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THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS (DWP) HAS ANNOUNCED PEOPLE WITH THREE COMMON ISSUES LIVING IN AREAS WITH THE WORST WAITING LISTS FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL (MSK) CONDITIONS ARE TO BE TREATED

FASTER 15:20, 27 May 2025 The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled plans to expedite treatment and support for individuals with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. They include

people with back, joint, and muscle problems who are living in areas with the longest waiting lists. This initiative is part of the UK Government's 'Get Britain Working' white

paper, aimed at tackling economic inactivity. According to the latest DWP figures, around 3.6 million individuals in England and Wales were receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP) as

of January. Following the recent annual uprating, a successful PIP claim is now worth between £116.80 and £749.80 every four weeks. As part of the Government's efforts to address

economic inactivity, 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) in England will share a £3.5 million package to enhance MSK services. However, these plans will not be implemented in Scotland unless

the Scottish Government adopts the proposed policy changes and applies them to devolved disability benefits. The funding will allocate up to £300,000 to each area in England and Wales to

address one of the primary drivers of economic inactivity. This initiative is part of the Government's Plan for Change, which aims to "put more money into people's pockets and

get the NHS back on its feet". The MSK Community Delivery Programme is set to enhance efficiency in getting musculoskeletal (MSK) patients the treatment they require. Administered

through NHS England's Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) framework, it will empower Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) with the necessary resources and leadership to innovate patient care

pathways and reduce waiting lists, ultimately paving the way for MSK sufferers to return to employment, reports the Daily Record. Article continues below Minister for Employment, Alison

McGovern MP, recently emphasised: "For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working.

It's stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential." McGovern further highlighted the positive impact of additional

funding: "This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate,

get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again." According to the UK Government, around 2.8 million individuals are not participating in the workforce due to long-term

illnesses, with MSK conditions cited as the second most common reason after mental health. Of those, approximately 646,000 people – about 23% – report MSK as their primary health concern.

Community service waiting lists for MSK conditions currently top all others in England, with 348,799 patients waiting as of September 2024. Furthermore, the UK saw around 23.4 million

working days lost in 2022 due to MSK conditions, showcasing the urgent need for this transformative healthcare programme. Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne has

recently been quoted as saying: "With prevention, early detection and treatment, we know the 17 million people with musculoskeletal issues in England could better manage their

conditions, improving their quality of life and enabling them to rejoin the workforce. "Through the Plan for Change, the government is taking decisive action to drive down waiting

lists, improve treatment options and boost the economy." Amongst these 17 ICB locations driving forward the implementation of this strategy, numerous sites also encompass the NHS

England's Further Faster 20 programme and the fresher WorkWell initiative introduced by the UK Government. Versus Arthritis' Chief Exec, Deborah Alsina MBE, commented: "With

over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, Versus Arthritis understands the devastating impact these conditions can have on working

lives. "Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness and prevent people doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel an impossible challenge. "MSK Community

Services can be an invaluable resource for people with arthritis, and we are thrilled about the kickoff of this programme in dedicated locations across England, and hopefully soon

nationwide." Article continues below The Government unveiled the Get Britain Working White Paper in November, marking a significant overhaul of employment support for a generation by

integrating skills and health to boost employment rates. A consultation on potential amendments to the welfare system is slated for release prior to the Spring Statement on 26 March. _FOR

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