More workplace help' needed for people with musculoskeletal disorders

Published on 03 Mar 2010

Campaign groups, policymakers and employers have called for people with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to receive more support to help them stay at work.

The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) - an umbrella body with 34 member organisations, including the Arthritis Research Campaign - has launched a new 'Charter for Work' to help the 6.5 million people with musculoskeletal conditions in the UK.

Figures show that 10.8 million working days were lost in 2008-09 as a result of musculoskeletal disorders, which are the second largest cause of work-limiting health problems in the UK.

The disorders cost the country billions of pounds each year, but many sufferers would be keen to work if they received the necessary support from their employers.

ARMA is convinced that the number of people who are not in work can be reduced and has developed a series of actions in partnership with NHS Employers, the Royal College of Nursing and the Work Foundation.

Director Ros Meek explained: "ARMA seeks to build on the progress made following Dame Carol Black's review, 'Working for a Healthier Tomorrow'. We want to capitalise on this work and drive positive action and behaviour change in our workplaces, local NHS and wider communities.

"We are urging all employers, both private and public sector, to show their commitment to the health of their workforce and adopt the charter. By taking small steps they can help to transform the lives of people with MSDs and benefit their bottom line by retaining valuable skills."

Steve Bevan, managing director of the Work Foundation, noted that in the majority of cases, "good work is good for health".

He added: "We support any steps which allow people with long-term or chronic health conditions to play their full part in the labour market."

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