The Keep Britain Working review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, has revealed significant economic impacts of long-term sickness and disability in the UK workforce:
- £150 billion lost annually through reduced productivity and increased benefits
- Mental health issues are a leading cause of long-term sickness absence
- Many employers lack clear guidance on supporting employees with health challenges
- Current financial structures often make replacing employees cheaper than supporting them
- Smaller businesses particularly struggle with the costs of providing adequate support
Proposed Solutions
- Improved employer guidance for supporting employees with long-term conditions
- Financial incentives to encourage employee retention rather than replacement
- Mandatory occupational health services for larger businesses
- Emphasis on phased return-to-work programmes
- Better integration of mental health services and awareness in the workplace
The review aims to create a more inclusive workforce by making businesses more accountable for employee health support. Final recommendations are expected later this year, with the goal of reducing economic inactivity and improving labor market productivity.