Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), in association with the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) has launched the MSK for the Workplace programme, focused on improving the MSK health of the working age population. It follows recent news that more than 2.5 million people are currently unemployed in the UK due to health-related issues, including back and neck pain, at a time when the government has made it clear that getting people back to work is central to its plans for economic growth.
The thinking behind the programme is outlined in a guest blog in this month’s ARMA newsletter from the CEO of ORUK, Dr Arash Angadji. He explains why the government’s focus on getting people back to work, alongside its long-term aim of increasing the retirement age to 67, demands a serious focus on the MSK health of the working age population: ‘We cannot expect people to return to work or continue to be involved in physically demanding role in their 50s and 60s, without addressing their evolving MSK needs.’
The MSK for the Workplace programme, aims to bring together a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations with an interest in improving the MSK health of the working age population. The programme will include research investment, funding for innovation, policy papers, educational programmes and events. Dr Angadji says’, ‘We are interested to hear from any organisations who see the value in working together on this important national challenge.’ Anyone interested in getting involved in this programme can contact him via a.angadji@oruk.org.