A new £37 million plan has been launched to ensure everyone in West Yorkshire can enjoy a healthy working life, providing tailored support to individuals currently out of work due to disability or health conditions.
Developed collaboratively with the NHS, and shaped by consultations with local residents and businesses, the initiative seeks to boost the regional economy and increase individual incomes by helping those facing health challenges or disabilities secure stable, well-paid employment.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire and NHS leaders have pledged to achieve the ‘healthiest residents and workforce in England by 2040’ by uniting health services with employment support providers, including job centres, charities, local councils, and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
This innovative approach seeks to replace isolated working practices among public services, which often overlook the broader needs of individuals affected by health conditions. Through a coordinated, integrated system enabled by devolution, individuals will benefit from comprehensive support. For instance, someone receiving NHS care could also access professional employment guidance as a core component of their treatment pathway.
Mayor Tracy Brabin described the launch of the new plan as a ‘watershed moment’ for West Yorkshire, emphasising the importance of ensuring that every resident who can work receives the support necessary to do so. The ambitious regional strategy is supported by the UK Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to improve living standards and drive economic growth by helping the 2.8 million people currently economically inactive due to long-term illness. By funding and devolving services, the government intends to enable more integrated and locally effective support systems, significantly boosting their impact.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:
“We’ve spoken to people across our great region who are living with health conditions, and the answer was clear – too many people feel written off from good health and good work when the right support could transform their lives.
“Today marks a watershed moment for our region. By joining up health, skills and work with a multimillion-pound plan that’s backed by the government, we’ll ensure that everyone can get the personalised support they need to succeed.
“To grow our economy we must unlock the potential of everyone in it, and that includes giving those with health conditions a fair chance to flourish. Through our strong regional partnership, we’ll build a healthier, wealthier West Yorkshire.”
Rob Webster CBE, Chief Executive of the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board said:
“This is good news for people in West Yorkshire and the wider region. We know good work is a route to good health. We also know that there are people in West Yorkshire who are economically inactive due to their health conditions who want to be supported to stay in work or get back into work.
“We have a history of good collaboration in West Yorkshire and will use this resource to show how better, joined up support for people can change lives.”
The new plan’s launch follows the government’s selection of Wakefield as the first area in the country to pilot an innovative and personalised Jobs and Careers Service for jobseekers. Under this trial, the local jobcentre will explore ambitious approaches, including collaborating closely with employers to create clear routes into quality employment.
These reforms aim to put greater responsibility in the hands of local communities to shape and deliver welfare services, moving beyond the traditional, centrally controlled, one-size-fits-all model dictated by Whitehall.
Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment said:
“Our one-size-fits-all, tick box approach to jobs support is outdated and does not serve those looking to better their lives through work. We are building a proper public employment service in partnership with local leaders that truly meets community challenges and unlocks opportunity.
“The launch of the Pathfinder in Wakefield is the first step in this transformation as we continue to Get Britain Working, boost living standards and put more money in people’s pockets, under our Plan for Change.”
Councillor Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council said:
“This plan puts Wakefield at the centre of how we provide better and more personalised support to help jobseekers get back into work. Everyone in our area deserves to be supported to access great employment opportunities. But for too long we’ve had an outdated, national approach to employment support which doesn’t take individual circumstances into account and isn’t tailored enough.
“By being part of this Pathfinder, we can help design the next generation of public employment services. Support more local people to access secure, well-paid jobs. And unlock more of the potential we’ve got in our district to build a stronger local economy for everyone who lives in Wakefield.”
In West Yorkshire, around 100,000 people are currently out of work due to a disability or health condition. A consultation with individuals who have lived experience revealed that many want to work — not just for financial stability, but also for a sense of purpose and social connection. However, they often feel unfairly excluded from employment because of their health challenges.
Employers involved in the consultation also acknowledged the importance of creating more inclusive job opportunities. Positive examples included hiring based on demonstrated skills and abilities rather than relying solely on traditional interviews, as well as supporting staff retention through flexible working arrangements and adaptable workspaces. This includes phased returns for employees recovering from long-term illness.
You can read the full details of the region’s plan for a healthy working life in the report at www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk
