Supporting people to remain in work

The presentation

In a dynamic and insightful presentation, Karin Orman, Paul Dunning, Ross Smith and Belinda Carley explored the profound relationship between work and public health, making a compelling case for occupational therapists' pivotal role in supporting employment and wellbeing. 

The panel began by unpacking why work is fundamentally a public health issue: employment can be related to health, life expectancy and children’s academic achievements 

A critical theme emerged about the quality of work. It's not just about being employed, but being employed in ‘good work’ - positions that are safe, supportive, and rewarding. The speakers emphasised that good work can be transformative, helping reduce health inequalities by providing stable income, skills development, and meaningful social connections. 

The conversation highlighted significant workforce challenges, such as the increased number of people leaving employment due to health conditions.  

Occupational therapists were presented as key agents of change because of their person-centred, needs-led approach. The panel advocated for OTs to be bold in expanding their roles, particularly in primary care and occupational health. A forward-looking workforce strategy was outlined, envisioning OTs working across universal, targeted, and specialist levels. 

They suggested OTs should:

• At a universal level, routinely ask working-age individuals about their employment status, and if they aren’t employed, whether they would like to be. OTs should then be able to refer to good quality resources for further support. 
• At a targeted level, work with social prescribers, Citizens Advice Bureau advisors and work coaches so they are aware of and can refer to occupational therapy 
• At a specialist level, working in vocational health and vocational rehabilitation and measuring the impact of those services.

The discussion also highlighted emerging opportunities, such as OTs being approved to issue fit notes - a significant step in providing more nuanced workplace health guidance. The panel saw this as a chance to move beyond traditional medical models towards more holistic, person-centred approaches. 

Employers were acknowledged as crucial partners in this ecosystem. The importance of line managers being equipped to support staff with health conditions was stressed, along with the need for proactive workplace health strategies. 

The speakers were optimistic about the future. With cross-party political agreement on the importance of employment and health, and organisations like the Department for Work and Pensions and NHS actively seeking OT involvement, the profession stands at an exciting juncture. 

The presentation concluded by encouraging ongoing dialogue, feedback, and collaboration to continue improving support systems like the Access to Work scheme and fit note processes.