Government selects IOSH to lead SME wellbeing push

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) believes that the Managing occupational health and wellbeing course is an ideal fit as it seeks to train 5,000 line managers working in small and medium-sized businesses.

A pilot is being run from 01 January to 31 March, with Reed Learning and International Workplace coming together to deliver the training, which is being funded by the DWP.

It will help tackle the issue of more than 2.8 million people being signed off long-term sick – one of the highest rates in the G7 – while the recent Keep Britain Working Review found 800,000 more working-age adults are out of work due to sickness than in 2019.

The cost of ill-health to small businesses is stark, as replacing an employee lost to ill-health costs over £11,000, while every sickness absence day costs businesses around £120 in lost profit.

The free training will give line managers the practical skills they need to recognise early signs that someone they’re managing needs help, so they can have supportive conversations about health and workplace adjustments. Persistent fatigue, behaviour changes and increased absence will be some of the signs managers will be trained to spot and step in early to support people, so they have better ways forward to continue in work.

Ruth added: “IOSH is delighted that our Managing occupational health and wellbeing course has been chosen by the Department for Work and Pensions for this programme. Along with International Workplace and Reed Learning, it shows a shared commitment to building a healthier, more resilient workforce, where good jobs and good health go hand in hand. Together, we can make work a positive force for life.”

The IOSH course equips managers and supervisors in any sector with practical tools to support employee health and wellbeing. Topics include managing health risks, promoting fitness for work, and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Flexible delivery options – including e-learning, virtual classroom, and face-to-face training – will ensure accessibility for SMEs across England.

Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Employment, said: “Too often, small businesses lose skilled staff to health issues without the tools to support them – and that doesn’t help anyone. This free training changes that. It gives line managers the confidence to have the right conversations and make the adjustments that could help keep people in work.

“When small businesses support their staff to stay at work healthy, everyone wins - employees, businesses, and our economy.”