Is work the cure-all?

Campaigners are warning that a review of the health of the working-age population, being carried out for the Department of Work and Pensions, may be used to promote draconian “back to work” policies.

The review’s approach is clear from the questions it is asking, such as “How can the workplace be used to promote health?” and “How can people best be helped to remain in or quickly return to work when they develop health conditions including chronic disease or disabilities?”

Details of the review are at www.health-and-work.gov.uk/Carol-Blacks-Review/Default.aspx, with a 30 November deadline for the submission of responses.