Government’s announcement on thousands of sick and disabled people to get life-changing support into work – GRiD comment
Summary
The Government has announced measures to help thousands of sick and disabled people back into work. Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Group Risk Development (GRiD), welcomes the commitment but urges equal focus on retaining sick and disabled employees in the workplace.
GRiD highlights that group income protection insurance can deliver vocational rehabilitation that both prevents long-term sickness absence and supports return-to-work. Their model uses personalised case management combining clinical and vocational expertise to work with employers and employees on workplace adjustments and ongoing reintegration support.
Key Points
- The Government plans targeted support to help thousands of sick and disabled people into work.
- GRiD supports the move but emphasises the need to prevent people leaving employment in the first place.
- Group income protection insurance offers vocational rehabilitation, combining clinical and vocational case management.
- Early intervention, prevention and rapid workplace rehabilitation are central to keeping employees in work or returning them quickly.
- Employers play a vital role and can work with insurers and specialists to implement appropriate workplace adjustments and continuous support.
Context and Relevance
This is relevant for HR, benefits and occupational health teams: it underlines a shift from purely moving people back into work to keeping them there. With rising attention on workforce inclusion and the costs of long-term absence, the role of group risk and employer-led interventions is becoming more central to policy and practice.
Why should I read this?
Short and sharp — if you handle HR, benefits or workplace health, this tells you why the latest Government move matters and where employers should focus (prevention and retention, not just placement). GRiD’s take is practical: think vocational rehab, early action and using group income protection as part of the solution. We skimmed it so you don’t have to — quick win.