New Occupational Health Taskforce to address rising level of in-work sickness

A new Occupational Health Taskforce has been announced to improve employer awareness of the benefits of occupation health in the workplace.

The Taskforce will be chaired by experienced health policy advisor, Dame Carol Black, and produce a voluntary occupational health framework for businesses, which will include setting out minimum levels of occupational health needed to stop sickness-related job losses, and help businesses better support those returning to work after a period of ill-health.

Currently just 28% of employers, chiefly larger businesses, provide some form of occupational health, covering 45% of workers, despite an estimated 1.8 million workers reporting work-related ill health in 2022/23.

The Taskforce is part of the government’s drive to tackle in-work sicknesses and growing economic inactivity to help grow the economy and improve productivity.

Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill MP, said:

“Millions of working days are lost each year through sickness. We are helping businesses tackle this challenge head on so we can help boost productivity and grow our economy.

“The work of Dame Carol and her expert Taskforce will be crucial as we drive down absenteeism, which we know is holding back British businesses and really focus on making occupational health support available to all.“

Dame Carol Black, Tsar of the Occupational Health Taskforce, said:

“It is a privilege to Chair the new Taskforce which will review occupational health services available to employees across businesses of all shapes and sizes and then create a framework to support better employee health and wellbeing. We will encourage employers to embrace practices that prevent or reduce ill-health related job loss.

“We know the impact high sickness absence and presenteeism has on businesses and their productivity, which is why I am so pleased to work with other members of the Taskforce to ensure occupational health support is in place for employees and employers alike.“

Minister for Health and Social Care, Helen Whately MP, added:

“A healthy economy is only possible with a healthy workforce.

“We want more people to be able to benefit from good occupational health, especially employees in small businesses, because we know it works.

“This Taskforce will set us on the path towards a healthier workforce, in turn boosting productivity and economic growth.“