A recent report by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) has found that almost half of the UK workforce, more than 10 million people, lack access to important workplace health services such as basic health checks, vaccinations, and smoking or weight loss support. The report, based on data from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS), highlights the need for a national health and work standard to ensure all employees have access to a minimum level of support.
According to the RSPH, the current lack of workplace health support could further exacerbate existing health inequalities, with lower paid industries like hospitality and agriculture being even less likely to provide these services to employees. The report calls for the government to take action to encourage better welfare and health practices in the workplace, which could ultimately help reduce the economic cost of ill health estimated at around £100bn a year.
William Roberts, CEO of the RSPH, emphasized the importance of using workplaces to build health, keep people well, and prevent them from being signed off sick. He stressed the need for policymakers to implement the report’s recommendations in order to make a real impact on the nation’s health and well-being.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been asked for comment on this issue. Overall, the report highlights the urgent need for improved access to workplace health support to ensure the well-being of all UK workers.
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