Economic inactivity is at a 20-year high. Ill-health accounts for nearly a third of it. But the government can support firms to reverse this trend.
We do a lot of work around health at the CBI. Since the pandemic, so many businesses have stepped up and focused on the health and wellbeing of their employees – and they’re desperate to learn and share best practice. But offering this support doesn’t just benefit business.
The NHS is under significant strain, waiting lists are too long, yet greater employer interventions could reduce the disease burden of those aged 20-64 by up to 20%. This could in turn add upwards of £60bn to an economy desperate for growth.
Three conditions have an overwhelming impact on workplace health: musculoskeletal conditions, mental health and ergonomics. Collectively they’re responsible for more than half of all the lost economic potential due to poor health in Europe.
But the government’s health policy doesn’t fully reflect this or incentivise the much-needed investments employers will increasingly be expected to take proactively.
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