Economic inactivity set to be tackled with funding boost

Economic inactivity set to be tackled with funding boost

On 18 December 2024, the Department for Work and Pensions announced the MSK Community Delivery Programme. 

People with back, joint, and muscle issues living in areas with the worst waiting lists for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are set to be treated quicker and supported back into employment as the Government gets Britain working. 

  • £3.5million funding boost to be shared by 17 NHS areas to trial innovative ways to treat musculoskeletal conditions (MSK)  
  • 646,000 people off work with MSK conditions – around 1 in 4 of the record 2.8 million people on long-term sickness benefits   
  • Funding is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to deliver growth, put more money in people’s pockets, and get the NHS back on its feet. 

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP, said:       

“For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working.”   

“It’s stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential.”   

“This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again.” 

The locations of the 17 ICBs taking part in the programme which also have some of the longest MSK 18 week waits includes North East and North Cumbria ICB.