Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent progress she has made on (a) rolling out the WorkWell programme and (b) implementing (i) trailblazers and (ii) other reforms to the fit note process.

The WorkWell pilot areas began to go live from October 1^st. The majority of the 15 pilot areas are now taking referrals, with the remaining areas expected to begin over the coming weeks.

We launched a Call for Evidence to seek views on how the current fit note process works and the support required to facilitate meaningful work and health conversations to help people start, stay and succeed in work. It closed on the 8 July 2024. We received over 1,900 responses that are now being reviewed and will inform our approach moving forward.

As part of our Get Britain Working plan, more disabled people and those with health conditions will be supported to enter and stay in work, by devolving more power to local areas so they can shape a joined-up work, health, and skills offer that suits the needs of the people they serve.