The consensus statement, developed in partnership with Dame Carol Black, the National Director for Health and Work, comes ahead of her review of the health of the working age population, which is due out later this month.

Evidence shows staying in or returning to work is usually good for health and recovery and in signing the consensus the medical profession acknowledged this and agreed to act upon it. They pledged to do all they could to help people enter, stay in or return to work, where appropriate, because it is often in the patients’ best interests.

The consensus statement was signed at the Royal College of General Practitioners in London as senior representatives of the bodies met with Dame Carol and Secretaries of State James Purnell and Alan Johnson.

Mr Purnell said:

“Work is good for your health.  For too long it has been automatically assumed that a return to work would be bad for your health. Today’s ground breaking agreement turns this old fashioned notion on its head.  The health profession are recognising the role that work can play in getting people fit and healthy and it will create a crucial culture change for the welfare state.”

Professor Steve Field, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), said: “The RCGP warmly welcomes this consensus statement together with the work that Dame Carol is doing as part of her review.

“GPs take their responsibility in respect of sick certification very seriously but can be placed in a difficult position. Some patients who are disabled or on long term sick leave would like to return to work but there can be barriers, such as poor access to services such as physiotherapy, and there must be a change in the attitude of employers and society more generally.

“The RCGP is taking determined action to support GPs through a dedicated national education programme developed in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, including a series of workshops aimed at increasing GPs’ knowledge and skills in dealing with clinical issues relating to work and health. We are delighted that this programme is now being extended further.”

Health Secretary Mr Johnson said the consensus was an important step towards recognising the role that work can have in keeping the nation healthy:

“There is strong evidence that the impact of returning to work – even after long periods of unemployment – has the capacity to improve health, to the same extent that being out of work can damage health.  It is now for the Government to work with healthcare professionals to focus on how to prevent people from sliding out of work onto Incapacity Benefit as well as getting those who have been isolated from the world of work back into employment.”

Dame Carol said the consensus demonstrated she had the support of GPs and other key healthcare professionals.

“This marks an important development in the way that all healthcare professionals deal with keeping people in work or getting them back to work as part of their treatment. This unified approach can only help patients, but employers need to play their part too.
The consensus proves there is appetite for change and I am determined to capitalise on this when I make my recommendations later this month,‘ she said.”

Click here to read the consensus statement.