DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (EMP-034) issued by The Government News
Network on 5 September 2007
A new survey of
1500 GPs has found that two-thirds (64%) are unaware of the
evidence that work is beneficial for physical and mental health.
However, nearly 90% said that if they knew of this evidence it
would affect the advice they give to their patients.
The survey, carried out by Doctors.Net on behalf of the DWP, was
revealed by Lord McKenzie today at a British Medical Association
Conference which brought together 100 leading doctors to discuss
the growing medical evidence that work is good for people's health.
Evidence published last year conclusively found that being in
work can help people with a health condition to get better; and
returning to work from unemployment improves health. Work can be
intrinsic to health and wellbeing, boosting self-esteem and
quality of life.
In his speech Lord McKenzie recognised the wide-ranging impact of
the growing evidence. He said:
"Sometimes new findings don't just change medical
practice - they challenge the very thinking and assumptions at the
heart of our culture and society. They question the behaviour and
attitudes of every individual, every organisation and every
employer in the country. And they challenge the approach of
Government too.
"The recognition that there is evidence that work is good
for people's health is, I believe, that powerful. Because it
means staying in work or returning to work could actually be part
of the solution to ill-health - no longer be seen as part of the problem.
"Obstacles often arise from myths and misunderstandings.
Doctors' advice can have a powerful impact - for good or
harm. Wrong words can reinforce or even create myths. Challenging
patients' misconceptions and providing evidence-based advice
is an effective way of overcoming these barriers.
"But all of us - whether Government, employers, the medical
profession or even individuals themselves - must consider how we
can go further in responding to the evidence of the links between
health and work if we are to meet the challenges of tackling
ill-health in the working age population."
Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain and Health Secretary Alan
Johnson have asked Dame Carol Black, the Government's first
National Director for Health and Work, to carry out an extensive
review of the health of the working age population. Dame Carol is
launching her review with a Call for Evidence later this month -
and is due to report in early 2008.
As part of its Health, Work and Well-being Strategy, the
government has developed a series of initiatives to support and
educate healthcare professionals on the health risks of
unemployment, the consequences of signing people off long-term
sick, and how they can help patients stay in or return to work.
Today Lord McKenzie launched a new leaflet for GPs which
highlights key findings of evidence to date, and will help doctors
and other healthcare professionals dispel myths and offer
practical support for their day-to-day dealings with patients.
Other initiatives include an online training tool for GPs to
assist in difficult consultations with patients on remaining in or
returning to work.
Notes to editors
1. Lord McKenzie was at the BMA conference "Work, good for
your Patient's Health and Wellbeing" on Wednesday 5th
September at BMA House in Tavistock Square, London.
2. A PDF of the GP leaflet can be obtained from the press office
(contact details below).
3. The independent review Is Work Good for your Health and
Well-being? reviewed more than 400 items of scientific evidence.
The authors, Gordon Waddell and Kim Burton, were commissioned by
the Department for Work and Pensions to conduct this independent
review of scientific evidence. The press notice is here: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/2006/sep/cphs040-060906.pdf
4. The Health Work and Well-being strategy was launched in
October 2005 and is led by Dame Carol Black, the National Director
for Health and Work. The strategy is a groundbreaking partnership
between Government (Department for Work and Pensions, Department
of Health and the Health and Safety Executive), the Scottish
Government and Welsh Assembly, employers and healthcare
professionals. Its main themes are engaging stakeholders,
improving working lives and healthcare for working age people.
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk
NEWS RELEASE