Businesses Face £6bn Annual Bill to Tackle UK Worklessness, Report Finds
London, UK – A new report estimates that British businesses will need to invest approximately £6 billion annually to proactively address employee health and reduce worklessness, according to findings released today.the review, led by Alan mayfield, suggests employers take a leading role in improving occupational health provisions, possibly costing between £5-£15 per employee each month.
The suggestion comes at a sensitive time, as business groups have voiced concerns over recent Labor policies, including a £25bn increase in employer National Insurance Contributions (nics) last year, which thay claim are hindering hiring.
Despite acknowledging the challenging economic environment, Mayfield argued that investing in employee health is a “win-win” for both companies and the broader economy. “Employers must be in the lead. Some may resist that message amid tight margins and slow growth. But many already recognize they are carrying the cost of ill-health every day,” he stated.
The report proposes a future where employer-provided workplace health schemes are government-certified, integrated with the NHS app, and potentially replace the need for traditional fit notes from doctors.
MayfieldS review also recommends government incentives, such as tax cuts and rebates for sick pay, to encourage businesses to invest in workplace health initiatives. the findings aim to address the growing issue of economic inactivity and bolster the UK workforce.
