The conference, titled 'Working for a Healthy Economy: Evidencing the Impact of Public Sector Interventions in Health and Employability', convened experts from various national organisations at Saltcoats Town Hall. Discussions focused on successful local approaches, including the Ayrshire Growth Deal's 'Working for a Healthy Economy' programme, youth engagement in economic inactivity, and initiatives like 'Keep Britain Working' and 'Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland' (CHES).
The Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES) programme, a joint initiative led by Public Health Scotland and Professor Sir Michael Marmot’s Institute for Health Equity, launched in 2025. In North Ayrshire, under the 'Good North Ayrshire' banner, three workstreams – Good Start, Good Jobs, and Good Health – are actively working to improve lives through a focus on employment, ill-health prevention, early years, education, and community support. This local effort is steered by the North Ayrshire Integration Joint Board and the Community Planning Partnership Board.
Tom Arthur, Minister for Business & Fair Work, opened the conference, emphasising the Scottish Government's commitment to tackling economic inactivity and increasing labour market participation. He stated, “Good health and good work go hand in hand. Through our investment in the Working for a Healthy Economy programme as part of the Ayrshire Growth Deal, we are supporting approaches that help more people enter, remain and progress in work.”
Key topics explored included improving work retention, reducing health inequalities, and the success of Ayrshire’s integrated health and employability model. The conference also examined future strategies for local authorities, health boards, and employability partnerships.
“"The aim of the conference was to explore how local interventions can improve health outcomes for people who need support the most, and also to examine how we can help residents get access to quality jobs that are sustainable. There was a lot to talk about and some very positive takeaways about the good work already being done here in North Ayrshire. As ever, our aim is to build on these positives and strive to further improve life for everyone."
The 'Working for a Healthy Economy' (WfHE) programme, delivered by the NHS Salus Return to Work Services, provides rapid access to professional health support for Ayrshire residents whose health conditions affect their ability to work. This service is integrated with regional employability services, aiming to improve employment outcomes.
Early findings from an independent evaluation by the University of Glasgow’s Healthy Working Lives group indicate positive health and employability outcomes, demonstrating the impact of the Ayrshire Growth Deal investment. The university team suggests Ayrshire could become a national learning site for tackling health-related economic inactivity. Since its 2021 launch, WfHE has supported residents by providing rapid professional health support.
Keynote speakers included Sir Charlie Mayfield, Lead Non-Executive Board Member for HM Treasury; Professor Ewan Macdonald CBE, founder of the Healthy Working Lives Group at the University of Glasgow; and Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland. Several North Ayrshire residents shared personal stories of how WFHE and the Council’s employability service, Working North Ayrshire, have been transformative, improving mental health and restoring confidence.
Councillor Gurney expressed gratitude to all contributors, especially the residents who shared their experiences, highlighting the ongoing commitment to building on successes and improving life for everyone in North Ayrshire.
