Labour Party Conference:
Workplace sickness prevention critical to a healthier nation and stronger economy
Paul Schreier's response
Published 1 October 2025
Paul Schreier, CEO of Simplyhealth, said: “We welcome today’s announcement on expanding digital services for the NHS. Digitalising health support, where possible, is pivotal to improving access and meeting needs. Businesses like ours have been doing this for some time and we encourage the government to listen to our learnings and transformation journeys.
“The Prime Minister also spoke this afternoon of his vision for economic growth for the country. Combating long-term illness will be crucial to unlocking that growth. Our research with the CIPD shows that UK employees were off sick for nearly two working weeks on average last year, with mental ill health and musculoskeletal pain the leading causes of long-term absence.
“Tackling these issues earlier in the workplace would not only reduce pressure on health services but also strengthen the economy, with sickness absence currently costing an estimated £150 billion a year.
“This is an issue we’ve been leading the conversation on during the Labour conference; we know employers want to do more – three-quarters say they already feel a responsibility for their employees’ health – but barriers to access and prohibitive taxes on workplace health services are holding back provision, particularly for smaller businesses.
“We look forward to the publication of the imminent Keep Britain Working review recommendations to the government, having contributed closely through engagement with Sir Charlie Mayfield. It is a vital opportunity to set out in detail how employers can reduce economic inactivity linked to ill-health. By working together, government and business can put prevention at the centre of the plan for the NHS – supporting healthier lives and creating a stronger economy.”
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