A review to examine how businesses and the government can support people with long-term illness and disabilities to get back into work and to stay in work has launched today.
The Keep Britain Working review will be led by former John Lewis chair Charlie Mayfield and is part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Mayfield will investigate how the government and businesses can work together to tackle long-term sick leave and inactivity as part of efforts to boost living standards and grow the economy.
It follows the launch of the Get Britain Working White Paper and is part of efforts to kickstart economic growth.
More than a third of working age people have a long-term health condition and around a quarter are classed as disabled. People with disabilities are three times more likely to be out of work, the government said.
Mayfield has been tasked with identifying the scale, trends, obstacles and opportunities for companies when recruiting and retaining ill and disabled people. He will meet with businesses and health and disability organisations. The government said the review will move at pace, with a report based on the findings from his conversations to be published in spring. His recommendations to the government are expected later this year.
Mayfield, who has also held the post of chair of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, said: “Losing people from the workforce because of ill-health or disability is bad for many of the individuals, for the businesses employing them, and for the wider economy.
“It’s a growing problem for us all and it’s one that’s more likely to be resolved by business and government working together.
“I’m looking forward to engaging closely with businesses, government departments and the many organisations committed to improving our performance here.
Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall said: “Millions of people have been left without support to get into work and on at work, and completely held back from reaching their potential for far too long, and the record-high cost of long-term sickness benefits is evidence of that fact.
“That’s why I am pleased to have Sir Charlie leading this review, bringing a wealth of experience and helping us to get people into work, and most importantly keep them in work, so we can boost living standards and get our economy growing.
Business and trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds commented: “It isn’t right that too many businesses are missing out on the people they need, while those who want to work can’t because of long-term sickness.
“Solving this problem is one of the greatest challenges facing the labour market, with years of poor support blocking those with great talent from helping drive our economy forward.
“The government is on the side of working people and is unashamedly pro-business. That’s why this review will be critical in getting businesses the people they need to unlock their full potential.”
CEO of business group the CBI, Rain Newton-Smith, said: “Lower rates of employment for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities is a tragic waste of potential that holds back economic growth and impacts on wellbeing.
It denies people the opportunity to improve their personal financial security through work and prevents businesses from using their valuable skills and experience to grow the economy.
“Sir Charlie’s review is a welcome opportunity for business and government to co-design solutions that have a real impact.”
