The Work and Health Programme (WHP) has released its official statistics for the period up to February 2026. The programme, which was launched in April 2017, aims to help people with disabilities and health conditions find employment. The latest figures show that over 1.2 million people have taken part in the programme, with 434,000 finding employment as a result.
The employment rate for programme beneficiaries has increased by 12% since April 2017, indicating a positive trend in the programme's effectiveness. The statistics also reveal that 62% of participants were referred to the programme by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Jobcentre Plus, while 21% were self-referred.
According to the statistics, the most common health conditions among programme participants are diabetes, anxiety and depression. The majority of participants (83%) were aged 40 or over, and 55% were male. The programme's success is attributed to its personalised approach, which includes tailored support and guidance to help individuals overcome barriers to employment.
The Work and Health Programme Pioneer is a key component of the programme, offering intensive support to individuals with the most complex needs. The Pioneer has supported over 120,000 participants since its launch in 2019, with 30% of these individuals finding employment.
The programme's progress is a positive development for the UK's labour market, particularly for individuals with disabilities and health conditions who often face significant barriers to employment. The government will continue to monitor the programme's effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary to ensure its continued success.