A cross-party commission has warned that drastic action is required to address the growing number of people signed off from work with a long-term illness.<\/p>\n
Addressing media at the launch of its final report yesterday (18 September), the commission warned that as many as 4.3 million people could be missing from the workforce by the end of this parliament in 2029, a 53% increase on current figures.<\/p>\n
Setting out a vision of a \u2018health creation\u2019 system in government that would add 10 years to healthy life expectancy, the commission recommended a raft of policy changes, including taxing tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy foods to subsidise high-quality food, increase investment in public amenities like swimming pools and parks, and the creation of local health centres.<\/p>\n
The commission likewise backed the creation of a UK-wide ‘fair work agreement’, in the model of Scotland\u2019s voluntary Fair Work Convention, in which government, business and unions work together to improve working standards.<\/p>\n
Key among the proposals to support people back into work was a \u2018right to try\u2019 for people on health or disability benefits. The commission recommended that people in receipt of benefits be given the opportunity to try to return to work, without the fear of sanction or support being withdrawn.<\/p>\n
The report noted that there was an \u201cunder-supply of appropriate work\u201d for people with long-term conditions: people who have been off sick for a long time may need to experiment to understand their capabilities, and what their needs will be in the workplace.<\/p>\n
\u201cIncreased employer flexibility and improved managerial competency will be critical to reducing the disability employment gap,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
Specifically mentioning criteria such as sick pay at 80% of earnings, default flexible working allowances and self-rostering, as well as payment of the real living wage, the commission emphasised employers\u2019 responsibility to the nation\u2019s wellbeing, and thus its productivity, too.<\/p>\n
Chris Thomas, head of the commission and principle research fellow at the IPPR, told HR magazine: “Employers have huge amounts to gain from better health: fewer vacancies, easier recruitment, more productivity and better profits.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut they also have a role to play. Our employers have huge influence on our health. Sometimes, for those of us in good jobs, our work makes us healthier. But too often in Britain today, bad jobs harm our physical and mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat’s why we think a new set of healthy work standards, supported by both incentive and regulation, is common sense.”<\/p>\n
James Bethell, former health minister and commissioner, added: \u201cIt’s time to think differently. There is no more exciting vision for the future of Britain than in the reform agenda put forward by this report.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s time for a new health policy where we all play our part: businesses, employers, investors, individuals, communities and families alike.”<\/p>\n
Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO of UK EAP and wellbeing provider Health Assured, told HR magazine that the company backed the IPPR commission\u2019s proposals, highlighting in particular employers\u2019 role in preventing damage to their employees\u2019 mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cA healthy population is good for business and preventing long-term sickness is key to individual wellbeing, organisational growth, and the economic wellbeing of the country,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMental illness accounts for 50% of all sick leave cases at an estimated cost to UK businesses of around \u00a356 billion a year. At the individual level, 88% of UK employees have experienced burnout in their careers. This creates a work culture that perpetuates absenteeism, affects productivity, and leads to an economy where 17.1 million working days are lost anxiety, stress, and depression.<\/p>\n
\u201cOffering free and easily accessible mental health support means organisations are likely to see an improvement in business success and growth, and a reduction in negative consequences associated with long-term sickness.\u201d<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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