New scheme supports employers to retain staff and reduce sickness absence

The WorkWell Fenland service supports staff who are facing ill health, physical or mental, which threatens to, or is, stopping them from working.

Individuals have been able to refer themselves to the scheme since the end of last year and now businesses are being reminded it's not just for people who aren't currently in work due to ill health, but also for those who are struggling to stay in a job due to illness.

Fenland District Council is delivering the UK Government-funded WorkWell Fenland scheme in partnership with the Department of Work and Pensions and NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

"Fantastic tool for employers"

Cllr Ian Benney, portfolio holder for economic growth, said: "This is a fantastic tool for employers to help them manage and support people who are already on sick leave or are indicating they may have to take sick leave.

"WorkWell Fenland helps businesses to get employees back to work not by putting extra pressures on employers, but by helping individuals to get well. It can help businesses and organisations to reduce sickness absence and achieve greater productivity as a result.

"Individuals can refer themselves to WorkWell with a simple phone call or by emailing our team and we'd urge employers who have team members who may benefit to get in touch with us or signpost their staff to the scheme.

"WorkWell can help alongside other workplace support, employee assistance and occupational health programmes. There's no compulsion to take part in WorkWell.

"Individuals who sign up for WorkWell are linked to specialist coaches who work with them to access support and treatment."

Seeing the difference the scheme makes

Cllr Sue Wallwork, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder with responsibilities for communities and health, said: "We're already beginning to see the difference this scheme can make to people.

"It's about having someone who is there to really listen to and understand the issues you are facing and to provide practical support to help you work towards better health.

"We know that, as well as the terrible personal cost to individuals, losing good staff to illness, temporarily or permanently, is incredibly costly and difficult for businesses and this is a free and practical way to avoid and reduce that issue."

• Businesses and individuals can find out more and contact WorkWell Fenland via: WorkWell Fenland

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January 2025