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The Government is working Britain’s biggest employers - including Google , Sainsbury’s, BP and British Airways - in a major new push to keep people healthy, in work, and off benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) has unveiled a three-year partnership with businesses and local leaders under its new ‘Keep Britain Working’ scheme. It is designed to tackle the rising tide of ill-health that has forced hundreds of thousands out of the workforce since the pandemic. The move follows a stark review by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield, who warned that Britain is “sliding into an avoidable crisis” as record numbers of working-age adults drop out of employment for health reasons. According to the report: 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 said the partnership will see major companies and local authorities take part in ‘Vanguards’ – pilot programmes testing new ways to reduce sickness absence and support disabled employees. Among the employers signed up are Aviva, Google , BT, Currys, Tesco , Nando’s, Holland & Barrett, Jaguar Land Rover, PwC, and PureGym, alongside the Greater Manchester, West Midlands and Liverpool City Region combined authorities. 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, co-chaired by Sir Charlie and ministers, will bring together employers, health experts and workers’ representatives to identify the most effective strategies - from early intervention to faster returns to work. The government hopes the plan will boost productivity, ease pressure on the NHS and reduce the ballooning 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.” The plan builds on the government’s £1 billion-a-year investment in disability employment support and forms part of its broader Plan for Change, which includes modernising Jobcentres and delivering a ‘Youth Guarantee’ so that every young person is earning or learning. Business backs the move with John Foster of the CBI 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.”
