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A new report warns the UK is facing an 'economic inactivity crisis' due to 800,000 more people being out of work since 2019 because of health conditions, costing employers £85bn annually. The review by Sir Charlie Mayfield indicates that without intervention, an additional 600,000 people could leave work due to health reasons by 2030, with a notable increase in young adults experiencing mental health-related long-term sickness. Sir Charlie proposes a new approach where responsibility for health at work is shared between employers, employees, and health services, rather than solely resting on the worker and the NHS. The review recommends adopting a workplace health provision service, potentially integrated with the NHS App, to offer early intervention and support, which could reduce or replace the need for current fit notes. The government is supporting the initiative, with over 60 employers expressing interest in pioneering the new approach, which Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden states is essential for economic growth.
