1 FIT FOR WORK SERVICE London Skills & Employment Convention 29 May 2012

2 Sickness absence facts 48% of employees have at least 1 sick day each year 4% are off for more than 4 weeks – this group account for more than 1/3 of all absence Majority due to common ‘mild to moderate’ health problems

3 Good health and work – who does it benefit? Less sick pay Less time/money spent on recruitment Less management time ‘wasted’ More productive workforce Less spent on out of work benefits Avoiding ‘revolving door’ use of health services Productive economy Inclusive society Healthy population Stable work and income Good self esteem Continued good health STATE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYER

Drivers – on flow to benefits Work ESA GPs / health services Occupational Health JCP Work Programme JCP Work Programme Retention (switching off the tap) Employment support (shrinking the pool) Out of work / inactive 330,000/year 320,000/year 160,000/year Tools Fit for Work

5 Fit for Work Service Government funded pilot Objectives: – Reduce duration of sickness absence – Prevent loss of employment Eligibility Live or work in K&C, H&F or Westminster Employed/Self Employed Absent from work due to sickness (mild to moderate)

6 FFWS Case Management Model

FFWS outcomes  Average return to work time is less than 7 weeks  87% rated the support they received through FFWS as ‘Very Helpful’ in dealing with their health/work issue  Average improvement of 2.7 points in overall health and well- being (scale of 1-6) 66% returned to/remained in work 15% off sick 5% other outcome Over 270 cases 2:1 females to males Over 3/4 work for large employers Main health condition: 50:50 split between musculoskeletal and mental health

8 FFWS Case Study – “Andrew” Situation: Male kitchen porter Aggravated existing back problem after slip at work Suffering from low mood and stress, due to fatigue and pressures of family life Outcome: Workplace assessment Meeting with line manager Agreed phased return Doing physio exercises Looking for a different job Intervention: Physiotherapy - lower back pain Counselling - stress and low mood Acupuncture - relaxation and stress relief Finance advice - worries of being on sick pay Support finding a new job - wanted less physical work “ The Fit for Work Service has been my saviour. They were very helpful and understanding with my problems ”

Indicative cost comparisons Fit for Work: £1,800/client (indicative) Cost to employer of being off sick: Occ Sick Pay £4,600/employee (3 month period) Hiring replacement worker £6,000 (3 month period) Loss in productivity £??? Cost to state of being on ESA: £8,500/year/claimant

10 Contact us Jasmine Waiters, Project Manager In partnership with Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust; the NHS in Inner North West London; the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, supported by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and City of Westminster