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Funding boost given to help people return to, and remain in, work
The Government has today (25 February) announced a £25 million pound boost to the NHS to help support employment. 2.8 million people are out of work, naming health conditions as the main reason. There are a further 10.2 million in work with health conditions, and some of these people could be at risk of having to leave work.
Using this funding, the NHS is setting up specialist support for those at risk of falling out of work so they don’t spiral into a cycle of unemployment when they encounter a health problem. This could include NHS funded employment coaching, gym memberships, counselling or physiotherapy.
We know from what you told us during the 2025 Your Life and CF survey that:
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79% felt their CF had affected their job and/or career
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40% had been discriminated against in work
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22% lost jobs or had to quit because of time off for illness
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17% didn’t get the qualifications they needed because of their health
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17% have been turned down for jobs because of CF
We also included an open-ended question “What support would help you manage CF/caring responsibilities alongside your work or career?” and
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45% would like to have more flexibility in their working lives
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20% would like their employers or colleagues to be more understanding around CF
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12% would like their employers to be more educated around CF
We’re pleased to see the Government’s plan to boost funding so more people can return to, and stay in, work. Cystic fibrosis is a life-long, life limiting condition that impacts every area of life, including employment.
Alice Billin, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Cystic Fibrosis Trust
With our data showing nearly 80 per cent of people with CF felt their condition affected their job, and 40 per cent being discriminated against at work, we need to see better understanding of CF in the workplace and by employment support services. Our innovative Work Forwards employment programme provides a blueprint of what’s needed.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “The NHS is great at patching us up, but too often it then sends us home without the support we need to get back on our feet. That's bad for patients, bad for our economy, and bad for the NHS, because we end up walking back through its doors sooner than we should.
“For the first time, we are making the NHS accountable for patients’ employment outcomes, to drive better rehab and long-term health.
“This is what our 10 Year Plan is all about - an NHS that doesn't just treat illness, but helps people live fuller, healthier lives. Thanks to our changes, the NHS will play its part in getting Britain back to work."
Cystic Fibrosis Trust offer information, advice, signposting, and practical support to people with CF and people who care for those with CF through our Work Forwards programme, such as:
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Tailored one-to-one support from employment experts to help identify your career goals and find fulfilling employment
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Support to find the right balance for you between employment and caring responsibilities
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Support with employment rights
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Group sessions to learn key employability skills
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A chance to share experiences of work and CF to inspire and support each other
The Trust also runs the Helen Barrett Bright Ideas Awards to support people with CF who have a great idea for starting or growing their own business, and our Student Support Service, to support those in study or looking to take their next steps at university.
For more information, take a look at our website page here.