The Hidden Power of Return-to-Work Schemes
Why Investing in People Pays Off - Literally
A new report has revealed just how valuable it can be to invest in helping people back into work - not just for individuals, but for the entire UK economy.
According to research commissioned by MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee, every £1 invested in return-to-work schemes could save the UK £6. The findings, carried out by Health Equity North, show that structured, supportive employment programmes could deliver multi-billion-pound savings while improving lives and rebuilding communities.
What the Research Found
The study explored the impact of proposed employment support plans - particularly for those currently unemployed or economically inactive due to ill health.
Here’s what the analysis revealed:
If just 5% of unemployed and economically inactive people on Universal Credit returned to work in 2026, the UK could save over £20 billion by 2029.
This would require an initial investment of £1.5–£1.9 billion over two years - delivering huge long-term returns.
Getting 5% of inactive under-25s into work could save £903 million during this Parliament.
Supporting young people with disabilities or long-term sickness back into work could save another £631 million.
These figures highlight a clear truth: investing in people isn’t a cost - it’s a catalyst.
The Bigger Picture: Health, Inequality and Work
The research didn’t just focus on finances. It painted a picture of the broader challenges facing the UK workforce.
More than five million people are currently out of work and claiming Universal Credit, including a million young people (18–24) not in education, employment or training (often called “Neets”). Over three million claims are due to ill-health-related economic inactivity.
As Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, explained:
“Levels of ill health and health inequalities have deteriorated across the UK, especially in deprived areas. As a result, the country now faces significantly higher rates of economic inactivity due to ill health compared with similar economies such as Germany, Sweden and France.”
This isn’t just an economic issue - it’s a wellbeing issue. The rise in poor health, burnout and stress-related illness has created a cycle where people struggle to re-enter the workforce and the system struggles to support them effectively.
Why Return-to-Work Schemes Matter
Return-to-work programmes aren’t new - but this research shows how critical they are right now. They focus on personalised, supportive pathways back into employment, helping people rebuild confidence, develop skills and manage health conditions sustainably.
Evidence from previous initiatives, like the New Deal for Disabled People, showed that tailored, human-centred approaches work best. These programmes don’t just save money - they change lives.
They help people:
Reconnect with purpose and identity
Regain routine and structure
Build confidence and social connection
Improve physical and mental wellbeing
And they help businesses, too - by expanding the talent pool, reducing absenteeism and improving retention.
The Cost of Inaction
The Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, revealed that the number of people out of work for health reasons has risen 40% since 2019, costing the UK around £150 billion per year. Without change, this number could grow by another 600,000 people by 2030.
The takeaway is clear: doing nothing costs far more than acting.
How Moco Coaching Fits In
At Moco Coaching, we see these trends reflected every day. Behind every statistic is a person - often someone who’s exhausted, unsure or disconnected from their own sense of capability.
Our work focuses on helping people rebuild from the inside out. By combining mindset coaching, wellbeing support and nervous system awareness, we help individuals:
Restore confidence and clarity after periods of stress or burnout
Reconnect with their strengths and motivation
Build routines that support both wellbeing and productivity
Develop resilience and adaptability in work and life
We believe that returning to work shouldn’t mean returning to burnout. Sustainable performance starts with understanding how your body and mind work together - and designing a lifestyle that supports both.
When people are supported to thrive, organisations thrive and society benefits.
The Bottom Line
The numbers from the new report are powerful: investing in return-to-work schemes saves money. But beyond the economic gains lies something even more valuable - the human impact.
Helping even a small percentage of people back into meaningful, supported work strengthens communities, boosts wellbeing and drives long-term resilience.
At Moco Coaching, we’re here to support that shift - one person, one team, one workplace at a time.
Because when people are well, they work well.
And when they work well, everyone benefits.