The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled a new initiative to fast-track treatment for individuals with back, joint, and muscle problems in regions with the longest waits for musculoskeletal (MSK) care. This move is part of the Government’s ambitious ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper.
Latest data reveals that as of the end of October, over 1.1 million people across England and Wales were receiving up to £737.20 monthly through Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to aid MSK conditions.
To combat economic inactivity, where individuals are neither employed nor seeking work, 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England will divide a £3.5 million fund aimed at enhancing MSK services.
However, these measures will not extend to Scotland. Each eligible area in England and Wales could see up to £300,000 allocated to address one of the key causes of economic inactivity.
This funding is a component 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) scheme, will empower ICBs with the necessary resources and leadership to devise more effective strategies for treating MSK patients, reducing waiting times, and aiding their return to the workforce.
Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment, has highlighted the plight of those unable to work due to health issues, stating: “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 .
She announced a significant funding increase, saying: “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 has identified that 2.8 million individuals are economically inactive because of long-term health conditions, with musculoskeletal (MSK) problems being the second most common reason after mental health. Approximately 646,000 people, or nearly one in four (23%), cite MSK as their primary condition.
More than one million people with musculoskeletal conditions are receiving PIP. (Image: Getty Images)
As of September 2024, MSK community service waiting lists have reached the highest levels among all community waits in England, standing at 348,799 individuals. The impact on the workforce is substantial, with around 23.4 million working days lost in the UK in 2022 due to MSK conditions alone.
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing the importance of early intervention: “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 further outlined the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges through the Plan for Change, aiming to “Through the Plan for Change, the government is taking decisive action to drive down waiting lists, improve treatment options and boost the economy.”
Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, has praised the launch of new MSK Community Services across England as a crucial step in supporting those with musculoskeletal conditions. She commented: “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.”
Deborah continued by highlighting the debilitating effects of arthritis, stating: “Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness and prevent people doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel an impossible challenge.”
She concluded her support for the programme: “MSK Community Services can be an invaluable resource for people with arthritis, and we are delighted to see the launch of this programme in dedicated sites across England, and in the future across the whole country.”
The announcement aligns with the UK Government’s release of the Get Britain Working White Paper and the major reforms aiming to synergise skills and health to enhance employment opportunities, with a consultation on welfare system changes expected in the Spring.