Among its recommendations, the report proposes the widespread adoption of a “Workplace Health Provision”: a non-clinical case management service that supports employees and line managers. This would be intended to provide better support for people with mental health and physical health needs or disabilities in the workplace and beyond.
This provision “would initially build from existing provision already available through social prescribers, NHS work initiatives, occupational health, income protection, and private insurers.”
“We welcome the inclusion of social prescribing in the government’s Keep Britain Working review. Social prescribing can offer significant benefits to people who are experiencing ill health at work, helping them to reconnect with their communities and access support to improve their mental health and wellbeing, and to be more physically active in ways that suit their needs and lifestyle.
“However, it is essential that the NHS recognises the increasing demand on social prescribing, both from existing routes and proposed new initiatives such as this. Link workers often tell us that they have very high caseloads, and we need to ensure that the workforce continues to grow and can access training, support and supervision.”
The Mayfield Review refers to the target in the 2023 NHS Long Term Workforce Plan for 9,000 link workers to be in post in 2036/37, an increase from around 3,400 today.
However, a consultation is now underway to replace that plan with a new workforce plan. It is vital that this also recognises the growing demand, and ensures a strategy for increased investment in link workers and workforce development.
