people feel written off from good health and good work when the right support could transform their lives,” she said.
“To grow our economy, we must unlock the potential of everyone in it. Through this plan, we’ll build a healthier, wealthier West Yorkshire.”
Rob Webster CBE, Chief Executive of the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, added: “We know good work is a route to good health. This plan is a positive step forward to ensure more people in our region can benefit from both.”
Wakefield Leads the Way
The plan also puts Wakefield in the national spotlight. It has been selected by the government as the first location to pilot a new, personalised Jobs and Careers Service.
This innovative scheme will see local jobcentres work more closely with employers and tailor support to individual circumstances, moving away from the “tick box” model that often failed to reflect the complexity of people’s lives.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP praised the region’s bold approach: “We are building a proper public employment service in partnership with local leaders that truly meets community challenges and unlocks opportunity.”
Five Key Priorities of the Plan
The £37 million strategy focuses on five core areas:
- Public Service Reform – A new Healthy Working Life board will lead efforts to better connect health, work and skills services, using local insight to guide reform and improve outcomes.
- Employer Support – Small and medium-sized businesses will receive tailored help to recruit and retain staff with health conditions, including financial support and occupational health expertise.
- Incentives for Inclusive Employment – Publicly funded work placements, training support and wraparound care will help people with health conditions return to work and succeed.
- Voluntary Sector Empowerment – Community groups will be funded to reach those furthest from the job market and provide ongoing, personalised support.
- Peer Networks and Shared Learning – New networks will bring together residents, businesses and charities to share experiences and best practices, and access training and development.
Backing Inclusive Growth
Local leaders hope the plan will become a national model for inclusive economic growth.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “We’re proud to help design the next generation of employment services – ones that actually meet people where they are and give them a fair shot at work.”
The plan forms part of the UK Government’s wider Plan for Change, which aims to boost living standards by addressing long-term economic inactivity caused by poor health.
📄 You can read the full plan here: Work and Health Plan – Full Report (PDF)
