Keep Britain Working | New workplace health system aims to stop 300,000 people leaving work each year

Government-backed plans for Britain’s first Workplace Health System will bring together employers, public services and health providers in an attempt to prevent people with health conditions and disabilities from falling out of work.

Around 300,000 people with a health condition leave employment each year, according to the latest update from the Keep Britain Working programme. Since 2019, the number of working-age people economically inactive because of ill health has risen by 800,000, at an estimated annual cost of £212billion.

The proposed system will focus on earlier intervention, more inclusive workplaces and better support for employees returning after sickness absence. However, commentators have warned that employers must act before workers reach the point of taking leave, rather than relying principally on return-to-work measures.

Regional trials to test workplace support

The plans are being developed through 11 regional “Vanguards”, including nine mayoral strategic authorities, Cornwall Council and Worcestershire County Council. More than 200 organisations are involved in testing approaches with employers, trade unions and disabled people across the UK.