A new Keep Britain Working review has been launched today (24 January) to explore how to urgently support people with long-term illnesses or disabilities back into work - and to stay in work.
The intervention comes as the government is expected to publish major health and disability benefit reforms this spring.
Former chairman of John Lewis Partnership and former chair of the British Retail Consortium, Sir Charlie Mayfield, will lead the Keep Britain Working Review to investigate the factors behind spiralling levels of inactivity, and how government and businesses can work together.
The review is the first of its kind, and following the launch of its white paper it will be one part of the government’s Plan for Change, to kickstart economic growth in partnership with businesses, drive up prosperity and raise living standards across the UK.
With over a third of working age people reporting a long-term health condition and around a quarter classed as disabled - the latter group being three times more likely to be not in work or looking for work - the scale of the challenge is stark. 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.
Sir Charlie Mayfield commented: “It’s a growing problem for us all and 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.”
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