Nottingham Insight

This Work and Health JSNA Profile examines the interconnectedness of work and health. It outlines local data, trends and national policy and evidence for supporting people with long-term health conditions to secure or sustain meaningful employment.  We set out the key findings and proposed recommendations for informing the work and health priority of Nottingham’s Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Key findings

Being in work provides financial stability and contributes to health and wellbeing by providing identity, purpose, and social connection. Being unemployed increases the risk of poverty, social exclusion, stress, and leads to higher mortality and morbidity.

Poor health is keeping people out of work. 36.3% of the working age economically inactive population in Nottingham are long-term sick. Work-limiting mental health and musculoskeletal conditions are common barriers to employment.

Policy, guidance and evidence

The policy context for health and work is changing rapidly and has shifted to a more proactive approach emphasising prevention, early intervention, and the promotion of ‘good work’ (defined by fair pay, stability, flexibility and supportive environments). Nottingham’s job market includes low-paid, insecure and physically demanding jobs, which by nature contribute to poor health. Get Britain Working is driving collaborative efforts to reduce economic inactivity and better integrate health, employment, and welfare systems. Nottingham’s Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Economic Growth Plan prioritise work and health.

Assets and services

Several integrated support services exist in Nottingham, including Individual Placement Support. The voluntary and community sector play a crucial role in advocacy and navigation, and health and care professionals can initiate conversations about work and health. There is a strong emphasis on the need for collaboration and improved pathways between health, care, and employment services. However, visibility and accessibility of services is limited, and a lack of knowledge and understanding, stigma, and discrimination in the workplace can delay timely support.

Recommendations

With an ageing population, youth unemployment, and upcoming changes to welfare and employment policy, economic inactivity due to long term health conditions is expected to continue widening health inequalities.

Recommendations have been developed for this JSNA across five key themes, focused on improving work and health outcomes for people in Nottingham:

1. Strengthening partnership and integration between health and employment services
2. Promoting ‘good work’ and inclusive employment practices
3. Leverage local plans and strategic coordination
4. Visibility and accessibility of services
5. Using data and evidence to prepare for the future

Helen Johnston: Helen.Johnston@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Bryany Cornish: Bryany.cornish@nottinghamcity.gov.uk