A cutting edge project to test new ways of helping sick workers keep their jobs is being launched by the Government.

The research project could provide valuable information to enable people to get back to work quickly without losing their current jobs and help businesses retain skilled and experienced workers.

The Job Retention and Rehabilitation Pilot (JRRP), funded by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with the Department of Health, is set to start on 1 April. It will examine the barriers preventing people from a healthy return to work after sick absence and try to find ways of overcoming them.

DWP Work Minister Nick Brown said: “Every week people lose their job because of health problems. They can then be out of work and relying on benefits for years – a waste of both human and taxpayers’ resources.

"This cutting edge initiative could prove a real boost to workers and bosses across the U.K. Evidence shows that the earlier people off work because of sickness receive help, the better their chance of returning to their job.

"The research project will test how extra health and workplace support can help people get well again, return to work and keep their jobs. We will of course need to carefully evaluate the results to see how successful the different pilot models have been."

Health Minister David Lammy said "Existing research does not tell us if extra help at work or through the health service will be effective in keeping people in their jobs. It makes sense to carry out new research so that we can see what works and what doesn't."

Involving 7,500 selected volunteers, the JRRP will run for two years in six pilot areas across the country: Greater Glasgow, Teesside, Tyneside, Birmingham, Sheffield and West Kent.

The innovative project will be open to eligible employed and self-employed volunteers who have been off work for between 6 and 26 weeks. External providers will deliver the pilot under contract.

Pilot service providers will publicise the research project in each area and encourage volunteers, working with health professionals and employers.