STORY
The Government has proposed creating a national workplace health system intended to prevent employees leaving work because of illness or disability. Its Keep Britain Working review estimates that approximately 2.8 million people are economically inactive because of health conditions, an increase of around 800,000 since 2019.
The proposed system would combine more inclusive workplaces, accessible occupational health provision and improved information about sickness absence and employment retention. Employers would be encouraged to discuss health concerns earlier, make appropriate adjustments and prepare practical plans for employees remaining in or returning to work.
The review estimates that health related economic inactivity costs Britain approximately £212 billion each year through lost economic output, benefits, additional NHS costs and the effect upon unpaid carers. The proposed workplace standards and reporting arrangements are still being developed and tested, meaning their final form and effect upon employers have not yet been settled.