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Some of Britain's biggest employers have committed to addressing what has been described as a 'health crisis' impacting workers with health conditions and disabilities. The Keep Britain Working review by Sir Charlie Mayfield, also referred to as the Mayfield review, highlighted several key challenges facing affected individuals both in and out of employment. The review found that one in five working-age adults is excluded from the labour market due to health reasons, representing an increase of 800,000 since 2019. Furthermore, the review predicts that a further 600,000 will be added by 2030, without 'decisive action'. It also notes that employment in the UK stands at 53% for disabled people, which lags behind other leading OECD countries. This follows the government's announcement that it is investing £1 billion annually into disability employment support by the end of the decade. This forms part of the Plan for Change initiative, with the primary objective of providing people with skills and opportunities so they can get jobs, reports the Mirror. Potential workplace changes The review suggests that one possible solution to challenges encountered by employees and workers with a disability or health condition involves systemic change, including the inclusion of disabled people. It emphasises: "At times we will talk about healthy workplaces. In doing so we are considering this in the broadest sense where employers are supporting the health of their workforce, but also acting to promote the inclusion of disabled people, creating safe, supportive, and inclusive working environments where everyone feels supported and able to thrive." Consequently, the review recommends three major changes be implemented, centred around what it calls a 'Healthy Working Lifecycle'. This lifecycle framework reflects the stages a person's health experience goes through while in employment. The changes recommended include: Establish a Healthy Working Lifecycle - The key aim of this is to reduce sickness absence and improve return to work rates and better participation of disabled people Develop better Workplace Health Provisions - Employers are encouraged to work with existing providers and practitioners to deliver the Healthy Working Lifecycle, ensuring provisions are affordable and effective Drive adoption with evidence and incentives - A Workplace Health Intelligence Unit (WHIU) is recommended to be set up in order to help guide the improvement of the new system through data, to provide targeted incentives However, the review also notes: "Transformation cannot happen overnight. It requires new systems, new capabilities, and new attitudes, developed through partnership working between employers, providers, trade unions, and government." Complete list of employers involved in the new scheme The government says over 60 major and smaller firms will collaborate with officials to tackle what it describes as a 'rising tide of ill-health that is pushing people out of work and holding back growth'. Following the review, ministers announced they will join forces with employers to transform how health and disability matters are handled in workplaces. This will commence through 'employer-led Vanguards'. These Vanguards feature several prominent employers, including Google, Sainsbury's, and British Airways, who will become early adopters of the fresh recommended strategies over a three-year timeframe. The government has stated that its primary objective is to establish a voluntary certified standard for a healthy working lifecycle by 2029. Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, commented: "The workplace health crisis is damaging for individuals, employers and the economy." She added: "So, this report is a hugely important contribution to tackling the issue and helping businesses access and retain a skilled workforce. The BCC's evidence to the review was clear – employers want to be part of the solution but need support to play their part." Gratton continued: "The report backs several long-standing BCC recommendations including exploring a Statutory Sick Pay rebate for SMEs and pooled access for employee health support in the workplace. But at a time of surging business costs, support and incentives are crucial to ensuring businesses of all sizes can get involved." She concluded: "Alongside more access to workplace support, fixing the broken fit note system will be crucial to breaking down barriers and raising awareness of solutions. It's now imperative that the Government works at pace to put the Mayfield Review recommendations into action. The UK's economic future depends on the health and vitality of its workforce." Sir Charlie Mayfield, author of the Keep Britain Working Review, warned: "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. "That's why the action the government is taking forward from my Review is so important. I'm looking forward to working with them and with employers, large and small, to keep people in work, unlock potential and build a healthier, more prosperous Britain." Among the employers that have shown interest in becoming a Vanguard employer are: 3-1-5 Health Club A&M EDM Adam Reed Hair ABI (Association of British Insurers) Aviva AXA Health BP British Airways British Beer and Pub Association BT Group Bupa UK Burger King UK Canary Wharf Group Capita CBI Centrica Change Grow Live Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Cosy Direct Currys Department for Business and Trade Department of Health and Social Care Department for Work and Pensions Disability Action Northern Ireland EDF Energy Enginuity EY UK Ford UK Google UK Limited Greater London Authority Greater Manchester NHS Integrated Care Board Health Partners Group Holland & Barrett JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) John Lewis Partnership Latus Health LSN Diffusion Marks & Spencer Maximus UK Motionspot Ltd Nando’s National Hair & Beauty Federation NHS Business Services Authority Barts Health NHS Trust Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Nuffield Health PepsiCo UK Phoenix Group Places for People PureGym PwC UK Rail Wellbeing Alliance RE:NEW Beauty Retail Trust Rio Tinto Road Haulage Association J Sainsburys Plc SIC Official Siemens UK Simplyhealth SLT Leisure Sopra Steria UK Spire Healthcare Square Health Tesco The Gym Group Transport for London UKHospitality Unum UK Vitality UK Waltham Forest College Wellhub Zurich UK Regional Mayors and Councils Cornwall Council East Midlands Combined Authority Greater Manchester Combined Authority South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Liverpool City Region Combined Authority North East Mayoral Combined Authority West Midlands Combined Authority The full and final report of the Keep Britain Working Review can be found online.
