Government papers: Improving lives: The future of work, health and disability

This publication sets out the government’s strategy on the future of work, health and disability. It outlines the action it will take across three settings – welfare, the workplace and the health system – to transform employment prospects for disabled people and people with long term health conditions.

The paper is in response to the October 2016 consultation Work, health and disability: improving lives. It also provides the government’s response to Thriving at work: a review of mental health and employers and includes consideration of Good work: the Taylor review of modern working practices. Finally, it refers to some of the recommendations made by Dame Carol Black in Drug and alcohol addiction, and obesity: effects on employment outcomes.

This document sets out actions focused on:

• employers – and the crucial role played by managers and supervisors in creating healthy and inclusive workplaces where all can thrive and progress
• a sustainable welfare system and employment support system that operates in partnership with the health system and as part of strong wider local partnerships to move people into work when they are ready
• health services – with health professionals ready to talk about health barriers to work, timely access to appropriate treatments, and effective occupational health services accessible by all in work.