The Keep Britain Working report marks a “pivotal” moment in workplace health, according to industry experts.
There was widespread support for recommendations made by Sir Charlie Mayfield, who has led this review, and the government’s commitment to “urgent, co-ordinated action” on this issue.
This was led by the Government with the Work and Pensions secretary, Pat McFadden saying “[The] message is crystal clear: keeping people healthy and in work is the right thing to do and is essential for economic growth.
“When businesses retain talent and reduce workplace ill-health, everyone wins. That’s why we’re acting now to launch employer-led Vanguards as part of the ‘Plan for Change’, driving economic growth and opportunity across the country.”
Unum CEO Mark Till says: “The report lays the foundation for a collaborative effort between employers, policymakers and providers like Unum to ensure every individual, regardless of health challenges or disability, has the opportunity to thrive in their professional journey.
“With 31 per cent of the economically inactive population now classified as long-term sick and mental health the leading cause of absence, this is a national challenge that must be addressed to unlock economic growth.”
Zurich UK head of market engagement Peter Hamilton adds : “There’s a lot to like in the review. It makes clear the significant societal and individual costs of economic inactivity, especially lost earnings from extended absences.
“Positively, it also shows solutions to this problem exist. The report’s recommendations for Government, including the establishment of the Workplace Health Intelligence Unit, are clear and practical and we strongly support them.
“The concept of identifying and sharing best practice is a practical and positive step, and recognising the shared responsibilities of employers, employees and the NHS is critical.
“The report highlights the need to get employers ‘on the pitch’ early; we need ‘stay in work’ plans, not ‘absence plans’. Insurers understand that prevention and swift intervention, like rehabilitation, make a huge difference. We know that nine in 10 employees return to work when they have access to vocational rehabilitation, but only three in 10 have this. “
Aviva UK Health medical director Dr Subashini M says: “We strongly support the report’s emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and rapid rehabilitation in the workplace. These measures are essential to tackling economic inactivity and improving the health and resilience of the UK workforce.
“We welcome the partnership approach recommended in the report. By working together, employers and Government can deliver meaningful change improving the health of the UK workforce and helping more people stay well and at work.
“Group private medical insurance and group income protection play a critical role in this effort.
“The report highlights the importance of active case management, return to work plans and rehabilitation services in helping employees return to work when there is an ill-health absence.
“In fact, it goes further by saying there should be widespread adoption by UK employers of this approach to supporting employees.”
Axa Health CEO, Heather Smith adds: “Axa Health has long called for the Government to recognise the instrumental role employers play in supporting the health and wellbeing of their workforce. That is why I am delighted that Sir Charlie Mayfield has brought government, business and health expertise together to co-create solutions to tackle economic inactivity due to ill-health.”
She adds:”We welcome the review’s strong focus on cultural change, creating a psychologically safe environment for employees to talk about their health and wellbeing and a pragmatic approach to finding the right workforce health provision to support all kinds of businesses.”
Group Risk Development (Grid) spokesperson Katharine Moxham says: “Grid has appreciated the opportunity of working collaboratively with Sir Charlie Mayfield to demonstrate the value of the vocational rehabilitation model for employers, their employees and the state.
“The report recommends that more employers adopt a ‘Workplace Health Provision’ model which encompasses case management, early intervention and stay-in and return-to-work plans. It further suggests that, as currently, this should be funded by employers and delivered by the existing eco-system of providers, such as group income protection insurers.
“The strong acceptance by Government of the report’s recommendations constitutes clear recognition that the vocational rehabilitation and case-management services – such as those offered by GIP insurers – represent best practice. It’s encouraging that Government wants to see wider adoption of such an approach, which would benefit individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.”
