Employers face £85bn in costs linked to ill-health ‘crisis’

Employers Face £85bn in Costs Linked to Ill-Health Crisis

A report by Keep Britain Working warns that unless there is a "fundamental shift" in how businesses address ill health, an additional 600,000 people could leave the workforce due to sickness by 2030.

Key Findings from the Keep Britain Working Review

Led by former John Lewis chief Sir Charlie Mayfield, the review criticized the current approach where individuals and the NHS bear the brunt of dealing with rising workplace ill health. It argues that tackling sickness must become a collective responsibility involving employers, employees, and health services.

"Without a ‘fundamental shift’ from businesses, 600,000 more people could leave the workforce owing to sickness by 2030."

Businesses in the UK currently face an estimated £85 billion annually in costs related to illness, highlighting the significant economic impact of workplace health issues.

Report Recommendations

Adopt shared responsibility for ill health among employers, employees, and health services.
Implement proactive health strategies within workplaces.
Revise workplace health policies to reduce sickness-related workforce loss.

Author's Summary

The Keep Britain Working report stresses urgent employer-led changes to prevent a looming workforce crisis and reduce the £85bn cost of ill health to UK businesses.

People Management — 2025-11-05