The employability agenda is also informed by recognition of the relationship between work and health. An independent review commissioned by the DWP (Is work good for your health and wellbeing? - G. Waddell and A.K. Burton, 2006) found that:

• Being in work is generally beneficial to people’s physical and mental health and well-being.
• There is a strong link between unemployment and deterioration in physical and mental health and well-being.
• Returning to work from unemployment results in significant health improvements and increases the self esteem of individuals.
• Being in work is shown to be beneficial to those with ongoing health conditions.
• People who move from benefits into work experience improvements in their physical and mental health and well-being.
• Although there are risks associated with being in work, these are outweighed by the overall health benefits gained from being in work.
• The positive effects of being in work apply to a wide range of groups including healthy people of working age, people with disabilities and common health problems, and those in receipt of benefits.

This work has been built on by Dame Carol Black in her review of the health of Britain’s working age population. This extensive review focused on establishing a vision for vision for health and work in Britain with three principal objectives:

• Prevention of illness and promotion of health and well-being.
• Early intervention for those who develop a health condition.
• An improvement in the health of those out of work – so that everyone with the potential to work has the support they need to do so.

The full report Working for a Healthier Tomorrow can be downloaded by clicking here.