The National Institute for Health and Care Research has announced a substantial investment of over £7 million in four innovative research projects designed to tackle health-related economic inactivity.
This initiative, part of the NIHR’s Work and Health Research Initiative, aims to support the working-age population in maintaining, returning to, and leaving work in a healthier and happier state.
The funded projects cover a range of critical areas:
- WISHES: Workplace Intervention for Sustainable Health and Employment Support: Led by Prof Adam Whitworth at the University of Strathclyde, this research will explore how job crafting can enhance employment and health, particularly for disabled workers.
- SHINE: Supply Chain Health Initiative Evaluation: Conducted by Prof Jo Yarker and Dr Vaughan Parsons, this project will investigate how health and wellbeing services can be made more accessible to SMEs through trusted supply chains.
- Support2Work: Mental Health as a Determinant of Work: Led by Prof Rowena Jacobs at the University of York, this study will evaluate the impact of the NHS Talking Therapies Employment Advisers Programme on mental health, work, and economic outcomes.
- Creating Healthy Jobs: Headed by Prof Chris Warhurst at the University of Warwick, this research will develop new methods to understand and improve the relationship between job quality and health.
NIHR Chief Executive, Professor Lucy Chappell, said:
“Investing in research to support employees to stay healthy and remain in work is crucial for the future of our economy. It has the potential to deliver substantial economic and social benefits for individuals, employers and wider society.
“The NIHR’s Work and Health Research Initiative builds on existing investment in research in this area, helping to support the UK’s economic growth and boost health and wellbeing across the UK.”
The initiative aims to generate crucial evidence to support policy decisions, helping more people enter, remain in, or re-enter the workforce. The research will focus on creating healthy jobs, using talking therapies to address mental health issues, and understanding the needs of individuals with long-term conditions.
By improving employment, income, and health, these projects will not only boost individual wellbeing but also contribute to the overall economy. The NIHR’s continued investment in work and health research underscores its commitment to addressing key challenges in occupational health.
This significant funding marks another step forward in the UK’s efforts to reduce health-related economic inactivity and promote a healthier workforce.
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