The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has set its sights on a new target of dealing with back, joint and muscle conditions, in a move aimed at getting people off benefits and back to employment.
Current data shows over 672,000 people receiving PIP due to musculoskeletal disease. This figure is only surpassed by the figures for psychiatric disorders at more than 1.3 million.
The DWP believes many people with these conditions could be working if the right support is in place. To achieve this it is launching a £3.5 million pot to be dispersed across 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
Each of the ICBs in England and Wales is being allocated up to £300,000, to tackle one of the top contributors to economic inactivity. The initiative is part of the Labour Government’s "Plan for Change". MPs have said it aims to improve financial stability for individuals as well as boost efficiency across the NHS.
Health campaigners have welcomed the initiative. Deborah Alsina MBE of Versus Arthritis said: "With over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, Versus Arthritis understands the devastating impact these conditions can have on working lives," Birmingham Live reported.
"Arthritis can cause debilitating pain and joint stiffness and prevent people from doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel like an impossible challenge. MSK Community Services can be an invaluable resource for people with arthritis, and we are delighted to see the launch of this programme in dedicated sites across England and in the future across the whole country."
Employment Minister Alison McGovern MP said it was vital to get people working again. She 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."
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She further emphasised: "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."
Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, highlighted the significant impact these ailments have on individuals and the nation's workforce. He said: "With prevention, early detection, and treatment, we know that the 17 million people with musculoskeletal issues in England could better manage their conditions, improving their quality of life and enabling them to rejoin the workforce."