Commenting on the publication of the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper, Peter McGettrick, Chairman of British Safety Council, said:
“Even before the pandemic, numbers of people out of work with long-term health conditions was on the rise, and the trend has only continued, so it is good to see this concerted attempt by the Government to support people into work and help them to remain there. Whether or not it can deliver on its promises remains to be seen, but we need a fresh approach to this serious issue. Worsening health outcomes and rising levels of economic inactivity contribute to low productivity in the UK, making it harder to deliver growth.
“We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on the link between work and health, as well as an independent review of how employers can be supported to employ people with disabilities and health conditions, and to help them to stay in work. Listening to individuals’ views and needs will be vital here, as well as to employers. Given that the health of the workforce and the nation are so inextricably linked, we would like the Government to go further and create a National Wellbeing Strategy, led by a Minister for Wellbeing, so we can put people’s wellbeing at the heart of all Government policy, especially economic growth.”
For more information on the Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biggest-employment-reforms-in-a-generation-unveiled-to-get-britain-working-again