More than 160 employers, training organisations and public sector representatives gathered in July for the inaugural Keeping Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working conference, reflecting growing local concern about the links between health and employment.
Putting workforce health at the business centre
The event formed part of the NHS-led WorkWell programme, which offers personalised support to help people with health conditions remain in or return to work. Speakers from national departments and local organisations outlined how investing in staff wellbeing can reduce sickness absence, ease recruitment pressures and build more resilient teams.
Delegates heard that changes in the UK labour market mean workforce health is now a core business issue. The conference summary cites findings from the Keep Britain Working review and notes that more than a fifth of working-age adults are out of work because of long-term health conditions — a trend placing strain on employers facing smaller talent pools and skills shortages.
Who spoke and what was covered
Contributors included representatives from the Department for Work & Pensions, the Department of Health and Social Care, the local NHS Integrated Care Board and a range of regional specialists.
- Local organisations taking part included Genius Within, Marches HR, Mind, Optima, Worcester Physiotherapists and Limelite HR.
- Sessions addressed practical workplace interventions such as support for neurodiversity and musculoskeletal health.
- Partners on delivery were NHS Herefordshire & Worcestershire together with Herefordshire Growth Hub, Worcestershire Growth Hub and the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
Speakers emphasised that linking health, skills and employment support is critical to help people stay in work, return to work and progress in their careers. They also set out how employers can translate policy into practical measures — from reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent staff to early intervention for musculoskeletal problems.
Local impact and next steps
Organisers said the conference aimed to equip employers with tools and examples they could adopt immediately. For Worcestershire businesses, the messages were straightforward: consider workforce health as part of recruitment and retention strategy; work with existing local support routes; and prioritise early, personalised interventions for staff with health conditions.
| Attendees | Partners / Speakers |
|---|---|
| More than 160 | DWP, DHSC, NHS Integrated Care Board, Genius Within, Marches HR, Mind, Optima, Worcester Physiotherapists, Limelite HR |
The conference is intended as a starting point for ongoing collaboration between health services, growth hubs and local employers. For businesses in Worcestershire seeking support, the delivery partners named at the event provide entry points to the WorkWell programme and local employment services.
Further activity and follow-up events were signalled by the organisers, as they work to strengthen pathways between healthcare, skills provision and employment support across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
