West Yorkshire is set to receive more than £20 million of investment as part of a government drive to reduce the number of people who cannot work because of ill health.

The county has been selected as the location of one of eight "inactivity trailblazer sites" across the country, following an announcement made by prime minister Keir Starmer today (November 26).

Currently, an estimated 101,000 people in West Yorkshire are unable to work "because of one or more health conditions," according to the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership.

The investment will be used to further develop and expand the social care and NHS workforce; ensure continued focus on prevention and early intervention activity; and expand and diversify employment support and employer liaison.

One example provided by the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership of how trailblazer activity could work was the Long Covid vocational rehabilitation work currently taking place in Bradford District and Craven.

The work sees patients, following an initial assessment, take part in a seven week-long course to help their recovery.

According to a spokesperson, patients involved are able to have an occupational therapy triage or attend vocational rehabilitation groups "at any time."