The Framework initially focuses on how to help people in work to maintain their jobs. In the longer term, as the government develops the new approach to Vocational Rehabilitation, they will look at addressing the separate, but related barriers to work individuals who are not in the workforce face.
Ms Kennedy said: "The Government wants to enable more people with a health condition, impairment or injury to access, remain in or return to work for the benefit of all concerned, not least individuals themselves, and their employers.
The Framework demonstrates the Government's commitment to provide direction and leadership in Vocational Rehabilitation by for instance:
- setting up a Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation Steering Group to enable stakeholders to contribute to the development of the new approach to Vocational Rehabilitation;
- developing new guidance and additional tools in recognition that many stakeholders are already committed to Vocational Rehabilitation and are looking for help, for example the Health and Safety Executive's new guidance Managing sickness absence and return to work (see Managing Absence story);
Building capacity for work - a UK Framework for Vocational Rehabilitation is published on the DWP website at: www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/ vrframework/.