How AHPs contribute to work and health
This report looks at how AHPs reduce inequalities, improve health and support meaningful occupation.
Good work is a powerful determinant of health.
It supports physical and mental wellbeing, strengthens communities, reduces health inequalities and benefits the economy. Yet across the UK, economic inactivity due to long-term sickness remains high. Millions of people living with long-term conditions or disabilities want to work but face barriers. As the population ages, helping people to enter, remain in and return to work is a public health priority.
Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are central to this challenge. Through prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation, workplace adjustments and health promotion, AHPs help people build the ability and confidence to thrive in education and employment.
Key messages
- Work should be routinely considered a health outcome, and discussions about work should be embedded across health and care pathways.
- AHPs are well placed to deliver biopsychosocial, person-centred interventions that address physical, psychological, cognitive and environmental barriers to work.
- Early, multidisciplinary and workplace-focused interventions lead to better health outcomes and more sustainable employment.
- Greater system-level recognition, commissioning and integration of AHP-led work and health interventions is needed to maximise their impact.
The impact of Allied Health Professionals
This report provides guidance and examples of best practice on how AHPs can play a role in workplace health.
Reducing health-related barriers at work
By addressing physical, psychological, cognitive and environmental challenges, AHPs help people overcome the obstacles that prevent them from entering or sustaining employment.
Supporting people with long-term conditions or disabilities
AHPs design tailored, person-centred plans that enable people to remain in, or return to, work safely and sustainably.
Improve workplace health, wellbeing and productivity
Working with employers, AHPs advise on workplace adjustments, job design and health promotion, contributing to healthier, more productive organisations.
Help reduce health inequalities
By focusing on those most affected by deprivation, disability and long-term illness, AHP interventions can narrow the gap in health and employment outcomes.