A major review on workplace health has issued a stark warning: Britain is facing a crisis that could be avoided. The report, authored by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield, highlights the enormous cost of ill health among workers, not just to employers but to the entire economy.
Mayfield's findings paint a concerning picture. Poor workplace health costs UK employers a staggering £85 million annually, and the inability of Britons to work due to illness is costing the country around 7% of its GDP. This crisis is not just financial; it's a quiet but urgent issue that has ill health as one of the primary drivers of economic inactivity in the UK.
The review delves into the culture of fear surrounding ill health at work, the lack of effective support systems for both employers and employees, and the structural challenges faced by disabled people. Mayfield proposes a radical shift in approach, suggesting that responsibility for health at work should be shared between employers, employees, and health services, rather than solely resting on the worker and the NHS.
While employers are urged to take a more supportive role, Mayfield emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. He warns that disengaging from work and potential support can lead to detachment and dependency. One of the key issues identified is the problematic nature of 'fit notes' or sick notes, which often become a barrier to communication and further distance employers from their employees.
The review reveals that a staggering 93% of fit notes in England deem patients "not fit for work", and these notes are frequently extended without further consultation. This has led to a situation where the government argues that too many people are being written off and out of work. The numbers speak for themselves: there are 800,000 more people out of work now due to health problems than in 2019, and projections show that without action, this trend could add another 600,000 by 2030.
The review also highlights the particularly concerning rise in economically inactive 16 to 34-year-olds with mental health conditions due to long-term sickness, which has increased by 190,000 (76%) between 2019 and 2024. Barriers to work for disabled people are described as "particularly stark", with only 53% of this group currently employed.
Mayfield sums up the situation: "Britain is sliding into an avoidable crisis. Ill health has become one of the biggest brakes on growth and opportunity. But this is not inevitable." The review recommends the adoption of a workplace health provision, offering support and advice across a healthy working lifecycle, potentially integrated with the NHS App, to reduce the need for fit notes.
The government has received interest from over 60 employers, including the British Beer and Pub Association, Burger King, John Lewis, and Google UK, who are keen to become vanguard employers and pioneer this new approach. This initiative will focus on addressing mental health at work, retaining older workers, and improving the participation and retention of disabled people in the workforce.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden echoed Mayfield's message, stating that "keeping people healthy and in work is the right thing to do and is essential for economic growth." He emphasized the importance of businesses as partners in building a productive workforce, where everyone benefits from talent retention and reduced workplace ill health.
This issue has sparked debates across the political spectrum. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that "Britain is not working" and accused Labour of giving up on curbing the disability benefits bill. Reform UK has also announced plans to cut unemployment benefits for those with "non-serious anxiety disorders", a move that has drawn criticism and sparked discussions about the best approach to support those with mental health conditions.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: finding a balance between supportive workplaces, personal responsibility, and effective health management is crucial to addressing this avoidable crisis and ensuring Britain's economic growth and opportunity for all.
