Work and Employment

Work&EmployImage
There are many factors that impact a person's health including where someone has grown up, how old they are, where they live now and the work that they do. Employment can be one of these factors, whether paid or voluntary, being in good and fair work is associated with improving a person's mental and physical health. Not being in work can limit opportunities for skill development along with fewer opportunities to engage with others, participate in social activities, and build positive behaviours that can support our overall wellbeing.

Scotland has an ageing working population, and increasingly, people who work are living with long term health conditions and disabilities. If people get the correct support, many can enter and remain in work. Unemployment can harm health, and poor health makes it harder to find or sustain employment.

Being in good work is better for your health than being out of work. ‘Good work’ is defined as having a safe and secure job with good working hours and conditions, supportive management and opportunities for training and development.

For many individuals, in particular those with long-term conditions such as mental health, musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and disabilities, heath issues can be a barrier to gaining and retaining employment.

Ask
I have heard you talk about/mention…
•Social isolation
•Poor mental health and wellbeing
•Poor physical health or having a disability
•Money worries
•Food insecurity
•Challenges in using public transport or travelling to attend work, appointments, activities and social events

 
Do you mind if I ask you if you are you in work at the moment?
or
May I ask where do you work/what do you do?


If in work / Self employed
•Are there challenges for you to remain in work?

In employment but off sick
  • What support do you think you might need in getting back into work?
  • How do you feel about going back to work?

Not in work / Job seeking for more alternative work (nor retired or in full time education)
 
•What support do you think you might need in getting into work?
•Are you getting any support with job seeking or training to help you get into work?
 

Assist
Can I share with you some information about free services that may help you in your situation?


Act
Signpost or refer the person you are supporting to free impartial and trusted sources of support such as:
(go to Further Information page for more details on these sources)