Employers will be encouraged to take “early and supportive action” for employees with health conditions so that more people remain in work, under proposals put forward in a new consultation.
News
‘Health is everyone’s business’ consultation goes out to firms
By
on 03 September 2019
The July consultation, Health is everyone’s business: proposals to reduce ill health-related job loss, says: “Many people who are in work may also be managing one or more long-term health conditions. Some people leave work for health-related reasons; yet evidence shows that the right support from their employer could help them to stay in work.”
Proposals in the 75-page-document for employers and employees to respond include:
- A new right to request workplace modifications on health grounds for those not covered by disability legislation
- Higher fines on employers who fail to pay Statutory Sick Pay (up from the current maximum fine of £3,000)
- Changing regulations to allow for a flexible return to work for people who have been off sick or injured, working the hours and days to benefit them
- Increasing the numbers of doctors and nurses working in occupational health (OH) and counting them to judge capacity and future needs
- Subsidies or vouchers for SMEs to reduce the cost of purchase of OH
- New Working-Age Health Research and Development Network to publish guidance on evidence, key developments and emerging themes in occupational health
The Working Well Coalition, a group of businesses, MPs and health and wellbeing professionals, supported the call to improve workplace health. Writing on 26 July in an open letter to The Times, they said: “Modern society and the world of work is changing rapidly, bringing new challenges for our physical and mental health. After coughs and colds, musculoskeletal and mental health conditions are the two main causes of workplace absence in the UK, with more than 40 million days lost each year.
“We need to draw advice together on both physical and mental health for large and small employers. Many employers want to do more but do not know where to start.”
People who have been away from work due to illness or injury could be given more support to work flexibly on their return to the office under proposals. Photograph: iStock/sturti
NEWS
‘AI presents opportunities, but not without risks’ is the key takeaway from British Safety Council’s 15th Annual Conference
By Matthew Winn, British Safety Council on 14 October 2025
We know that AI is already reshaping workplaces, offering new ways to protect employees and presenting new risks driven by the rapid development and adoption of new technologies. That’s why workplace health, safety and wellbeing in an AI-enabled world was the focus of British Safety Council’s 15th Annual Conference, held virtually on 14 October 2025.
Safety leader and research group launches mental health in construction consultation
By Belinda Liversedge on 03 October 2025
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is inviting views on the root causes it has identified lead to poor mental health in construction and how the industry can help eliminate or reduce them.
Protecting workers from asbestos harm, a crucial conversation at Labour Party Conference
By Matthew Winn, British Safety Council on 29 September 2025
British Safety Council was pleased to join campaign group, Asbestos Information CIC, at their ‘A National Asbestos Strategy’ fringe event at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool.