Employers set to bring in 'crisis' changes for disabled workers

The Keep Britain Working review from Sir Charlie Mayfield, otherwise dubbed the Mayfield review, highlighted some key issues facing people both in and out of the workforce

Some of Britain’s largest employers have agreed to help tackle what has been called a ‘health crisis’ affecting workers with health conditions and disabilities. The Keep Britain Working review from Sir Charlie Mayfield, also known as the Mayfield review, identified several crucial challenges confronting affected people both within and outside the workforce.

The review observed that one in five working-age adults is absent from the labour force due to health reasons, with a rise of 800,000 since 2019. Moreover, the review forecasts that an additional 600,000 will be added by 2030, without ‘decisive action’. It also observes that employment in the UK stands at 53% for disabled people, which falls short of other leading OECD countries.

It comes after the government said it is investing £1 billion annually into disability employment support by the end of the decade. This is with the key aim of giving people skills and opportunities os they can secure jobs as part of the Plan for Change initiative.

Potential changes to the workplace

The review states that one potential solution to difficulties faced by employees and workers with a disability or health condition is a systemic change, including the inclusion of disabled people. It highlights: “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.”

As a result, 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.”

Full list of employers involved in the new scheme

The government says over 60 major and smaller firms will collaborate with officials to address 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 begin through ’employer-led Vanguards’. These Vanguards feature several big-name 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 said the 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, said: “The workplace health crisis is damaging for individuals, employers and the economy.

“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.

“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.

“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, 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.

“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.”

The employers which have currently been confirmed to show interest in becoming a Vanguard employer includes: 3-1-5 Health Club.

The employers which have currently been confirmed to show interest in becoming a Vanguard employer includes: