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The Government is collaborating with Britain's largest employers - including Google, Sainsbury's, BP and British Airways - in a significant new initiative to maintain people's health, keep them in employment, and reduce benefit dependency. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a three-year collaboration with businesses and local leaders through its fresh 'Keep Britain Working' programme. The scheme aims to address the growing wave of ill-health that has pushed hundreds of thousands from the workforce since the pandemic. This development comes after a sobering assessment by former John Lewis chief Sir Charlie Mayfield, who cautioned that Britain is "sliding into an avoidable crisis" as unprecedented numbers of working-age adults exit employment due to health concerns. The report reveals: What the DWP's plan aims to do: Sir Charlie Mayfield, who is co-leading the initiative, said: “Britain is sliding into an avoidable crisis. Ill-health has become one of the biggest brakes on growth and opportunity. But this is not inevitable. "Employers are uniquely placed to make a difference, preventing health issues where possible, supporting people when they arise, and helping them return to work. If we keep Britain working, everyone wins – people, employers, and the state.” The DWP announced that the partnership will involve major firms and local authorities participating in 'Vanguards' – pilot schemes designed to reduce sickness absence and assist disabled employees. Among the companies involved are Aviva, Google, BT, Currys, Tesco , Nando's, Holland & Barrett, Jaguar Land Rover, PwC, and PureGym, along with the combined authorities of Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Liverpool City Region. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "Keeping people healthy and in work is the right thing to do and is essential for economic growth. Business is our partner in building a productive workforce - because when firms retain talent and reduce workplace ill-health, everyone wins." The Vanguard Taskforce, jointly chaired by Sir Charlie and ministers, will unite employers, health experts and workers' representatives to pinpoint the most effective strategies - from early intervention to quicker returns to work. The government is optimistic that the plan will enhance productivity, alleviate strain on the NHS , and curb the escalating welfare bill. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Many more people could remain in work if they receive the right support - and that's exactly what today's action is about. When people are treated with dignity and care, businesses flourish." This strategy builds upon the government's annual £1 billion investment in disability employment support and is a component of its wider Plan for Change, which includes modernising Jobcentres and implementing a 'Youth Guarantee' to ensure every young person is either earning or learning. John Foster of the CBI supports the initiative, saying: "Businesses recognise the urgent need to deliver a positive step-change in how government and firms work together to support people experiencing health-related barriers to work. With the cost of employing people already a barrier to creating jobs, it's right that the focus is on how to help firms make the most of their investment in health and wellbeing."
