Inclusion | Why the pressure's on to evidence disability support

By Simon Thomas, Director – UK Employee Benefits, Generali

It is becoming increasingly likely that employers will come under greater pressure from Government to not only address employee wellbeing – particularly with regards to disability support - but evidence it.

With a soaring disability benefits bill the drive is on to get more disabled people into work. Starting with its £4.2 million Challenge Fund, albeit a drop in the ocean, the focus of the fund is on encouraging employer initiatives to keep those with mental health and musculoskeletal conditions in work. Undoubtedly the mandatory feedback from the successful applicants will shape future Government thinking.

Perhaps more pressing though is the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s new report. It recommends that by April 2020 the Government requires employers (with 250 or more employees) to monitor and report on the recruitment, retention and progression of disabled and ethnic minority staff. Support in the areas of mental health and musculoskeletal health could be significant.