A new government scheme aims to help people on long-term sick leave find paths back to work.

The Health and Work Service, which has received broad support from employers and trade unions, gives people on sick leave access to advice and support if they have been off work for four weeks or more.

It will be run by private sector agencies and be paid for by removing compensation currently given to employers when staff fall ill or are seriously injured.

Ministers believe businesses will save money overall, around £70 million a year in total, through reduced sick pay and the cost of replacement workers.