Mayfair Health Group

Work and Health: A New Direction for UK Healthcare

In January 2025, a landmark consensus statement was published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, the Royal College of Nursing, and the Allied Health Professions Federation. It sets out a new direction for healthcare professionals across the UK to actively support the positive role of work in health and recovery.

Why Work Matters for Health

Years of evidence show that good work work that is safe, supportive and meaningful can improve both physical and mental wellbeing. On the other hand, being away from work for long periods due to illness can lead to poorer health outcomes and greater social isolation.

The new consensus encourages healthcare professionals to see work not just as a social or financial factor, but as a key part of managing health and supporting recovery. It outlines five core principles to help embed work and health conversations into routine clinical care.

The Five Core Principles

Work is a Health Outcome
Clinicians are encouraged to see employment status as an important indicator of health much like blood pressure or cholesterol.

Early Conversations About Work
Healthcare professionals should ask about a patient’s job and any challenges they face as early as possible.

Personalised Advice and Support
Recommendations should be tailored to the individual’s job, condition and needs.

Planning for Return to Work
Work focused recovery should involve collaboration with employers, occupational health teams and support services.

Ongoing Training for Clinicians
Healthcare professionals should keep up to date with occupational health guidance, best practices and legal responsibilities.

What This Means for Patients and Employers

This marks a cultural shift in healthcare. It places more focus on helping people stay in or return to work as part of their recovery. For employers, it offers new opportunities to work closely with healthcare providers to support employee wellbeing and reduce long term absence.

Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future Through Work

This is more than a policy document. It is the foundation for bringing occupational health into everyday healthcare. Over the next few years, more professionals will be trained to support people with work related health challenges leading to healthier lives and stronger workplaces.

About Mayfair Health Group

At Mayfair Health Group, we believe in the power of work to support wellbeing. As specialists in occupational health recruitment and workforce solutions, we help place talented professionals who understand the value of work as part of healthcare. Whether you’re an employer looking to grow your occupational health team or a clinician passionate about workplace wellbeing, we’re here to help build a healthier working world.

Get in touch to find out how we can work together.