WorkWell – a new government scheme said to support workplace wellbeing – would your organisation participate? Plus – a competition offering the chance to receive funding for advancing mathematical science projects and the crackdown on BBL fraud continues….
Introducing WorkWell: A £64 million initiative to support workplace health and well-being
The UK government has announced a new initiative aimed at helping people with health conditions stay in or return to work.
The WorkWell pilot scheme, launched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), will provide tailored support to individuals across 15 areas of England, connecting them with local services that can help them with their health and employment needs.
From October, the WorkWell pilots will offer individuals access to a range of local support services, including physiotherapy and counselling. The pilots are connected to the Prime Minister’s recent comments about reviewing the sick note system and getting more people back to work.
Integrated work and health services
A key feature of the WorkWell scheme is its integration of work and health support services at a local level. Participants will receive personalised assistance from a Work and Health Coach, who will help them understand their health barriers to work and develop customised plans to overcome them.
It is hoped that this approach will lead to individuals remaining in or returning to work sooner, thereby improving their well-being and financial stability.
Voluntary participation
WorkWell is open to anyone with a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions, who is interested in working.
Participation in the scheme is voluntary, with individuals able to self-refer or be referred through their GP, employer, or community sector.
Work and Health Coaches will offer guidance on workplace adjustments, facilitate discussions with employers, and provide access to local services such as physiotherapy and employment advice.
Benefits for Businesses
Businesses stand to benefit from the introduction of the WorkWell scheme.
- Reduce absenteeism: By participating in WorkWell, employees with health conditions can receive the support they need to remain productive and engaged in the workplace. This can contribute to a healthier and happier workforce, reducing absenteeism and promoting employee retention.
- Enhanced productivity: Addressing health barriers to work through the WorkWell scheme can lead to improved productivity among employees. By facilitating early intervention and tailored support, businesses can ensure that their workforce remains capable and motivated to perform at their best.
Looking Ahead
The WorkWell scheme represents a significant step towards integrating work and health support services to benefit individuals, businesses, and the economy as a whole. By empowering individuals to overcome health-related barriers to work, the scheme aims to foster a healthier workforce and a stronger economy.
Businesses located in the 15 pilot areas, including Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, and Cornwall, are encouraged to explore the opportunities offered by WorkWell and consider how they can support their employees’ health and well-being.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-64-million-plan-to-help-people-stay-in-work
The National Academy for Mathematical Sciences Competition: An opportunity for you?
Are you ready to be at the forefront of shaping the future of mathematical sciences in the UK? An exciting opportunity has arisen with a government-launched competition to establish a new National Academy for Mathematical Sciences. This initiative aims to champion the immense value of maths, create future jobs, and turbocharge the UK economy.
What’s on offer?
The competition offers grant funding of up to £6 million over the next three years and presents a significant opportunity for businesses and other organisations involved in education, research or related fields. This funding could support a wide range of projects and initiatives focused on advancing mathematical sciences and promoting mathematical skills across the UK.
What could be in it for you?
Of course, the competition is likely to attract a diverse range of applicants, however if you are involved and invested in education, research, or innovation, participating in the competition could bring you a few benefits, including:
- The grant funding itself provides a valuable source of financial support and could help you bring your ideas to life.
- The competition provides an opportunity to engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders which may lead to greater recognition and collaboration opportunities.
- Positioning yourself as a key player in shaping the future of mathematical sciences and driving positive change.
How can you get involved?
Firstly, review the competition criteria to see if your organisation qualifies to participate.
Then, read the guidance and use the templates provided for the documents that need to be included in the application. Any questions you have can be sent to .
The competition opened on 7 May and closes on 4 June and offers a unique opportunity. By participating you can access funding, promote maths skills and contribute to the long-term success and competitiveness of the UK economy.
Application guidance and requirements can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6634eefc4d8bb7378fb6c252/NAM-application-guidance.pdf
Bounce Back Loan Scheme fraud investigations continue
Rian O’Keeffe is the latest fraudster brought to justice as part of the ongoing investigations into abuse of the Bounce Back Loan scheme.
O’Keeffe applied for and received a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in July 2020 based on a claim that it would be used within his business called Trainersource. He claimed that his business had been trading since March 2020 and had a turnover of £312,000.
In reality, Trainersource was a fictitious business that did not exist and seems to only have been an idea O’Keeffe had.
After receiving the loan money, O’Keeffe withdrew £14,000 on the same day, and a further £8,000 just over a month later. More than 150 transfers were made to personal accounts between August and October 2020.
O’Keeffe was declared bankrupt in November 2021, and due to a Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking he cannot act as a company director, borrow more than £500 without declaring his restrictions, or work in various posts in the health and education sector for 12 years.
The court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, which has been suspended for two years. O’Keeffe also has a three-month curfew and has 30 days of rehabilitation activity to complete.