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Written question asked by Neil Duncan-Jordan (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 June 2025. It was answered by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Thursday, 5 June 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Spondyloarthritis: Employment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help support people with axial spondyloarthritis to (a) remain in employment or (b) return to the workforce.

Answer

The Government and NHS England recognise the significant burden of disease associated with axial spondyloarthritis, particularly where diagnosis is delayed. We recognise the work of the National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society in promoting early diagnosis and good access to effective treatment. Time from referral to diagnosis is included in the National Early Inflammatory Arthritis Audit which covers National Health Service rheumatology services in England and Wales, and we have prioritised reducing waiting times for services through the Elective Recovery Programme and the Getting It Right First Time MSK Community Delivery Programme.

We also have a range of specialist initiatives to support individuals to stay in work and get back into work. Measures include support from Work Coaches and Disability Employment Advisers in Jobcentres and Access to Work grants, joining up health and employment support around the individual through programmes like WorkWell, as well as the mobilisation of eight place-based trailblazers to reduce economic inactivity.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
54225
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Employment Occupational health Spondyloarthritis
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk