More than sixty major employers across the UK are joining forces with the government to tackle the rising tide of ill-health that is pushing people out of work and holding back economic growth.
The initiative responds to Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, and aims to prevent ill-health, support people to stay in work, and help employers build healthier, more resilient workplaces.
Sir Charlie Mayfield commented:
“Britain is sliding into an avoidable crisis. Ill-health has become one of the biggest brakes on growth and opportunity. But this is not inevitable.
“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.
“That’s why the action the government is taking forward from my Review is so important. I’m looking forward to working with them and with employers, large and small, to keep people in work, unlock potential and build a healthier, more prosperous Britain.”
The government will partner with employers to launch Vanguards – early adopters who will develop and refine workplace health strategies over the next three years. These Vanguards will help build the evidence base for what works, shaping future policy and workplace standards.
Employers will commit to the Healthy Working Lifecycle, which focuses on reducing sickness absence, improving return-to-work rates, and increasing disability employment.
The government aims to develop this into a voluntary certified standard by 2029.
This initiative builds on the government’s commitment to invest £1 billion annually in disability employment support by the end of the decade, helping people move from poverty into secure, well-paid jobs.
A new Vanguard Taskforce, co-led by Sir Charlie Mayfield and government ministers, will bring together employers, disabled people, health experts, and workers’ representatives to guide the programme and inform wider reform.
The reforms are part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which includes modernising jobcentres, delivering a Youth Guarantee, and embedding workplace health as a cross-government priority.
By helping people stay healthy and in work, the initiative will:
- Boost productivity and economic growth
- Create more secure, better-paid jobs
- Reduce pressure on the NHS
- Lower welfare costs
This complements the Pathways to Work employment support package, which shifts focus from welfare to skills, opportunity, and work – unlocking the benefits of employment for sick and disabled people.
In response to the publication of the report, NHS Confederation Chief Executive Matthew Taylor said:
“We welcome this groundbreaking review into the number of people out of work due to health reasons and the significant cost of ill-health to the UK economy. As the report sets out, better workplace health support is beneficial for individuals, the NHS and the wider economy. By working together across sectors, we can stem the flow into economic inactivity and unlock the potential of a healthier, more prosperous population.
“The recommendations offer a clear path toward fulfilling the government’s Ten-Year Health Plan commitment to set outcome targets for reducing economic inactivity across every Integrated Care Board. Health leaders know that employers have a vital role to play in delivering the shift from treatment to prevention – by creating healthier workplaces and supporting staff to stay well and in work.
“The review also builds on excellent work already happening across the system. Health leaders are working closely with employers and other key partners to develop a comprehensive, whole-system approach to help people return to, and remain in, work. Initiatives such as the Health and Growth Accelerators and WorkWell are demonstrating the power of collaboration as they integrate health support with employment services.”
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