What's happened
The UK government is being urged to establish a national occupational health system funded by a levy on large employers to address rising work-related ill-health and economic inactivity, with proposals supported by Labour, unions, and think tanks. The initiative aims to improve workforce health and productivity.
What's behind the headline?
The push for a national occupational health service reflects a recognition that current support is fragmented and insufficient. By proposing a levy on the largest tenth of businesses, the plan aims to create a sustainable, private-provider-delivered system that could significantly improve workforce health. This approach aligns with broader efforts to boost employment and productivity, especially as mental health issues surge among young adults. However, the proposal risks employer backlash over increased costs, and its success depends on effective implementation and political support. The emphasis on employer contributions echoes past debates about the rigidity of the current system, such as the apprenticeship levy, which has seen declining participation. If executed well, this initiative could help reduce long-term sickness and economic inactivity, but it requires careful balancing of employer interests and government funding commitments.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Labour's Fabian Society advocates for a £2bn levy on large employers to fund a universal occupational health service, aiming to address rising long-term sickness and mental health issues. Heather Stewart highlights the political context, including government concerns over economic growth and employer backlash. The report is supported by unions like Unison, emphasizing the economic and social benefits of keeping workers healthy. Meanwhile, the debate over employer contributions echoes past struggles with the apprenticeship levy, which has seen declining uptake and calls for reform. The Guardian also notes that the government claims to be taking action through existing employment support programs, but critics argue that current measures are insufficient to tackle the scale of the health crisis.
How we got here
Record levels of long-term sickness and mental health issues are driving a worklessness crisis in the UK, with over 9 million adults inactive. Labour and think tanks advocate for a universal occupational health service to support workers and reduce economic inactivity, amid ongoing debates over employer contributions and government funding.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What is the UK proposing for a national workplace health service?
The UK government is considering establishing a national occupational health service funded by a levy on large employers. This initiative aims to improve workplace health, reduce long-term sickness, and boost economic productivity. But what exactly does this mean for workers and employers? How could it change workplace policies across the UK? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this proposal and what it could mean for the future of work and health in the UK.
More on these topics
-
Sir Andrew Charles Mayfield, known as Charlie Mayfield, is a British businessman. He was Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership from 2007 to 2020, and was also Chairman of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills until its closure in March 2017.
-
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.