Workers in the construction sector are claiming more employer-provided health benefits as they struggle to access basic public health care.
Health cash plan claims rose 6 percent last year, while therapy costs surged by almost 20 percent, according to data from provider Westfield Health.
The figures highlight that construction employees are increasingly relying on employer-backed health plans to access treatment as NHS waiting times and appointment shortages worsen.
Nearly two thirds (62 percent) of manual workers say it has become harder to get health appointments. On top of this, one in three say they have no workplace wellbeing support.
The rise in claims comes amid an industry-wide labour shortage, with the Construction Skills Network forecasting that the sector will need an additional 250,000 workers by 2028. The risk for employers in the sector is that untreated employee health issues could drive more experienced workers out of the industry, compounding existing recruitment and retention challenges.
Therapies, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic and acupuncture, now account for around three in ten claims. This represents a rise of 10 percent year on year, with the value of claims up by almost 20 percent.
In terms of other health benefits, dental claims rose 3 percent in volume and 8 percent in value, while optical claims increased 2 percent volume and 7 percent in value. Together, dental and optical claims made up 59 percent of total claim volume and 62 percent of overall value, underlining the importance of everyday healthcare access for workers in physically demanding roles.
The Health and Safety Executive reports that more than half (52 percent) of all work-related ill-health days in construction are caused by musculoskeletal conditions, while the Chartered Institute of Building’s 2025 report emphasised ongoing problems with stress, anxiety and depression. Both issues are largely preventable through early intervention, yet they continue to drive significant levels of absence.
Mark Hamson, managing director of insurance at Westfield Health, said: “Construction firms have a duty of care to protect their people, but there is also a business reality. When workers cannot access timely support, productivity drops, absenteeism rises and retention suffers.
“Our data shows strong demand for everyday preventative services that reflect the pressures construction workers face. Investing in workforce health is essential if the industry wants to keep hold of its skilled people.”
The provider said its findings highlight the growing need for employers to prioritise preventative healthcare, such as physiotherapy, mental health services, and accessible dental and optical care, to support workforce health and wellbeing.
