The Work Foundation | Fit for Work

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Fit for Work

Launched in 2007, this research has demonstrated that improvements in early intervention, treatment and return to work practices could help people of working age with even severe musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) stay in work. It found that there were often real health benefits associated with staying in or returning to work, but that many employers, clinicians and sometimes employees felt that temporary or permanent withdrawal from employment was the only option.

The current aim of the project is to build on the research findings to stimulate debate, develop policy and practice in Europe and beyond and to ensure that the early diagnosis and treatment of workers with MSDs takes into account the positive health impact of high-quality employment on rehabilitation and in some cases recovery.

Related Reports

Taking the strain: The impact of musculoskeletal disorders on work and home life
This report outlines what healthcare professionals, employers and policymakers must do to keep individuals with MSDs in active employment.

Ksenia Zheltoukhova, Lisa O'Dea and Stephen Bevan
10 December 2012

Healthy Work: Evidence into Action
Drawing on expertise of The Work Foundation, this report shows how employers, government and health services can better support the health of UK workers.

Helen Vaughan-Jones and Leela Barham
29 June 2010

Fit for Work? Musculoskeletal Disorders in the European Workforce
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 49% of workplace absences. This report is the culmination of a major study across 25 countries in the EU and beyond. It examines the causes of MSDs and assesses what can be done to reduce their devastating impact.

Stephen Bevan, Tatiana Quadrello, Robin McGee, Michelle Mahdon, Anna Vavrovsky, Leela Barham
30 September 2009

Related Events

The Work Foundation 2010 Annual Debate
Are we heading for a fairer workplace?

Thu, 10 June 2010
19:00 - 22:00

Musculoskeletal disorders: The true extent of the societal burden
This event will address the impact of musculoskeletal disorders and the implications for long-term health care and welfare spending.

Mon, 10 December 2012
10:00 - 12:00

Related Blogs

Life after prison: reoffending, social exclusion and unemployment
With a proposal in the Queen's speech to reform the process and service delivery of rehabilitation for prisoners, Karen Steadman provides some insight into what the proposals will mean.

Karen Steadman
09 May 2013

Challenges faced by cancer patients returning to work
Helping someone with cancer to stay in employment saves time and money by avoiding the need to recruit their replacement, and boosts loyalty and morale. Providing this support is easier than businesses may think.

Laura Dillingham
03 May 2013

Stress and MSDs at work – under the hammer at the misery auction?

Professor Stephen Bevan
17 April 2013

Related News

How do an individual's attitudes and work-life balance affect their productivity and engagement levels? (summary)
Watch Cary Cooper discuss wellbeing and high performance culture.

Professor Cary Cooper
17 April 2013

NHS incurring needlessly high sick pay costs as many staff with musculoskeletal disorders still lack support to remain working
Professor Stephen Bevan, Fit for Work Europe founding president and a director at The Work Foundation responds to a publication from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.

Tom Phillips
13 March 2013

Reaction to the Public Accounts Committee report on the Work Capability Assessment
Professor Stephen Bevan, director of the Centre for Workforce Effectiveness at The Work Foundation and Chair of the Fit for Work Coalition comments on The Public Accounts Committee report on the Work Capability Assessment.

Anna Kharbanda
08 February 2013