Support for Keep Britain Working ramps up across employers and regions

The Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA) welcomes a surge in employer support for Keep Britain Working

The VRA welcomes the encouraging update from the Keep Britain Working Programme which has secured the commitment of 150 Vanguard employers from different industries, and various sizes, represented across the UK, enabling a wide UK population demographic to be included.

With 2.8 million people currently out of work due to long-term sickness, the VRA says the scale of employer involvement reflects growing recognition of the UK’s work and health challenge to help employees remain in or return to and sustain work.

Vocational rehabilitation as a key to success

The VRA supports VR practitioners to deliver a wide range of interventions designed to support individuals with health conditions and/or disabilities to fulfil their work potential, remain in work and to thrive.

The VRA supports the programme’s employer-led approach, helping to develop practical solutions across the ‘healthy working lifecycle’, from prevention and early intervention 'stay at work' focus, to return-to-work support. Vocational rehabilitation has a central role to play in helping people stay in and return to work, while supporting employers to retain talent and embed a culture of wellbeing.

National standards and next steps

The VRA also welcomes plans to develop a new national standard for healthy working with the British Standards Institution, alongside the creation of an independent advisory group.  This will enable the creation of a clear benchmark and guidelines for purchasing quality interventions that are effective.

A VRA spokesperson said:

“This level of engagement is hugely encouraging. It is a real opportunity to embed vocational rehabilitation into the heart of workplace health, building a stronger, more inclusive workforce.  We advocate for a collaborative approach and stand ready to support the next phase of the programme”.

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Support for Keep Britain Working ramps up across employers and regions - GOV.UK