Individual placement and support: impact beyond jobs

This report reviews the employment and wellbeing outcomes of over 19,000 people with health issues in the UK who have participated in an employment support program using the Individual Placement Services (IPS) methodology. IPS is a form of tailored employment support that helps people with health problems return to and remain in the workforce.

Key findings 

• Early help while someone is still in work leads to better employment outcomes. 62% of people who are referred to IPS services while still employed are able to stay in work.
• 73% of the people supported into work through IPS sustained their job for 13 weeks, and 68% of those sustained it for 26 weeks.
• 73% of those who found employment showed an improvement in their wellbeing score.
• IPS boosts the economy with an average salary of £32,000 for those gaining employment through the IPS program – just below the national average.
• IPS benefits communities by boosting employment, contributing to better social and family relationships, and maximising use of locally available services.
• 88% of the people supported said they improved or maintained their mental health and 95% would recommend the IPS service.