A new UK report urges a national occupational health service to support employees, reduce work-related illness, and ease pressure on the NHS
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that in 2023–24, 1.7 million UK workers reported diseases caused or worsened by work – a 44% increase since 2010. The proposed service, with its universal access to occupational health support, is not just a solution but a necessity. It will help employees stay well, reduce absenteeism, and ease pressure on the NHS and the wider welfare system.
Workforce crisis across the UK
A new research paper, titled Nye’s Lost Legacy, suggests that the introduction of a national occupational health service would be a significant win for workers, employers, and the country. This service has the potential to help the UK’s workforce recover to better health, reduce government spending on welfare, and boost the overall productivity and well-being of the nation.
The report continues to outline how the current Labour government inherited a crisis of people leaving the workforce and not returning to work. This has led to suppressed growth and pushed up the disability benefits bill.
Ministers see tackling inactivity as a key part of rejuvenating the economy and commissioned the Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, which will present its final findings in the autumn.
Only 45% of UK workers have access to occupational health
The report has argued that the most effective way to tackle the issue is to intervene when people are still working, by promoting health and providing support. This will also make it easier for those who have left to return.
Millions more working-age people are reporting disabling conditions, and over the same period, pension-age disability has remained essentially unchanged, indicating a problem specific to those of working age.
Further research shows that 1.7 million people reported illnesses caused or worsened by work in 2023-24. That marks a 44% increase on the equivalent number when Labour was last in Government in 2010. For work-related mental illness, the figure has almost doubled in that time, increasing by 93%.
Employers are often unsure how to meet their responsibilities, and there are inconsistencies in access to quality occupational health provision. Only 45% of UK workers have access to occupational health services through their employer.
Employers have invested £900m in occupational health provision; inconsistencies in quality mean just 27% of workers with long-term health conditions who used these services thought it helped their employer to provide support.
National occupational health service: Universal access to good quality care
The report suggests that a national occupational health service would enable workers to access high-quality support from both the public and private sectors. This service would be overseen by a new ‘occupational health authority’ sitting within the current Health and Safety Executive.
The success of the proposed service hinges on the support of key stakeholders. It would be partially funded by introducing a new health element to the proposed Growth and Skills Levy (replacing the apprenticeship levy) and paid by the most significant 10% of employers. The creation of a national system could iron out patchy provision, support small and medium-sized organisations and give better value for money. Your support is crucial in making this a reality.
The report recommends further support and incentives for employers and workers to access services, such as helping employers with high sickness rates.
Report author and Fabian Society senior researcher Sasjkia Ottosaid: “Many employers spend a lot of money trying to keep their workforce healthy. But the UK’s failing occupational health system means they do not see a return on their investment.
“Others fall short of the law because their duties towards workers are unclear and inconsistent.
“A national occupational health service would be a win for everyone involved – workers, business and the Government – ensuring everybody who needs it can access quality professional advice and support, and that workers are healthier and happier as a result.
“Nye Bevan, the architect of the NHS, was inspired by the free healthcare workers received in the mining community where he grew up. As people face new health pressures rooted in the workplace and beyond, it is time to revisit Nye’s lost legacy.
“The ongoing government review into healthy and inclusive work, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, presents a generational opportunity to get this right.”
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Prevention is always better than cure.
“Hundreds of thousands of people leave the workforce for preventable health reasons, often never to return.
“But tackling issues at an early stage so people are happier and healthier is the best way to keep them engaged in their work for longer.
“Establishing a national system to boost the economy is a no-brainer. It’s a win for workers, their employers and the UK economy as a whole.”
