The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at expediting treatment for individuals with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back, joint, and muscle issues in regions with the longest waiting lists. This move is part of the UK Government's 'Get Britain Working' white paper.
According to recent DWP statistics, over 1.1 million people in England and Wales were receiving up to £737.20 monthly through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for MSK conditions as of the end of October. To combat economic inactivity, where individuals are neither employed nor seeking work, 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England will share a slice of a £3.5 million fund to enhance MSK services.
However, these new measures will not apply to Scotland. The investment will allocate up to £300,000 to each area in England and Wales to address one of the primary causes of economic inactivity.
It forms part of the Labour Government's Plan for Change, which aims to "put more money into people's pockets and get the NHS back on its feet". The MSK Community Delivery Programme, managed through NHS England's Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, will provide ICBs with the necessary resources and leadership to develop more effective methods of treating MSK patients, reducing waiting times, and aiding their return to the workforce.
Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment, has highlighted the forgotten individuals who have been out of work due to health complications: "For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working. It's stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential.", reports the Daily Record.
In a bid to address this issue, she announced substantial financial support: "This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again."
The UK Government identifies that there are currently 2.8m people economically inactive due to long-term health conditions, with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues being the second most cited reason after mental health. About 646,000 individuals - roughly one in four (23%) - indicated MSK as their primary health concern.
The backlog for community-based MSK service appointments stands as the longest of all community waits in England, numbering 348,799 in September 2024. The previous year saw about 23.4m working days lost due to MSK conditions.
Adding to the discussion, Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: "With prevention, early detection and treatment, we know that the 17 million people with musculoskeletal issues in England could better manage their conditions, improving their quality of life and enabling them to rejoin the workforce."
He emphasised government commitment through their strategy: "Through the Plan for Change, the government is taking decisive action to drive down waiting lists, improve treatment options and boost the economy."
The launch of the MSK Community Services programme is a significant step forward in addressing the needs of people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, highlighted the impact of these conditions on working lives, stating: "With over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, Versus Arthritis understands the devastating impact these conditions can have on working lives."
"Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness and prevent people doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel an impossible challenge."
The programme, which is being rolled out in 17 locations across England, aims to provide support and resources to help people with MSK conditions manage their condition and stay in work.
The launch of the programme is part of the Government's wider efforts to reform employment support and get more people into work, as outlined in the Get Britain Working White Paper.