Workplace review “demands major surgery, not sticking plaster”

That’s the view of IOSH following publication of the review, independently led by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield.

Currently, 2.8 million working-age adults are out of work due to ill-health which, the report claims, costs businesses an eye-watering £85 billion a year. It also puts both the NHS and the benefits system under intense pressure and hurts the economy. Against this backdrop, the UK economy and workforce demand there is a radical rethink of work and health.

IOSH supports the breakthrough thinking demonstrated by the Mayfield review and its emphasis on ‘good work’, with the recognition that systematic change is needed to keep people in work. This will support people’s wellbeing, boost business productivity and help secure the future health of the UK economy. IOSH welcomes a number of the key recommendations from the review, such as:

• its call for companies to do more on prevention and to intervene in the early stages to support workers, particularly those with mental health conditions
• taking person-centred approaches and recognising the need to invest in employees
• inviting Government to work with employers to adopt greater workplace health provision, described by the review as a non-clinical case management service supporting employees and line managers
• using this new, collaborative approach to offer targeted support and advice and earlier intervention, integrating this with the NHS App to reduce the need for the current “problematic” fit note
• recognising the important role of the workplace and encouraging employers to be far more active in taking ill-health and injury prevention measures, thereby relieving pressure on the NHS.

“By taking a more people-focused approach, leading with prevention and earlier and better interventions, this clear-sighted review has identified the vital role and interconnectedness of work and health and the importance of adequately resourced and accessible occupational health and safety systems,” said Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

“At IOSH, we advocate for the prevention of harm at work – rather than just dealing with the after-effects – and protecting and inspiring people through better working conditions and improved health and safety standards."

Ruth added: “They have shone a light on how a properly-funded, well-supported and fully trusted, extensive occupational health and safety system can help support all businesses – large, medium and small – and our economy to reach a more productive and prosperous place for all.”  

“IOSH particularly welcomes the review’s emphasis on prevention, person-centred approaches and getting workplace support to young people with poor mental health. 

“But the review must have the political backing and financial investment necessary to take on the huge scale and critical nature of the problem. This challenge requires major surgery, not just sticking plasters.

“If the Government is to meet its 80 percent employment rate target, much more needs to be done. The provision of robust occupational health and safety management – with assistance from occupational safety and health and occupational health professionals - is the way to go.

“We are committed to supporting the Government, employers, workers and other partners to make things happen for a healthier, safer workforce and a stronger economy.”

IOSH recently published a report, with input from 18 organisations, called Fixing Sick Britain: getting people back to work through good occupational health and safety. The report, was debated at a fringe event at this year’s Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, titled Healthy workers, stronger economy: Labour’s occupational health opportunity, when Sir Charlie Mayfield joined a panel of speakers.