The issue of in-work sickness has been a long-standing concern for both employers and employees. With an ageing workforce and increasing pressure to stay competitive, businesses are facing challenges in managing sickness absence and supporting workers' health ...
Dame Carol is responsible for developing a voluntary framework for businesses to address in-work sickness and promote occupational health. This framework is expected to be released this summer and will set out the minimum levels of occupational health needed to prevent sickness-related job losses.
One of the key issues highlighted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is the lack of access to occupational health services for workers. Only 28% of employers provide some form of occupational health, with large companies being more likely to do so compared to small and medium-sized enterprises. This means that a significant portion of the workforce does not have access to the necessary support to manage their health and well-being at work.
The new framework developed by the Occupational Health Taskforce aims to address this issue by providing guidance and support for businesses of all sizes. It will also focus on helping workers return to work after a period of ill health, ensuring that they are supported and able to succeed in their roles. This is a crucial step in reducing inactivity levels and waiting times for occupational health services.
With a budget of £64 million, this program aims to help 60,000 people with health conditions stay and succeed in work through integrated employment and health support. This is a significant step towards promoting a healthier and more productive workforce in the UK.
The new Occupational Health Taskforce and the WorkWell program come at a crucial time, as the country continues to battle the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic highlighted the importance of supporting workers' health and well-being, as well as the need for businesses to have effective measures in place to manage sickness absence.
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees, and this includes addressing in-work sickness. By implementing the recommendations of the new framework and utilising the support provided by the WorkWell program, businesses can create a healthier and more supportive work environment for their employees.
They should be proactive in implementing the necessary measures to support their workers' health and well-being. By doing so, they can not only reduce absenteeism and improve productivity, but also create a more positive and inclusive workplace culture.
A healthy workforce is always a more productive one.
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