A new, free service for individuals

A team of Fit For Work Service (FFWS) employment advisers will work with individuals who have been absent from work for 4 weeks or more due to a health condition. The employment adviser will work closely with the individual, their employer and their clinicians to develop return to work plans, referring to a wide range of relevant support services as required – such as debt advice, childcare, housing and transport.

Why are we doing this?

Fit for Work Service (FFWS) pilots were created as part of the government’s response to Dame Carol Black’s 2008 report into the health of the working age population.

“Improving the health of the working age population is critically important for everyone, in order to secure both higher economic growth and increased social justice”.
Dame Carol Black, Working for a healthier tomorrow

Around 8,000 Greater Manchester residents move straight from employment on to health related benefit (typically Employment Support Allowance, which succeeded Incapacity Benefit in late 2008) every year. Many of these cases involve health problems which can be successfully managed in the work place.

Long-standing high levels of worklessness are a key shared priority for NHS and welfare-to-work partners in Greater Manchester. With significant strengthening of support for long-term Incapacity Benefit claimants being introduced from April 2011, the Fit For Work pilot offers an excellent opportunity to reduce the on-flows to benefits by supporting more people to stay in employment.

For more information about the service please contact Yvonne Clarke at Pathways CIC.

Alternatively, visit the Pathways CIC website.