Workers living with long-term and debilitating health conditions may be entitled to enhanced workplace and financial support, following confirmation from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that new reforms will widen access to assistance. The update came after a parliamentary question on how individuals managing complex health issues are being supported in employment.
The Government’s response outlines measures set out in the Get Britain Working White Paper, alongside statutory entitlements and NHS-linked employment programmes. With certain chronic conditions affecting around one in 10 women in the UK, the scale of the issue carries clear implications for workforce participation and economic stability.
Government Reforms and Statutory Provisions
The matter was raised by Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins, who asked what steps were being taken to support people with a specific gynaecological condition in the workplace in her Harpenden and Berkhamsted constituency. In response, Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson confirmed that those affected would benefit from reforms designed to improve the integration of health and employment services.
According to the report, Dame Diana Johnson highlighted workplace support for disabled people and individuals with health conditions, referencing the WorkWell initiative. The programme is due to be rolled out across England over a three-year period and is intended to provide joined-up work and health support in local communities.
“Disabled people and people with health conditions are a diverse group so access to the right work and health support, in the right place, at the right time, is key,” she said. She added that the Government remains committed to supporting disabled people and people with health conditions throughout their employment journey.
Individuals unable to work because of ill health may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay from their employer. From April, this becomes payable from the first full day of sickness absence, according to the report.
Additional forms of support include Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres, Access to Work grants, Employment Advisers in NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care, and the Connect to Work scheme, which is currently being rolled out.
The Condition at the Centre of the Debate
The parliamentary exchange centred on endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb develops elsewhere in the body. This tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, potentially leading to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
According to Endometriosis UK, the condition affects around one in 10 women. The charity also reports that the average time to diagnosis stands at eight years and 10 months.
Symptoms can include pelvic pain, painful periods that interfere with everyday life, heavy menstrual bleeding, painful bowel movements, pain when urinating, difficulty getting pregnant and fatigue. These symptoms may reduce productivity, increase absences for medical appointments and contribute to longer-term career disruption.
According to the report, Dame Diana Johnson stated that women’s health directly impacts economic participation, noting that health issues are the leading cause of lost working time for women. She said the Government has been contributing to the renewal of the Women’s Health Strategy to ensure that being in work is recognised as a positive health outcome.
Specialist adviser Jo Hanley encouraged workers managing the condition to explore practical adjustments such as planned breaks, adaptable working hours or remote working arrangements where feasible. She noted that while not all requests may be accommodated, initiating a conversation with employers can help foster a more supportive working environment.
