“After 53 years in construction, I’m on morphine for the pain. I couldn’t wait three or four years, so I borrowed to go private. That’s not right.”
- Peter Anderson MACQP
The problem
Joint and musculoskeletal conditions can leave people working in pain, taking extended sickness absence or leaving their profession earlier than planned. Lengthy waits for diagnosis, physiotherapy or surgery can deepen the personal and economic impact.
The proposal
The campaign invites Government, employers, employees, unions, insurers and healthcare partners to explore a contribution-based approach focused on prevention and timely access to appropriate musculoskeletal care.
- Earlier access to assessment, scans and physiotherapy where clinically appropriate.
- A serious discussion about shared contributions and employer support.
- Better prevention and occupational-health pathways for physically demanding roles.
- Pilot programmes capable of being evaluated before wider adoption.
The intended impact
- Help people remain healthy, independent and economically active.
- Reduce avoidable sickness absence and premature workforce exit.
- Encourage earlier intervention before manageable conditions become disabling.
- Support a fairer and more dignified route towards retirement.
Support the conversation
Download the campaign briefing, share it responsibly and invite employers, professional bodies, unions and elected representatives to consider how a practical pilot might work.