Care board part of £64m back-to-work pilot

South Cumbria and Lancashire ICB will receive a share of £64m

A care board will receive a share of £64m to help get people with health conditions and disabilities back into work.

Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is one of 15 in England to be part of a government pilot, which will provide workplace adjustments or support, such as physiotherapy or counselling.

The WorkWell scheme will give people access to a work and health coach to overcome their personal "barriers" to work.

Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins said the service would help "thousands of people".

It is a voluntary service, meaning people will be able to self-refer, or may be referred by their GP.

They do not need to be claiming any benefits to be eligible, according to the government.

It comes after the prime minister announced a review of fit notes to consider how to relieve pressure on GPs and prevent people from falling out of work.

Government figures showed more than 455,000 fit notes were issued across Lancashire and South Cumbria last year.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he wanted to stop people being written off as "not fit for work" by default and design a system that offered support to return to work.

Ms Atkins said "too often" people with disabilities and poor health fell out of work with no support.

“We have a plan to change that and improve lives so everyone has the opportunity to find fulfilling work," she said.

"This service will help tens of thousands of people, who will receive joined-up work and health support, tailored to their individual needs."