Commission for Healthier Working Lives response
Published 10 March 2025
The Health Foundation published the final report from the Commission for Healthier Working Lives. The report advocates for more support for people in ill health to stay in work, which could save the government more than £1bn.
We were pleased to have attended a Health Foundation engagement roundtable to inform the commission’s final report, alongside health experts, employers, business organisations, and third sector representatives.
Commenting on the report, Paul Schreier, CEO at Simplyhealth, said: "There is an urgent need to prioritise preventing workplace sickness in the first place, which is rightly acknowledged in today’s report. Better prevention means fewer people out of work, and less time taken off sick when needed – boosting productivity and the wider economy.
“We know from our recent research nearly half (45%) of UK employees have taken time off for health reasons in the last year, with minor illnesses the most common reason, followed by muscle or joint pain and mental health. Over half (52%) say that if their employer offered a form of health cover, they wouldn’t need to take as much time off sick.
“Prioritising preventative healthcare will ensure that we help employees get the health support they need immediately, rather than waiting until people are already off sick – or their condition has worsened - to react.
“In order to make this happen, the government must create an environment where employers’ efforts are acknowledged and investment is encouraged, free from excessive tax burdens. If we get this right, working people, regardless of pre-existing conditions, can have access to affordable workplace health support that is simple to use, available 24/7, and addresses the main drivers of sickness absence including mental health, muscle and joint health, and GP access."
Further information on Simplyhealth’s research and policy recommendations can be found in their latest report: Improving access to healthcare via the workplace: recommendations for how to make it easier for businesses to reverse the workforce sickness epidemic and reduce economic inactivity here.
Find us on social media:
