Report Calls for Increased Support for People with Health Conditions to Stay in Work
A new report warns that cutting benefits for people in ill health could cost the UK government over £1bn in the long run. The Commission for Healthier Working Lives, a cross-sector panel of experts, argues that providing more support to help the 8 million Britons with work-limiting health conditions stay in employment could lead to significant savings, while also boosting economic growth and reducing reliance on benefits.
The report highlights the growing number of work-related ill health cases, which has resulted in 34 million lost workdays annually, costing the UK economy over £400 million a week. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) emphasized the importance of improving employment rights and work conditions to create a healthier, more robust workforce.
According to the Commission, a more proactive approach to supporting workers with health conditions—such as offering a “back to work offer” and introducing a vocational rehabilitation benefit—could help at least 100,000 people stay employed within five years. This would result in an estimated £1.1 billion in savings over five years.
The current support system is criticized for being fragmented and reactive, only helping individuals after they leave the workforce. The Commission recommends reforms such as extending sick pay, creating caseworker-led services for employers, and offering guaranteed benefits for job seekers for up to 18 months.
With the UK facing an increasing number of long-term sick workers, the Commission urges the government to shift its focus towards keeping individuals in work, thus reducing the long-term welfare bill and fostering a healthier, more sustainable workforce.
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