MP welcomes bid to boost wealth with a visit to GP

Jobless and poorly people in South Tyneside could soon see their wealth as well as their health boosted by a visit to their GP, a local MP says.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Under a new £1billion Government scheme, a trip to see their doctor may also lead to an examination of their ability to work by a specialist employment adviser.

The advisers are set to be embedded into local healthcare teams, including GP surgeries, in an initiative being backed by borough MP Kate Osborne.

They will assess the suitability of those on long-term sickness benefits to get into work and offer more tailored support than exists through job centres.