Britain is sliding into an avoidable crisis and Ill-health has become one of the biggest brakes on growth and opportunity according to a report out today
The report by the former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield and commissioned by the Department of Work and Pensions found that there were 800,000 more people out of work now than in 2019 due to health conditions, costing employers £85b a year.
The crisis of ill health is costing the country around 7% of GDP
There is, he found, a culture of fear among workers around ill health, a lack of an effective or consistent support system for employers and employees in managing health, and structural challenges for disabled people.
The report proposes a new approach where responsibility for health at work is shared between employers, employees and health services rather than being left to the worker and the NHS.
93% of fit notes in England deem the patient “not fit for work” and are “often” extended without further consultation he found
The Government said more than 60 employers – including the British Beer and Pub Association, Burger King, John Lewis and Google UK – have expressed interest in becoming so-called vanguard employers to pioneer the overall new approach.
This would involve a three-year phase focused on how to address mental health at work, retention of older people in work and improved participation and retention of disabled people in work.
Sir Charlie said: “Employers are uniquely placed to make a difference, preventing health issues where possible, supporting people when they arise, and helping them return to work.
“If we keep Britain working, everyone wins – people, employers, and the state.
Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University commenting on the report said
The UK economy continues to be held back by near record levels of health-related economic inactivity, and currently has a ‘one in, one out labour market’ – with the latest DWP data highlighting that for every disabled person who enters employment, one already in work is leaving.
“The Keep Britain Working Review is a welcome intervention and makes clear that work is a key determinant of health. The UK now needs a national reset to ensure employers and government have clearly defined roles in ensuring that people can stay healthy in work and that work itself supports good health.
“Its emphasis on increasing early intervention and prevention to support healthier working lives is key. Work Foundation longitudinal analysis has shown that one in ten employees who experience a decline in their health leave work, and most of this attrition happens within one year of falling ill. The Review’s recommendations for a case management approach for employees and line managers, the development of stay-in-work and return-to-work plans and targeted early support could all help address this worrying trend.
“However, while it’s positive that the report is launching alongside more than 60 ‘Vanguard’ employers promising to kick start a race to the top on employee health, it is vital that the UK Government also continues its efforts to drive up minimum employer standards, including through its Employment Rights Bill and as a major employer and procurer of services itself.
“Low-income workers in insecure employment are most likely to miss out on workplace policies that can protect their health. A recent Work Foundation survey noted that nearly half of low-income workers would not even feel comfortable talking to their employer about their physical or mental health.
“It’s welcome, therefore, that the Review recommends better monitoring of workforce health data across sectors to help identify problem areas early and prevent avoidable health related job loss. The Fair Work Agency and Health and Safety Executive must be empowered and resourced to act on instances of malpractice.
“Ultimately the long-term success of the Keep Britain Working review will now depend on how the Government ensures the momentum behind this agenda is maintained. In particular, we must see action to harness and scale interventions to improve worker retention across all sectors of the economy, and ensure plans for joined-up investment are in place by the time of the next Spending Review.”
